Symbiosis Civicus is published biannually in June and November. The journal was established in 2024 and is published by the School of Graduate Studies, Universitas Lancang Kuning, Indonesia. ISSN : xxxx-xxxx (Online) and ISSN : xxxx-xxxx (Print)
Sekolah Pascasarjana Universitas Lancang Kuning
COMPOST MATURITY ANALYSIS BASED ON TYPE OF ORGANIK MATERIAL AND EM4 CONCENTRATE WITH C/N RATIO TEST
Waste has become a major issue, particularly in large cities around the world, including Indonesia. The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in Indonesia aims to reduce malnutrition among children. While the program provides clear benefits in improving access to nutritious food, it also faces significant challenges related to food waste or leftovers generated. This study aims to analyze the effect of EM4 concentration and organic materials on composting duration, determine the compost maturity time, and describe the characteristics of compost fertilizer from various treatments. The study employed an experimental approach with eight treatment combinations, each repeated four times, resulting in a total of 32 experimental units. Data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis method. The results show that differences in EM4 concentration significantly affect the duration of the decomposition process. Higher EM4 concentrations accelerate the conversion of organic materials into compost. This is evidenced by the faster decomposition time observed at a 20% EM4 concentration compared to 10%, 8%, and the control (without treatment). In addition, differences in decomposition time were observed based on the type of organic material used. Organic waste derived from the Free Nutritious Meal Program decomposed more rapidly than organic material in the form of dry leaf litter. This study recommends further research focusing on the direct application of organic fertilizer produced at similar concentrations to plants in order to evaluate its effectiveness in improving plant growth and soil quality.
Community-Based Preservation Strategy For Historical Sites in Sintong Village
Sintong Temple in Sintong Village is a historical site that has suffered severe damage and requires immediate preservation efforts. This study aims to examine the current condition of Sintong Temple, identify the constraints in its preservation, and formulate effective preservation strategies. The research adopts a qualitative approach using a descriptive-analytical method with a case study design. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with key informants consisting of government officials, community leaders, and local residents, as well as document analysis. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model, stakeholder analysis, and SWOT analysis. The results indicate that Sintong Temple is in a critically damaged condition, with only a mound measuring approximately 18 x 15 meters remaining. The site continues to experience progressive deterioration due to natural factors such as erosion, as well as human-related threats. The constraints in preservation are multi-dimensional, including limited budget allocation, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional capacity, and low levels of community awareness. The formulated preservation strategies are phased and participatory in nature. In the short term, efforts focus on basic physical protection and increasing community awareness. In the medium term, strategies emphasize planned conservation and community empowerment. In the long term, the focus shifts to sustainable preservation and the development of cultural tourism. A participatory approach supported by economic incentive systems and diversified funding sources is identified as a key factor in ensuring the successful implementation of preservation strategies.
Geographic Information Systems and Community Perceptions of Environmental Impacts of Palm Oil Mills in Rokan Hilir Regency
The palm oil industry in Rokan Hilir Regency has experienced rapid growth, with 34 palm oil mills (POMs) currently in operation. However, this expansion has also generated various environmental and social impacts on surrounding communities. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of palm oil mills using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and to identify community perceptions regarding the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of these mills. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative methods for spatial analysis and perception surveys involving 68 respondents, along with qualitative methods through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. Spatial analysis was conducted using QGIS 3.28, including distribution, buffer, and network analysis. Community perceptions were measured using a Likert scale and analyzed descriptively. The results indicate that the distribution of palm oil mills is clustered, with the highest concentrations found in Bagan Sinembah District (23.5%), Balai Jaya (17.6%), and Tanjung Medan (14.7%). Most mills (52.9%) are of medium capacity (30–45 tons of fresh fruit bunches per hour), and 70.6% possess Environmental Management and Monitoring Effort (UKL-UPL) documents. Community perceptions of economic impacts are highly positive (score 2.27), social impacts are moderately positive (score 2.46), while environmental impacts are perceived as neutral (score 2.72). The main issues identified include road damage (score 2.48), odor pollution (score 2.57), and increased air temperature (score 2.58). This study recommends the development of GIS-based monitoring systems, increased community participation in decision-making processes, investment in environmentally friendly technologies, and economic diversification to reduce dependence on the palm oil industry.
