Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), in collaboration with Sogang University Korea, carried out an international community service program through the Leading University Project for International Cooperation (LUPIC) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on August 13-14, 2025.
The program involved three partner universities: Lambung Mangkurat University, UIN Antasari Banjarmasin, and the Islamic University of Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari. Participants included lecturers, chemistry education students, and teachers from the Banjarmasin Chemistry MGMP.
The program commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Universitas Negeri Semarang and the three partner universities in Banjarmasin. On this occasion, three 3D printers were also handed over from Sogang University through Universitas Negeri Semarang, to be utilized for the development of laboratories and learning media at the partner universities.
Following the MoA ceremony, a series of community service activities were conducted. Prof. Dr. Edy Cahyono, M.Sc., opened the session with a presentation on the importance of reengineering chemical synthesis pathways for environmental sustainability. This was followed by a workshop delivered by Harjito, M.Sc., introducing the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in chemistry education.
Participants then engaged in small-scale chemistry practices led by Endah Fitriani Rahayu, M.Sc., Devy Lestari, M.Pd., and Ridho Prasetyo, S.Si., which emphasized environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective laboratory experiments. The first day concluded with an Ethno-STEM training session by Prof. Dr. Woro Sumarni, M.Sc., which integrates science, technology, and local wisdom as the basis for contextual learning.
On the second day, August 14, 2025, the Universitas Negeri Semarang and Sogang University community service team visited SMA Negeri 1 Alalak, Barito Kuala Regency. Teachers and students took part in interactive and engaging chemistry training.
One of the most appealing sessions was a workshop on producing eco-friendly aromatherapy candles from used cooking oil, under the theme “From Waste Oil to Wellness.” In addition, students participated in Life Skills Chemistry practices through simple microscale experiments that demonstrated the relevance of chemistry in everyday life.
The program received enthusiastic responses from participants. A lecturer from Lambung Mangkurat University stated that the activity broadened knowledge while inspiring the development of more innovative chemistry learning. A teacher from the Banjarmasin Chemistry MGMP highlighted that small-scale workshops were highly beneficial because they can be directly applied in school laboratories at lower cost and with greater safety. Students of SMA N 1 Alalak also expressed their excitement in learning to make eco-friendly candles from used cooking oil and experiencing how chemistry can be useful in daily life.
Through this international community service program, Universitas Negeri Semarang reaffirms its commitment as a world-class university to strengthening global networks, supporting the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, and advancing inclusive, innovative, and sustainable education in line with its conservation vision.
This program also reflects the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
