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This research aims to analyze the role of the Special Job Exchange (BKK) in increasing the absorption of Palembang City State Vocational School alumni in the world of work. BKK is one of the units that supports the labor absorption process by connecting the world of education and the world of industry. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method involving primary data through in-depth interviews with BKK, alumni and collaborating companies. The research results show that BKK has a significant role in facilitating Palembang City State Vocational School alumni in obtaining employment opportunities. Apart from that, BKK also provides training and information regarding job vacancies that are relevant to the skills possessed by alumni. However, several challenges are still faced, such as a lack of certain skills needed by companies and limited collaboration networks with the industrial world. This research recommends the need to improve the quality of training and expand the cooperation network between vocational schools and the industrial world to increase the effectiveness of BKK in accelerating workforce absorption.  

This study examines the impact of industrial activities in Bontang City, a major center for natural gas processing and fertilizer production, which potentially increases heavy metal contamination in coastal waters. Specifically, the research focuses on the accumulation of lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) in Anadara granosa, a benthic bivalve selected as a bioindicator due to its capacity to accumulate pollutants. The study aims to analyze Pb and Cu concentrations in Anadara granosa tissues collected from the waters of Selangan Hamlet, Bontang City, as an indicator of local environmental quality. The research was conducted over a six-month period, involving shellfish and water sampling from four observation stations. Heavy metal analysis was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, and the results were evaluated against relevant environmental quality standards, including Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2021. The findings revealed the presence of Pb and Cu at all sampling stations, with varying concentrations. The highest Pb and Cu levels were recorded at the South Station, while the lowest concentrations were observed at the East and North Stations. Overall, the measured concentrations of both metals significantly exceeded established safety limits, indicating serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These results confirm Anadara granosa as an effective bioindicator of heavy metal pollution and highlight the urgent need for further studies and mitigation efforts.

During the coal stockpiling process, the quality of coal may increase or decrease due to direct exposure to open environmental conditions, which can lead to changes in its characteristics. The longer the coal is stored in an open area, the more it undergoes changes caused by rainfall, heat, and air exposure, resulting in an increase in moisture content and ash content, while the calorific value decreases. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the optimal coal stockpiling duration at the ROM coal stockpile to ensure that the calorific value does not significantly decrease. Coal sampling was carried out every two days from the initial time of stockpiling. After a two-month stockpiling period, the final coal quality results showed a total moisture of 13.89% (ar), inherent moisture of 15.95% (ad), ash content of 4.59% (ad), volatile matter of 40.3% (ad), and fixed carbon of 39.16% (ad). Based on these results, it can be concluded that the recommended storage duration for MCV-HS type coal at the ROM coal stockpile is 154 days. The laboratory analysis results obtained during the research indicate that the longer the coal is stored, the higher the moisture content and ash content become, while the calorific value continues to decrease. This occurs due to water absorption and oxidation reactions that take place during the coal storage period in the ROM coal stockpile.

The use of sengon albasia ash waste as a partial cement substitute in concrete production is carried out to reduce combustion waste and also reduce cement use. This study focuses on the use of sengon albasia wood ash waste. The use of sengon albasia wood ash as a cement substitute causes a significant decrease in the slump test value. The use of sengon albasia wood ash as a partial cement substitute in concrete mixes actually produces different results depending on the proportion. If added as much as 10%, the concrete's compressive strength actually increases, but if it reaches 20% or 30%, the compressive strength actually decreases. This occurs because this type of wood ash has a significant water absorption capacity. As a result, the water that should be used for The chemical activity occurring between cement and water is diminished, so that the bond between the cement mixture as a binder and aggregate as a filler is reduced, and ultimately the concrete's compressive strength also decreases.

Driven by the need for sustainable building materials with effective acoustic performance, this work investigates coconut-fiber-based cement-bonded particleboard as a bio-based alternative, evaluating its sound absorption and transmission characteristics to determine suitability for noise control in architectural and industrial applications while considering manufacturability, local material availability, and potential environmental benefits compared to conventional synthetic panels and providing guidance for designers and manufacturers across different climatic zones. This study aims to analyze the acoustic characteristics of coconut-fiber-based Cement-Bonded Particleboard (CBPB) through measurements of the Sound Absorption Coefficient (SAC, α) and Transmission Loss (TL). CBPB samples were fabricated with thickness variations of 12, 16, and 20 mm and tested using an impedance tube in accordance with ISO 10534-2:1998 and the ASTM E90-09 (2016) method. The results showed that the α value increased with both frequency and panel thickness, reaching a maximum of 0.78 at frequencies of 2500–3150 Hz for the 20 mm panel. The highest TL value reached 42 dB at a frequency of 4000 Hz. Coconut-fiber-based CBPB demonstrated strong potential as an eco-friendly structural acoustic material.