Management Strategy for Low-Quality Coal Resources to Support Sustainable Mining
This research analyzes the implementation of Good Mining Practice (GMP) in the management of low-rank coal mining at PT ABC, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, and its contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Low-rank coal, characterized by high moisture content and low calorific value, requires a sustainable management approach to ensure long-term resource utilization. The research employed a qualitative method using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the strategic priorities for GMP implementation through interviews, questionnaires, field observations, and document reviews. The findings reveal that GMP implementation at PT ABC encompasses six key aspects: mining engineering, coal resource conservation, mining safety, environmental management, standardization and mining services, and community development and empowerment. Several non-conformities were identified, including suboptimal management of topsoil and acid mine drainage, high accident rates, limited implementation of occupational health and community empowerment programs, and inadequate reclamation of disturbed land. Based on AHP results, the top strategic priority is human resource development (34.36%), followed by reclamation and post-mining activities (32.03%), mining waste management (24.56%), and coal resource conservation (9.05%). This research emphasizes that enhancing human resource capacity is the key success factor for effective GMP implementation in achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable coal mining, with tangible contributions to SDGs 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
Analysis of BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency) Policy and Implementation in Forest and Land Fire Control Efforts in Rokan Hilir Regency
Forest and land fires (karhutla) are one of the serious environmental problems that plague Indonesia almost every year, especially in the regions of Sumatra and Kalimantan. This phenomenon not only causes ecosystem damage, loss of biodiversity, and health problems for the community due to haze, but also has an impact on the national economy and Indonesia's image on the international stage. BPBD, as a local government agency, has a strategic mandate in disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. However, the effectiveness of BPBD policies and program implementation in forest and land fire control often faces challenges. This study aims to analyze the extent to which BPBD policies and implementation in forest and land fire control efforts are effective, as well as to formulate strategic recommendations to strengthen disaster management at the regional level. The research method used is descriptive-analytical, employing purposive sampling, with an evaluation model based on Edward III's Model (1980). The results of the study show that communication and resources are the most influential factors in the success of BPBD policies in controlling forest and land fires. The conclusions of the research objectives have been achieved and contribute to the implementation of the Rokan Hilir BPBD policy in controlling forest and land fires. Although there are still obstacles such as communication, limited resources, and a bureaucratic structure that is still hierarchical and slow in decision-making, there are also supporting factors such as increased cross-sector coordination and increased support from stakeholders and other agencies.
Carrying Capacity of Plantation Area as Habitat of Sumatran Elephant(Elephas maximus sumatranus) at Giam Siak Kecil Landscape, Riau
The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) increasingly utilizes human-modified landscapes, including Industrial Tree Plantations (HTIs), as over 70% of its population now resides outside protected areas. However, the ecological capacity of HTIs to support viable elephant populations remains poorly quantified. This study assessed the habitat carrying capacity of HTI concessions in the Giam Siak Kecil landscape, Bengkalis Regency, Riau, Indonesia—a critical area adjacent to the GiamSiak Kecil Wildlife Reserve. Through field surveys across 51 plots in Eucalyptus pellita, Acacia crassicarpa, and Green Belt zones—stratified by age (0–4 years) and management intensity (managed vs. unmanaged)—we evaluated understory vegetation composition, biomass productivity, and elephant habitat use. A total of 82 plant species, many known elephant forage items, were recorded, with highest species richness in Eucalyptus stands and greatest diversity in Green Belts. Biomass productivity peaked in unmanaged 0-year Acacia stands (1,179.08 kg/ha/day), far exceeding that of older or managed stands. Carrying capacity estimates revealed that unmanaged, recently harvested Acacia plantations could support up to 202 elephants per 100 ha, whereas managed or mature Eucalyptus stands supported substantially fewer. Historical GPS collar data confirmed active use of these HTI areas by the Almira and Nae elephant groups, with movement corridors strongly aligned with riparian zones, Green Belts, and young regenerating stands. Our findings demonstrate that HTI ecological value for elephants is determined more by management practices and stand age than by land-cover type alone. We recommend integrating conservation-oriented silviculture—such as minimizing understory clearance, maintaining Green Belt connectivity, and aligning harvest cycles with elephant movement—into concession planning to enhance HTIs as functional components of a landscape-scale conservation strategy for the critically endangered Sumatran elephant.
Community Participation for the Sustainability of Bagansiapiapi City Forests
Urban forests, as part of green open spaces, have strategic ecological functions in maintaining the balance of the urban environment, including the regulation of microclimate, conservation of biodiversity, and improvement of community quality of life. This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey method involving 150 respondents from communities living around the urban forest area. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results indicate that community participation and environmental awareness have a significant influence on the sustainability of urban forests, while the moderating effect of the interaction between community participation and environmental awareness does not show a significant influence in supporting the success of sustainable management. These findings emphasize the importance of both individual and collective actions in supporting urban forest sustainability and provide strategic insights for the formulation of more effective and sustainable environmental management policies.
