Students from the Community Service Program (KKN) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), based in Mijil Village, Giritengah, Borobudur, Magelang, have developed a simple yet impactful innovation for rural waste management by building a Rocket Stove. This stove uses a vertical draft technology that enables faster, cleaner, and low-smoke burning of domestic waste.

The innovation addresses the persistent challenge of household waste in rural areas, especially the accumulation of light organic and inorganic waste.

The initiative was conceived and carried out by the KKN team consisting of Nur Ihsan Muadzin, Bagas Ramadhan, Shafira Aurel Eve Giroth, Ardina, Gina Berliana, Nugroho Satriyo Nur Adi Praset, Luthfi Lidya Ningrum, Salsa Bela Setia Ningsih, Dede Haryono, and Afwu Yufa Wibowo (team leader). These students were involved in every stage—from design discussions, procurement of materials, construction of the stove, to testing it with village residents.

The Rocket Stove was constructed using fire-resistant bricks and a specialized cement. It is equipped with a vertical chimney that optimizes the flow of hot air, thereby improving combustion efficiency.

The lower part features a horizontal combustion chamber where residents can insert dry leaves, twigs, and other organic waste.

In trials, the stove increased combustion efficiency up to twice that of open burning, producing considerably less ash residue and thinner smoke.

According to Afwu Yufa Wibowo, the innovation emerged from a real community need: “Residents of Mijil have long struggled to manage household waste because there is no routine waste collection system. Through the Rocket Stove, we aim to provide a solution that is simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. We hope the tool not only helps reduce waste accumulation but also reduces pollution from open burning.”

Beyond just building the stove, the program also includes environmental education: the students conduct outreach on the importance of sorting waste before burning and the dangers of burning certain types of waste (e.g., chlorinated plastics, rubber, or chemical waste).

The innovation has been positively received by the community. Residents consider the stove more practical and safer than conventional burning methods, which often generate thick smoke and pose environmental health risks.

Its sturdy construction and heat resistance suggest that it could have a long service life and be used by many households in rotation.

Through this Rocket Stove project, KKN UNY Mijil Borobudur demonstrates that meaningful environmental innovation does not necessarily require cutting-edge or expensive technology. With creativity and community engagement, students can offer solutions aligned with local needs to drive behavioral change in waste management.

This program aligns with and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production (waste management), SDG 13: Climate Action (reducing pollution and emissions). The team hopes that this initiative will serve as a starting point toward better and more sustainable waste management in Mijil Village. The collaborative spirit between students and residents is central to the innovation’s success, reflecting UNY’s commitment to creating real-world societal impact through its KKN program. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta