Sanitation and environmental management remain major challenges faced by today’s urban communities. Land scarcity and the rapid flow of urbanization have reduced green open spaces and deteriorated environmental quality. The consequences are seen not only in the growing volume of unmanaged household waste but also in rising public health issues such as dengue fever, malaria, and leptospirosis.

Data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry shows that out of a total of 31.9 million metric tons of national waste, only 63.3% is properly managed. The remaining 11.3 million metric tons have not yet been effectively handled.

In response to this challenge, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) through the 2025 HIBAH DIKTI grant, Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA)—in collaboration with the public health organization Democare—initiated a Community Engagement Program (PkM) in Meruya Utara, West Jakarta. This activity represents a concrete implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and the spirit of DIKTISAINTEK Berdampak, promoting active participation of the academic community in improving the quality of life of local residents.

This PkM program specifically focused on the management of dry leaf waste using a leaf-shredding machine. The shredded leaves are then processed into compost fertilizer, which is not only environmentally friendly but also holds potential to increase household income.

The activity involved several UNDIRA lecturers who provided both theoretical and hands-on sessions to the local community, including: Vice Rector I of UNDIRA, Ir. Margono Sugeng, M.Sc., mr. Agung Suprayitno, ST., MBA., and mr. Luthfi Alhazami, S.E., M.M. In addition to the lecturers, two active UNDIRA students—Siaw Siau Sie and Vina—also participated in the program's implementation.

Mr. Luthfi Alhazami, head of the implementation team, stated that this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to Sustainable Cities and Communities, and supports President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision on empowering local economies.

"Through this training, we aim to help the community reduce organic waste buildup, while also educating them on composting techniques and the use of leaf shredding machines to improve local economic value," said Mr. Luthfi Alhazami, program coordinator.

A total of 10 local residents participated in the training and hands-on practice session. During the workshop, Mr. Margono Sugeng explained in detail how the leaf-shredding machine operates.

"The machine is equipped with six cutting blades and can shred leaves and branches up to 2 cm in diameter, which are then processed into organic fertilizer," explained UNDIRA Vice Rector I, Mr. Margono Sugeng, M.Sc.

From the initial trial, one shredding machine can produce up to 10 bags of natural compost, which can be sold to help boost community income. Thus, the program not only provides an effective waste management solution but also strengthens environment-based economic resilience.

Adib Bukhori, Head of Democare Meruya Utara, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with UNDIRA. He stated that the shredding machine and the knowledge shared will be fully utilized by the local residents.

“We will use this machine to its fullest to produce quality fertilizer, and the benefits will return directly to the community,” he said.

This PkM program once again reflects UNDIRA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community knowledge development. It also demonstrates that even a commodity considered insignificant—such as fallen leaves or dry waste—can be reimagined into a valuable product that contributes to impactful, sustainable solutions.

With education, appropriate technology, and cross-sector collaboration, environmental management is no longer a burden, but rather a shared opportunity to build a healthy, independent, and sustainable community.