Optimization of Horticultural Commodity Supply Chains Through a Participatory Approach Among Smallholder Farmers in Suriname
Horticultural farming practices among Indonesian-descended farmers in Suriname remain largely traditional and lack an understanding of effective supply chain systems. This community service program aimed to optimize the horticultural supply chain through a participatory, community-based approach. The methods included field observation, online training, formation of a community working team, implementation assistance, and evaluation. The training, attended by 25 participants, showed significant improvements across eight aspects of knowledge and skills, including supply chain comprehension (+104.8%) and digital promotion capabilities (+135.3%). Additionally, a Community Supply Chain Team was established to manage logistics, documentation, and product promotion. Post-training reflection forums indicated that participants felt more confident, motivated to collaborate, and ready to adopt more efficient practices. This training demonstrated that capacity strengthening through collective approaches can improve distribution efficiency, enhance product competitiveness, and empower horticultural farmers in a sustainable manner.
Enhancing Young Farmers’ Capacity in Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Agriculture: A Community-Based Training Approach
Young farmers play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture, yet many lack the necessary knowledge and skills to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) effectively. The overreliance on chemical pesticides in conventional farming has led to environmental degradation, increased pest resistance, and health risks. To address this issue, a community-based training program was conducted in Bungaraya, Indonesia, targeting young farmers from Sanggar Tani Muda and students from SMKN 1 Bungaraya, Siak, Indonesia. The training aimed to enhance their capacity in IPM. The program was implemented through seminars and hands-on workshops, covering key aspects of IPM such as pest identification, biological control, and the use of botanical pesticides. The impact of the training was assessed through pre-test and post-test evaluations, with statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicating a significant improvement in participants' knowledge and skills (p-value = 1.86 × 10⁻⁹). As part of the program’s outputs, a training module on IPM was developed and published for broader dissemination. The results suggest that community-based training is an effective approach to equipping young farmers with the necessary competencies in sustainable pest management. Future initiatives should focus on scaling up similar training programs and ensuring continuous mentoring to support young farmers in transitioning towards environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
Sneaker Recommendation System Based on Brand Using the Content-Based Filtering Method
Footwear, particularly sneakers, has evolved beyond its functional role to become a vital aspect of modern lifestyle and fashion culture. Indonesia ranks as the fourth largest global consumer of footwear, consuming 806 million pairs in 2021, accounting for 3.8% of global consumption. Popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Yeezy, and Off-White dominate this market. This study aims to develop a sneaker recommendation system utilizing a content-based filtering method to address challenges in consumer preferences and rapid trend shifts. Data collection involved sneaker attributes, including brand, price, and region, sourced from Kaggle. Preprocessing and recommendation generation utilized Python programming, employing cosine similarity to identify and suggest the most relevant brands. Results indicate that Yeezy and Off-White sneakers are the most favored across regions, particularly in Oregon. The findings underscore the importance of personalized and accurate recommendation systems to enhance user experience in identifying sneakers aligned with their preferences. Future research should expand dataset diversity and incorporate additional filtering methods to refine recommendation accuracy.
The Importance of Early Education in Climate Change for SD Negeri 92 Rumbai, Pekanbaru
The increasing global impact of climate change necessitates early education to prepare future generations for sustainable living. This study focuses on raising awareness and promoting actionable behaviors related to climate change among students of SD Negeri 92 Rumbai, Pekanbaru. Early education at the elementary level is pivotal in shaping attitudes and fostering environmental responsibility from a young age. The primary objective was to enhance students' understanding and encourage proactive habits to address climate issues. The methods employed included socialization, interactive discussions, and practical activities like planting vegetable crops to promote family food security. A pre- and post-intervention questionnaire evaluated students’ knowledge and attitudes toward climate change. The findings revealed a significant improvement in understanding. Initially, 36% of students were unaware of climate change, while 64% had basic knowledge. After the intervention, 94% demonstrated enhanced comprehension, with only 6% remaining uninformed. Students recognized issues such as erratic weather and rising temperatures but initially lacked actionable knowledge. Practical activities, such as planting and recycling, encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices. This study concludes that early climate change education significantly improves awareness and empowers students to adopt responsible behaviors. Recommendations include periodic evaluations and incorporating climate change education into school curricula, enabling students to act as environmental advocates within their communities.
