Bengkalis, October 13, 2024 – A team of lecturers from the Department of Sociology at Riau University (UNRI) initiated the formation of the "Kampung Kelor" (Moringa Village) in Dusun Mekar Jaya, Sungai Nibung Village, as part of a community service program. This initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at empowering the villagers through the cultivation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera), which is known for its various benefits, both economically, ecologically, and health-wise.
Led by Drs. Yoskar Kadarisman, M.Si, the team includes Dr. Achmad Hidir, M.Si, Dr. Hesti Asriwandari, M.Si, Rina Susanti, S.Sos., M.Si, and Teguh Widodo, S.Sos., M.Si. They chose Dusun Mekar Jaya as the pilot project due to its great potential and the openness of the community to innovation, on Saturday (October 12, 2024).
The program emerged in response to the village's frequent issues with drought and flooding, exacerbated by the flow of the Bakung River and the Siak Kecil River that pass through the area.
Over three days, from October 10 to 12, 2024, the team conducted various activities, such as erecting the "Kampung Kelor" gate at the entrance of the village, with assistance from the village youth and students, collecting secondary data, and the main event on Saturday (October 12, 2024) which included a socialization session and the distribution of 130 superior Moringa seedlings to the villagers. A total of 37 villagers gathered at the yard of the Head of Dusun Mekar Jaya, showing great enthusiasm for the program.
Yoskar Kadarisman explained that this initiative is one of the academics' contributions to improving community welfare. “We hope that each household in this village can plant at least one Moringa tree. With a total of 86 households, we believe Kampung Kelor can develop into a new economic source for the residents,” he stated. Furthermore, he expressed that Dusun Mekar Jaya has the potential to become the Moringa Village of Bengkalis Regency.
Additionally, Teguh Widodo and Rina Susanti explained the benefits of the Moringa plant to the villagers. "Moringa has many benefits, from retaining soil moisture to absorbing carbon. Its leaves can also be processed into various economically valuable products, such as tea, ice cream, and Moringa pudding," they explained.
The Head of Dusun Mekar Jaya, Mr. Iskandar, expressed his support and gratitude for selecting their village as a pilot location. “We are committed to planting and nurturing these Moringa seedlings so that our village can truly become a Moringa Village. We hope this program can create new business opportunities and make Moringa products a flagship of Sungai Nibung Village, especially in Dusun Mekar Jaya,” said Iskandar.
A villager, Mrs. Elli, was delighted as she had only known Moringa as a mystical plant, but now realized it has many benefits. “This is the first time I've seen what Moringa looks like. I'm happy and now I know its benefits. I’ll plant the seedling I received in my yard,” said Elli.
In addition to collaborating with the villagers, the service team also involved four students in the program as a form of synergy and field experience transfer.
(Amanda)