RRI.CO.ID, Surakarta – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Central Java, is demonstrating how international partnerships can directly benefit local communities by applying engineering expertise to grassroots waste management.

On August 4, 2026, UNS' Faculty of Engineering (FT UNS), together with the National University of Malaysia (UKM), launched an International Community Service Program aimed at optimizing incinerator technology for community use.

The program, part of Indonesia’s Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education), focused on evaluating incinerator performance, improving combustion efficiency, and reducing emissions.

Training was also provided to ensure machines operate in a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The initiative was carried out in partnership with Bank Sampah Tawangmangu, a local waste bank, in Tawangmangu, Central Java.

Community leader Sudarmadi, explained the challenges faced in maximizing the incinerator’s capacity.

“Households in Community Unit (RW) 09 generate an average of about three kilograms of waste, while the incinerator has a capacity of 1–1.5 tons. At present, it operates only twice a week, leaving a shortfall in supply needed to maximize its use,” he explained, as quoted on UNS official website.

The collaboration earned praise from UKM’s Research and Instrumentation Management Centre (CRIM) Director, Abu Bakar Sulong.

“We see UNS Faculty of Engineering demonstrating a strong commitment to aligning research with community needs. Through this partnership, we hope to deliver more innovative and practical technological solutions,” he said.

UNS team leader Kuncoro Diharjo underscored the importance of sustaining ties with local waste banks. “We hope this cooperation continues so that together we can produce quality products at affordable prices without compromising standards, ultimately benefiting the wider community,” he concluded.

Beyond its technical achievements, the program reflects UNS’s broader mission to align academic collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The program advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through applied waste technology; supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting effective waste management systems; and strengthens SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering international cooperation between UNS and UKM. ***