Post-Harvest Agricultural Innovation of Indonesian Horticulture in Suriname
This community service aims to provide solutions to problems faced by partners. Partners in this service are community groups from suriname, namely Sticthing Azzam Aliyah. The problem of partners is the low ability and skills in handling post-harvest horticulture in determining the ripeness of bananas and their handling. One of the alternative solutions carried out is based on the results of research conducted by the team, namely the drying of bananas using paper. The implementation method is through online counseling and training. The results of this activity were relegated that the drying of bananas was carried out on the same type of banana with a uniform level of ripeness. In this connection, the team was able to conclude that the participants had increased their ability to determine the ripeness of bananas by 95% from before the training
Strengthening Understanding and Access to Technology in Eco-Friendly Agriculture for Youth to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Agriculture remains a vital sector for rural livelihoods, yet it faces multiple challenges, including environmental degradation, unstable production, and limited adoption of modern technology by farmers. This community service program aimed to strengthen the understanding and accessibility of eco-friendly and digital farming technologies for young farmers in Kecamatan Bungaraya, particularly in Desa Buantan Lestari, a key agricultural hub in Riau Province, Indonesia. The program aligns with the broader effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible production, climate action, and sustainable land use.The program was conducted in two stages: (1) training workshops, where participants were introduced to eco-friendly practices and digital tools through lectures, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, and (2) field mentoring, where experts guided farmers in applying these technologies in their fields. To assess the program's effectiveness, pre-tests and post-tests were conducted to measure improvements in participants’ knowledge, while continuous field monitoring evaluated the practical impact of the techniques on productivity and environmental sustainability. The results showed a significant improvement in participants' understanding, with post-test scores reflecting a 100% increase in knowledge compared to pre-test scores. Furthermore, farmers reported increased confidence in utilizing digital tools to optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact. This program demonstrates a successful model for promoting eco-friendly and technology-driven agricultural practices among young farmers, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals in rural areas.
Academic & Cultural Sharing, Observation of Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Exhibitions for Teachers from Riau Schools, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dusun Nanding, Selangor, Malaysia
This Community Service Activity aims to enhance the quality of education and cross-country collaboration through Academic Sharing, Cultural Sharing, and Observation of Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Showcases at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dusun Nanding, Selangor, Malaysia. This activity involves teachers from Riau engaging in discussions and exchanging knowledge with Malaysian teachers about innovative teaching methods, classroom management, and educational curricula. Additionally, there are cultural exchange sessions where teachers introduce their respective regional cultures through traditional dance, music, and food, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures. The teachers also observe exhibitions of science, technology, and entrepreneurship organized by the students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dusun Nanding, where they evaluate student projects, learning methods, and entrepreneurial approaches applied. The outcomes of this activity include gaining new insights into teaching methods and classroom management that can be implemented in their schools, fostering closer relationships between educators from Indonesia and Malaysia, and acquiring knowledge about various science, technology, and entrepreneurship projects that can be adapted to enhance learning in schools in Riau. This activity successfully achieves its objectives in improving teacher competence, strengthening international relations, and enriching educational perspectives. Cross-country collaborations like this are highly beneficial for advancing education and learning from each other's best practices.
The Training Activities on Classroom Action Research as a Scientific Article Writing and Publication Project for Teachers
This classroom action research (CAR) training activity as a scientific article writing project was carried out based on the problems faced by teachers at SMAN 1 Tempuling, namely lack of knowledge and experience implementing and reporting CAR in writing scientific articles as well as teachers' low awareness of the importance of researching and producing scientific articles. Therefore, the community service team of the Faculty of Education and Vocational Studies, Lancang Kuning University provides training to teachers, namely: (1) discussing in groups to formulate CAR problems, (2) determining strategies, models, techniques and media that can be used as solutions to learning problems learning in class, (3) teachers are given examples of scientific published articles which are the results of CAR, (4) providing several links to PTK journals as reference materials, (5) assisting participants’ CAR project by providing explanations, revisions and input. To complete the CAR assignment as a project for writing and publishing scientific articles, participants are given 4 weeks. Consultation on assignment completion is carried out via WhatsApp. Finally, the community service team concluded that CAR training activities as a scientific article writing and publication project for SMAN 1 Tempuling teachers could provide knowledge, understanding and abilities to participants to carry out CAR, report CAR results, write drafts of scientific articles and publish them.
