UNDIP, Semarang (May 28, 2025) – Callysta Najmi Raissa, a student from the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) program at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) Vocational School, organized a training session on how to process used cooking oil into liquid soap. The event took place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Sumurboto Village Office Hall, Tembalang District, Semarang City. The training engaged members of the Sumurboto village women’s community group (PKK), aiming to empower them to convert household waste into useful products and help reduce water pollution in their neighborhoods.
The event was officially opened by Winarni, S.E., M.M., the Head of Sumurboto Village, who expressed her appreciation and support for the community service initiative. The program was hosted by UNDIP student Yonatan Gutom Prayoga, who kept the atmosphere interactive and warm. The training was supervised by academic advisor Maal Naylah, S.E., M.Si., who provided an introductory message. “Transforming used cooking oil—essentially kitchen waste from every household—into liquid soap is not only practical and easy to apply at home, but it also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and contributing to society based on Callysta’s academic background,” she said.
The event began with a brief explanation of the environmental dangers of improper oil disposal, which can contaminate water sources and harm ecosystems. Following the presentation, participants were guided through hands-on soap-making, which included oil filtering, the saponification reaction, and soap dilution.
As an added innovation, lemongrass essential oil extract was incorporated into the soap, giving it a fresh scent along with antibacterial and antifungal benefits. The participants were enthusiastic, noting how rare it was to have hands-on experience and expressing pride in producing something valuable for both their families and the environment.
The PKK women expressed eagerness to share what they learned with their community, aiming to inspire behavioral change in household waste management. A lively Q&A session followed, covering soap-making techniques and safety tips for using the product effectively.
To recognize their participation, two attendees received goody bags filled with soap-making supplies and finished products to practice at home. The event ran smoothly and joyfully, strengthening the synergy between the university and the local community in environmental preservation.
Through this simple initiative, the women of Sumurboto Village are taking an active role in protecting water quality and the environment in Jawa Tengah for a healthier future. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Callysta)