Sentani, Papua (Antara): Cenderawasih University (Uncen) in Papua Province is helping residents of Yoboy and Kehiran villages recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel as part of its community outreach program, reports Antara Industrial News Agency.
Lecturers, students, teachers, and local reading groups joined hands to teach families how to transform waste oil into clean, affordable fuel.
“This knowledge can help households meet their daily energy needs,” said Yohanis Mandik, a science lecturer and head of the community service team, during a demonstration in Yoboy Village, Sentani Subdistrict, Jayapura District, on Sunday.
Mandik explained that reusing cooking oil is harmful to health and discarding it pollutes the environment. “We’re showing an easy way to turn it into biodiesel that can power lamps and stoves,” he said.
Local youth leader Jems Gustaf Tokoro said the program provides practical knowledge to the community. “We hope this can reach other villages around Lake Sentani,” he said.
Hanny Felle, leader of Yoboy’s local energy group, added that residents welcomed the initiative and saw opportunities for both households and small businesses. “It’s a smart way to turn waste into something useful,” she said.
The workshop included hands-on training in filtering oil and producing biodiesel with simple tools and ingredients. The fuel can be used for cooking and lighting, especially in areas with limited access to electricity.
Uncen officials said the project is part of broader efforts to promote self-reliance and environmental awareness in Papua.
“It’s not only about fuel—it’s about helping communities make the most of what they already have,” Mandik said.
