Balikpapan — Household organic waste, which has long been an environmental concern, can be transformed into useful products for the community. Through the 2026 Social Innovation Program (INSOS), the Community Service Team of the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) introduced the innovation “Utilization of Organic Waste into Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) and Solid Compost Using Composting Bins in RT 66 Manggar, East Balikpapan.”

RT 66 Manggar, also known as Kampung Toraja, is a residential area in East Balikpapan where many residents work as small-scale farmers. Vegetables such as mustard greens and water spinach are among the main crops cultivated by the community, with some of the harvest marketed at Pandansari Market.

However, residents face limited access to subsidized fertilizers due to land ownership requirements. This condition contributes to higher production costs and poses a challenge to the sustainability of local agricultural activities.

Turning Waste into Fertilizer

To address this issue, the ITK community service team introduced a composting bin as a simple and practical appropriate technology. Made from easily accessible materials, the composting bin is used to process organic waste into Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) and solid compost.

As part of the program, residents not only received composting facilities but also participated in direct training and educational sessions. The activities covered household organic waste management, fermentation processes, organic fertilizer production, composting monitoring, and fertilizer harvesting techniques.

Residents were also directly involved in practical sessions using organic materials available in their surroundings. This approach was designed to improve their knowledge and skills so they can independently manage organic waste and utilize it to support agricultural activities.

A total of three composting bins were placed at strategic locations for shared community use. The enthusiasm shown by residents during the activities demonstrated strong interest in applying simple technologies that can provide direct benefits for both the environment and agriculture.

Monitoring Fertilizer Quality

Following the composting process, the team conducted weekly monitoring throughout the fermentation period. The monitoring aimed to ensure that the composting bins functioned properly while evaluating the quality of the resulting fertilizer.

The parameters observed included texture, color, odor, temperature, pH, and moisture content. The results were compared with applicable standards, namely SNI 7763:2024 for solid organic fertilizer and Minister of Agriculture Decree No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 for liquid organic fertilizer.

Changes in pH, temperature, and moisture content served as important indicators of microbial activity during the decomposition process. Monitoring results showed that the composting process proceeded well. The compost's pH value met the requirements of SNI 7763:2024, while the temperature approaching ambient conditions indicated the compost maturation process. Meanwhile, the moisture content still required further drying.

Encouraging More Independent Agriculture

The INSOS ITK program in RT 66 Manggar demonstrates that waste management and community empowerment can be implemented simultaneously. Organic waste that previously had the potential to become an environmental problem can now be transformed into a fertilizer resource that supports local agriculture.

Through the application of composting bins, residents are expected to gain not only an alternative source of fertilizer but also the knowledge and skills needed to manage organic waste sustainably. The shared composting facilities are also expected to encourage more environmentally friendly waste management practices.

Going forward, this innovation is expected to help reduce organic waste, decrease dependence on commercial fertilizers, lower agricultural production costs, and strengthen community independence and welfare through the application of appropriate technology.

ITK Community Service Team

Community Service Leader:
Afif Taufiqul Hakim, S.T., M.Sc.

Faculty Members:
Elizabeth Desfelia Ciciolini Sidabutar, S.T., M.T.
Anisa Novi Andriani, S.T., M.Eng.

Student Team:
Moreno Nadhif Fadhilah (Student Team Leader), Miftah Hadi Rahman, Muhammad Mudzaky Ramadhana, Handika Riskiano Pangestu, Eangie Livia Cleantha, Cindy Dessela Rahmatia, Yuwandari Adna Fika, Abdi Wahyudy, Alya Indriani Idris, and Vina Kharisma.

Community Service Year: 2026