Students from the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata, KKN) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) carried out a community empowerment activity by conducting training to make eco-friendly plant pots from coconut husks in Padukuhan Potrowangsan, Tirtorahayu, Galur, Kulonprogo. The program aimed to increase local awareness about using organic waste, stimulate creativity, and open local economic opportunities based on available natural potential.

The training was conducted by a team of KKN UNY students — including Amanda Ameliya Malffasha, Anisa Nur Setyaningrum, Ariesta Cahya Putri Utama, Athira Arasya, Bayu Putra Dharma, Haya Nabila Rahimah, Mia Andaresta, Nadilla Ibrahim, Rediant Prasetya Tanaya, and Ricki Dwi Erlangga — and was enthusiastically attended by local residents, especially because the raw material (coconut husk) was easy to obtain in the surrounding environment.

One of the student facilitators, Bayu Putra Dharma, explained that the coconut husk processing training was held in response to the large amount of husk waste that had not been optimally utilized by the community. He noted that coconut husks are often considered waste, although they actually have great potential to be turned into valuable and marketable products.

Bayu added that the plant pots made from coconut husk are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than plastic pots, and they help support plant growth. The training also aimed to open small home-based business opportunities.

During the activity, student Ricki Dwi Erlangga explained the technical process: selecting dry and clean husk, soaking it so the fibers become more flexible, shaping it on molds or wire frames, compressing it, and then sun-drying the formed pot so it’s ready for use as a planting medium. The natural pores in the coconut husk pot help improve air and water circulation for plant roots.