A team from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) collaborated with the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT) to conduct Community Service Activities in Lalukoen Village, Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Augie Widyotriatmo, S.T, M.T, Ph.D., as the Team Leader of the 'Instrumentation and Control Expertise Group, Physics Engineering, ITB,' initiated Community Service Activities (PKM) starting from February 2023 until November 2023 with the PKM title, 'Hand-Tractor for Post-Harvest Quality Improvement in East Nusa Tenggara.'

It is worth noting that Lalukoen Village has a significant agricultural land area, reaching 625 hectares. Despite its vast potential, agricultural productivity in this village is hindered by the lack of agricultural facilities, especially farming tools like hand tractors. With only 14 tractors available, farmers in Lalukoen Village face difficulties in land cultivation, fertilization, weeding, and harvesting. This limitation results in dry fields and crop failures, negatively impacting the village's economy.

Recognizing these challenges, ITB collaborated with Kemendes PDTT to address this issue through Community Service Activities. The main focus of this activity is to fulfill the need for agricultural equipment, particularly hand tractors. Additionally, the synergy of programs aimed at achieving village-based SDGs through appropriate technology in 3T locations in eastern Indonesia was integrated into this project through the Desanesha application.

Based on information provided by the Village Head, Soleman Suy, this village requires serious attention, especially in fulfilling agricultural equipment needs like hand tractors, to improve agricultural and plantation productivity. The lack of agricultural facilities, including irrigation machines and irrigation channels, also contributes to crop failures and planting failures in Lalukoen Village.

To address these issues, the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) is committed to conducting community service activities in Lalukoen Village. The main focus of this activity is to fulfill the need for agricultural equipment, specifically hand tractors. As an innovative solution, the construction of a hand tractor prototype that can be replicated by village communities using existing machinery is proposed.

In the initial stage, equipment for modifying existing motors into hand tractors will be supplied from available workshops. Subsequently, this program will be integrated with the gradual establishment of machining workshops to support long-term needs in Lalukoen Village.

In addition to fulfilling the need for agricultural equipment, this activity also involves training for the community on how to assemble, operate, and maintain hand tractors. This is important to ensure the efficient and safe use of hand tractors. This training is expected to increase community knowledge about hand tractor maintenance so that the equipment can function well and last long.

Thus, through these efforts, ITB hopes to make a significant positive contribution to improving agricultural and plantation productivity in Lalukoen Village and enhancing the local community's economic welfare.

As for the implementation stages of the activity, the ITB team held discussions with Lalukoen Village residents to explore their potential and their needs for agricultural equipment. The discussion results showed that the community needed hand tractors for various agricultural activities, such as land cultivation, fertilization, weeding, and harvesting. Then the ITB team designed a hand tractor prototype modified from motorcycle engines. This prototype was designed to meet the needs of Lalukoen Village residents, with sufficient power to be used in dry and hard fields, as well as being affordable.

Moreover, the ITB team procured the necessary materials to build the hand tractor prototype. The purchased materials included motorcycle engines, frames, wheels, and other components. Subsequently, the ITB team assembled the hand tractor prototype on the ITB campus. The assembly process involved several ITB students. After the hand tractor prototype was completed, the ITB team provided training to Lalukoen Village residents on how to use and assemble the hand tractor.

The training on the use and assembly of hand tractors was held in Lalukoen Village, Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara, on November 20-22, 2023, and was attended by 20 village youths representing farmer groups in Lalukoen Village.

On the first day, the training started with a visit to agricultural land in Lalukoen Village. This visit aimed to provide participants with an overview of the agricultural land conditions in the village. Participants were invited to observe manual land cultivation activities firsthand. Discussions were held with participants about the daily conditions in the village, including the challenges faced by farmers.

On the second day, participants were trained in assembling hand tractors. This training aimed to provide participants with the skills to assemble hand tractors themselves. The assembly training was conducted in stages, starting with the introduction of hand tractor components, followed by the assembly of these components, and ending with the testing of the assembled hand tractor.

Then on the third day, participants were trained in hand tractor maintenance. This training aimed to provide participants with an understanding of the importance of hand tractor maintenance to ensure its proper functioning and longevity. Maintenance training was conducted theoretically and practically. Participants were invited to learn how to clean, lubricate, and repair hand tractors.

At the end of the training, participants were given the opportunity to discuss the training activities. Participants were also invited to try out the hand tractor they had assembled together. The discussion and hand tractor testing aimed to provide feedback from participants on the training activities.

At the end of the training, participants were also invited to discuss suggestions for the sustainability of hand tractor utilization. Participants were asked to think about ways to ensure the sustainable use of hand tractors by Lalukoen Village residents.

"The ITB team is monitoring the results of community service to determine whether the community can independently operate, maintain, and build hand tractors. In addition, the ITB team also identifies other assistance that needs to be provided further," according to a media release.

The training on the use and assembly of hand tractors conducted in Lalukoen Village has proceeded smoothly and successfully. This training has also provided good skills and understanding to participants about the use and assembly of hand tractors. In the future, the hand tractor prototype design needs to be improved and perfected for stronger engine capabilities and mechanical designs, considering the many dry and hard land conditions in Lalukoen's environment.