PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI REKAYASA KIMIA PADA DIVERSIFIKASI PRODUK TURUNAN VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) BAGI PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MANIMBAHOI

Abstract

This community service program on the application of chemical engineering technology and the development of derivative products based on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) aimed to enhance the capacity of the people of Manimbahoi Village in processing VCO into value-added cosmetic products such as soap, lip balm, hand body, and hair oil (pome). The activity consisted of three stages: theoretical presentation, hands-on product-making practice, and training evaluation through structured questionnaires. The program actively involved lecturers and students from the Chemical Engineering Department as mentors, providing a real implementation of the Impactful Campus initiative, where higher education institutions contribute directly to rural empowerment through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Evaluation of 20 respondents showed that 90% of participants found the materials easy to understand and beneficial to their knowledge. Additionally, 85% expressed interest in producing the products independently, and 90% showed enthusiasm to participate in further training on packaging and marketing. This program demonstrates the success of a participatory approach in empowering the community, particularly the PKK women group, and highlights the role of student involvement in strengthening local skills and entrepreneurship. The initiative is expected to serve as a stepping stone toward the establishment of sustainable, locally-based home industries.