Training on the Use of 21 Century -4C Skill Assessment on Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration in Project-Based Learning for Teachers
Training on the use of 21 century-4C Skill Assessment on Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration in project-based learning for teachers at SMKN 1 Gunung Sahilan, Kampar, Riau was carried out based on some problems. The problems identified by the Lancang Kuning University Postgraduate School service team were teachers’ lack of knowledge and experience on how to design PjBL and use assessments related to 21st century-4C skill in project-based learning. Based on the explanation above, the solutions are needed in the form of training to overcome teacher problems. In this case, the community service team facilitates training to the teachers so that they can carry out assessments of projects in student learning following the 21st-4C century skills assessment rubric scale. This activity was carried out May 22, 2024 at SMKN 1 Gunung Sahilan, Kampar Regency using the lecture method along with a project assessment simulation using the 21st century-4C skills assessment rubric. From the simulation results of using the 4C skills assessment rubric, the service team identified that the teachers of SMKN 1 Gunung Sahilan (1) were able to use the 21/4C century skills assessment rubric in assessing project-based student learning outcomes, and (2) were able to design a variety of PjBL in accordance with the subject in their classes. Finally, the service team concluded that the training activity on the use of 21-4C century competency assessment covering Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration in Project-Based Learning at SMKN 1 Gunung Sahilan could provide knowledge, understanding and ability to participants to use the 21st century skills assessment rubric and design a variety of PjBL.
The Bridging Gaps in Tropical Agriculture Through Collaborative Community Efforts
This article explores a recent community engagement initiative aimed at addressing the challenges and conditions of tropical agriculture in Indonesia. The initiative, organized by the Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences at Universitas Lancang Kuning (UNILAK), involved a series of discussions and information-sharing sessions with international community at the Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology (TUAT). The program focused on key topics such as sustainable development, modern agricultural technologies, and the role of pesticides in tropical farming. Initial findings from pre-test surveys indicated that participants were not familiar with the concept of tropical agriculture and the common challenges faced within this field. However, post-test results revealed significant improvements in their understanding and confidence regarding tropical agriculture, its challenges, and potential solutions. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the discussion sessions in enhancing participants' knowledge. Moreover, the initiative underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling common agricultural issues. This article details the methods and findings of the engagement program, emphasizing the positive impact of community collaboration in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering sustainable agricultural development. The results suggest that such collaborative efforts are crucial for addressing the pressing challenges faced by tropical agriculture and for implementing viable solutions.
The Importance of Early Education About Climate Change for Students of Primary School
The importance of early education about climate change at the lowest educational level (elementary school students) needs to be instilled. The goal is for students to be able to change attitudes, habits, and actions in facing recent climate change. The methods used in this community service activity include socialization, interviews, and practicing planting vegetables as family food security. Questionnaires were filled out before and after the socialization by the Unilak Community Service Team. The results of the questionnaire calculation before the socialization showed that the students' understanding, attitudes, and self-preparation towards climate change were quite low, with 75% not knowing and 25% already knowing. After the socialization, interviews, and vegetable planting practice, there was an increase in students' knowledge and education about climate change by 42%, with 33% of students still not understanding and 67% already understanding. This shows that students paid attention to and understood the explanations given by the Unilak Community Service Team well after the socialization was conducted. Generally, students did not know the definition of climate change, its causes, and mechanisms. Students felt the recent erratic weather with increased temperatures and felt hot. However, students did not know that changes in the environment and climate had occurred. The students of SD Negeri 019 Pandau Jaya also did not know how students should act, behave, change habits to "go green" and "save the earth," and the impacts that would occur. Almost all students said they had not received information about climate change from school teachers, newspapers, friends, and online media. The hope for the future after the socialization is that students can socialize the knowledge to friends, family, and neighbors about climate change so that they can change attitudes, actions, and daily habits at least in the school and home environment. Students can start by living healthily, saving water and electricity, sorting waste, exercising, enjoying planting, and starting by planting crops for food security in the surrounding environment.
Low-Cost and Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Liquid to Improve the Economy of Society Affected by the Pandemic COVID-19: A Community Development
The fabrication of dishwashing liquid has been performed using low-cost and eco-friendly materials for teachers at one informal school, the Syiar Quran Center (SQC), in a small village in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The materials were sodium laureth sulfate, coarse salt, distilled water, dark green dye, and lime extract. This activity was a university-community collaboration program to support the SQC in forming a business unit to assist school operations. This study carried out the method through action research involving an SQC manager and six teachers in SQC. The results of laboratory analysis show that dishwashing liquid in this study has met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 4075-2: 2017 for a dishwashing liquid with pH value, total surfactant (% weight fraction), and total plate count microbial contamination (colony mL-1) are as follows: 7.2, 10, and < 10. Organoleptic tests that evaluated aroma, appearance, foam, the ability to lift dirt, skin irritation, and price were conducted to 50 panelists. The results showed that the dishwashing liquid had got satisfied scores from panelists. The dishwashing liquid with low-cost and eco-friendly materials is highly prospective for mass sale after calculating the capital spent to produce and comparing it with similar products on the market.