Integrating Waste Banks and MISEWA Production for Circular Economy-Based Community Empowerment: An Indonesia–Malaysia Cross-National Collaboration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33394/jpu.v7i4.22397Keywords:
Waste Bank, MISEWA, Circular Economy, Cross-National Collaboration, Community Empowerment, Participatory Action ResearchAbstract
This community service program aims to examine the implementation of a waste bank and the production of MISEWA (Minyak Sereh Wangi, or citronella oil) as a circular economy-based community empowerment model through Indonesia–Malaysia cross-national collaboration. The program was implemented in Limo Village, Limo Subdistrict, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach was employed using a mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 25 members of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) and environmental cadres serving as primary community partners through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and questionnaires. Data analysis followed a convergent mixed-methods approach, integrating paired-samples t-tests and percentage-gain calculations to assess changes in participants’ capacities, alongside thematic analysis of qualitative reflection data. The findings indicate that the waste bank initiative supported behavioral change in waste management through knowledge-based interventions, infrastructure provision, and incentive mechanisms. Meanwhile, MISEWA production demonstrated the potential to transform locally available resources into economically viable products. Collaboration between Indonesian and Malaysian universities facilitated reciprocal knowledge exchange, strengthened social capital, and enhanced institutional capacity on both sides. The program also highlighted the central role of women, who actively participated throughout all stages of implementation. Overall, the findings demonstrate how cross-national university partnerships can contribute to community empowerment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The program recommends replicating and adapting this model in other communities across the ASEAN region, alongside longitudinal evaluations to assess the long-term sustainability of its impacts.
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