The public university brought together lecturers, students, teachers, and local reading groups to help local families learn how to recycle waste oil into clean, affordable fuel.
“This knowledge can help people meet their everyday energy needs,” said Yohanis Mandik, a science lecturer and head of the community service team, on Sunday during a demonstration in Yoboy Village, Sentani Subdistrict, Jayapura District.
Mandik explained that reusing cooking oil is unsafe for health, and dumping it can damage the environment.
“That’s why we’re showing a simple way to turn it into biodiesel — good for lamps and stoves,” he said.
Local youth leader Jems Gustaf Tokoro said the program brings useful new knowledge to the villages. “We hope this can spread to other communities around Lake Sentani,” he said.
Hanny Felle, who leads Yoboy’s local energy group, said villagers welcomed the project and saw its potential for both household use and small businesses.
“It’s a smart way to turn waste into something valuable,” she said.
The workshop included hands-on training in filtering used oil and turning it into biodiesel using basic tools and ingredients. The fuel can be used to power lamps and cooking devices, especially useful in areas with limited electricity.
The program is part of Uncen’s effort to support self-reliance and environmental awareness in Papua.
“It’s not just about fuel. It’s about helping people live better with what they already have,” Mandik said.
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Translator: Agustina EJ, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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