On Monday, July 29, 2024, a team from the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) ITB embarked on a journey from Jakarta to Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, as part of their community service program. Led by Dr. Muhammad Yusuf Abduh and comprised of Dr. Rijanti Rahaju Maulani, Dr. Lili Melani, and Anasya Rahmawati, S.T., this was the team's third visit to Alor. Their previous two visits in 2023 focused on developing appropriate technology to improve the quality of candlenut harvests in Kuneman Village, South Alor District.
The journey began with a flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Mali Airport in Alor, followed by a six-hour sea voyage from Kalabahi City to Kiraman Village. From there, the team took a three-hour road trip to Kuneman Village. Alor is known for its abundant candlenut production, with many villages relying on this commodity.
Before arriving in Kuneman, the SITH team made a stop in Kiraman Village to meet with the village head, Yoyarid Maleimakuni, and local candlenut farmers. They discussed the potential of candlenut oil and the utilization of discarded candlenuts, which had not been optimally used. The farmers of Kiraman were enthusiastic and engaged in active discussions about these potential candlenut by-products, including the production of candlenut oil.
Following their stop in Kiraman, the SITH team continued their journey to Kuneman Village to review the candlenut peeling machine they had provided in 2023. Unfortunately, transportation limitations and fuel shortages prevented the machine from being fully utilized. To address this issue, the SITH team introduced an alternative candlenut cracking tool made from rattan. This tool proved highly effective in producing perfectly round nuts and required minimal human energy. The tool was handed over to the village head, Kain Lauden, represented by the village official.
The team also introduced the potential of processing discarded candlenuts into oil, which could provide higher economic value for the local farmers. After their visit to Kuneman, the SITH team traveled to the South Alor District office in Apui for a discussion with the district head, Imanuel Saldeng, SH. They discussed the potential for candlenut oil production and planned a demonstration of appropriate technology for processing discarded candlenuts into oil in October 2024.
The district head expressed that the gradual expansion of electricity into the villages of South Alor District would support the processing of various agricultural commodities, including candlenuts. He also hoped that ITB’s appropriate technology program would enhance the competitiveness of local farmers in producing and selling candlenut-based products, such as candlenut oil.
Related News:
1. mediatorkupang.com: Setahun Berlalu, Tim SITH Kembali Tinjau Perkembangan Komoditas Kemiri di Alor
2. Youtube.com - @yusufabduh6816: Community Engagement Activities in Desa Kiraman & Desa Kuneman, Nusa Tenggara Timur
3. EKBIS Victory News Halaman 4, Senin 12 Agustus 2024: "SITH ITB Kembangkan TTG Pengolahan Kemiri di Alor: Buat Minyak dari Kemiri Afkir"
