Polije Lecturers Empower Klungkung Farmers to Turn Coffee Waste into Organic Fertilizer and Boost Digital Branding

A team of lecturers from Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) carried out a farmer empowerment program in Klungkung Village, Sukorambi Subdistrict, Jember Regency. The initiative focused on processing coffee pulp waste into liquid organic fertilizer (POC) and strengthening the digital marketing of local coffee products.

The program was led by Elly Daru Ika Wilujeng, S.P., M.Si., with team members Hanif Fatur Rohman, S.P., M.P., and Dewi Fatmawaty Sabiku, S.P., M.Si. It received funding support from the 2025 DPPM program under the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Ditjen Diktiristek) and partnered with the Santoso Lestari Forest Farmer Group (KTH).

Team leader Elly Daru Ika Wilujeng emphasized the importance of innovation in waste management.

“For years, coffee pulp has been considered waste. In fact, when processed into liquid organic fertilizer, it can significantly benefit both agriculture and the environment,” she explained.

In addition to fertilizer processing, the lecturers trained farmers in packaging design, brand identity development, and digital marketing strategies using social media and online marketplaces.

According to team member Hanif Fatur Rohman, the initiative represents a step toward circular economy practices at the farmer level.

“We aim to help farmers create new and sustainable business opportunities from coffee waste,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dewi Fatmawaty Sabiku highlighted the importance of branding and digital outreach.

“Local products must have a strong brand identity. With digital marketing, Klungkung coffee can compete in wider markets,” she noted.

Through this program, Polije hopes that Klungkung farmers will be able to independently process coffee waste, strengthen the competitiveness of their local coffee products, and develop a sustainable agricultural model based on local innovation. The initiative also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty, Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action.