Thick leaf (Glochidion superbum) is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized by the community of East Panjang Island for the treatment of wounds, pain, and ulcers. This research was conducted to isolate the major compounds present in the ethyl acetate fraction of thick leaf and to assess its antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The plant leaves were first cleaned, dried, and powdered, followed by maceration extraction using methanol, which resulted in an extract yield of 16.42%. The crude extract was fractionated by column chromatography using EtOAc and MeOH eluents with ratios of 9:1 (K1), 4:1 (K2), 1:4 (K3), and 1:9 (K4). UV–Vis spectrophotometric analysis showed an absorption peak at 288 nm, indicating the presence of phenolic compounds, identified as ferulic acid. Antioxidant testing using the DPPH method showed IC₅₀ values for fractions K1, K2, K3, and K4 of 12.981, 5.159, 9.658, and 10.971 µg/mL, respectively, with vitamin C as a positive control (3.563 µg/mL). Fraction K2 showed the strongest antioxidant activity. These results indicate that thick leaf contains ferulic acid with very strong antioxidant activity and has potential as a natural antioxidant source.

Indonesia is one of the countries with abundant availability of palm fiber composite, yet its application in advanced material technology remains limited. On the other hand, most motorcycle helmets available in the market are made from ABS plastic, which has limitations in impact energy absorption and may increase the risk of head injuries during accidents. This study aims to develop helmet composites based on palm fiber and epoxy resin by varying the fiber volume fractions (15%, 25%, and 35%) and alkali soaking durations (75, 150, 225, and 300 minutes). The impact strength test results showed that the combination of 35% fiber volume and 225-minute alkali soaking produced the highest specific impact energy (SIP) of 0.142 J/mm². As a comparison, SNI-compliant helmets made from ABS plastic only reached an EPS value of 0.00972 J/mm², indicating that palm fiber-based composite helmets could improve impact energy absorption efficiency by more than 14 times. The results conclude that increasing the fiber volume fraction and optimizing the alkali treatment duration significantly enhances the impact resistance, making ijuk-based composite helmets a promising alternative for safer and more eco-friendly protective gear.

Supercapacitor electrode material bassed on Pelepah Enceng Gondok Activated Carbon (KAPEG have been developed for increasing the performance of the supercapacitor application. The activated carbon surface structure and its properties strongly depend on the pyrolysis temperature and the type of activation methods. The bamboo carbon has been fabricated using pyrolysis method. The KAPEG was produced using chemical activation with H3PO4 as activation agent with variation of temperature activation 750oc have been carried out. Characterization of the surface structure (functional groups vibration) of bamboo carbon (CB) pyrolysis and the Pelepah enceng Gonddok activated carbon (KAPEG) were carried out using FTIR. The aim of this research is  to identify the functional groups vibration. he FTIR rssults shows absorption peeaks of functional groups of -OH, C=O, C-O, C-H and C-C vibration. The increasing of wavenumber of absorption peaks of functional groups -OH stretching, C=O stretching and C-H indicate that the functional groups bond for KAPEG samples becomes more stronger than for KPEG sample. The conclusion of this research are: the increasing of wavenumber of absorption peaks for functional groups indicates of more stronger of functional groups bond.

Job opportunities are available for prospective workers who are looking for work. The existence of job opportunities in an area will greatly open up opportunities for labor absorption, such as opening job opportunities for local inter-worker (AKL) workers, which is the placement of workers between regencies/cities working within one province. The research method used in this study is a descriptive research method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were carried out through interviews, observations, and documentation at the Pematang Siantar City Manpower Office. All data obtained will be analyzed qualitatively with all data collected using the theory of Fred R. David (2019), namely Strategy Implementation with 3 variables, namely Strategy Development, Human Resource Allocation, and Determining Budget Funds. Based on the research that has been conducted, it can be seen that the Pematang Siantar City Manpower Office has attempted to provide the best solution by designing several programs to provide more job opportunities. Viewed from the development strategy perspective, the Manpower Office has realized several work programs such as job fair events held, competency-based training programs that are already running, and focusing on information about the labor market. The analysis revealed several shortcomings, including the government's inconsistency in implementing the program. Furthermore, the government's human resource allocation has been unable to improve the quality of human resources, particularly in Pematang Siantar City. Furthermore, the government's budget allocation has been ineffective in determining appropriate funding, resulting in limited funding and ineffective program implementation.

This study investigates the impact of population growth and the Human Development Index (HDI) on economic growth and unemployment in East Kalimantan Province using path analysis with secondary data from 2014–2023. Population growth and human development are two critical demographic and socio-economic factors that often generate complex effects on regional economic performance. The results indicate that population growth has a negative and significant effect on economic growth, highlighting the pressure that rapid demographic expansion places on natural resources, infrastructure, and employment absorption capacity. Conversely, HDI demonstrates a positive and significant relationship with economic growth, suggesting that improvements in education, health, and income contribute to higher productivity and competitiveness. On the other hand, the direct effect of population growth and HDI on unemployment is negative but statistically insignificant, which implies that the availability of jobs and structural conditions of the labor market are more influential than demographic changes alone. Interestingly, economic growth shows a negative and significant effect on unemployment, supporting the classical theory that sustained economic expansion generates employment opportunities and reduces joblessness. Mediation tests reveal that economic growth does not significantly mediate the relationship between population growth or HDI and unemployment, underscoring that unemployment dynamics in East Kalimantan are influenced by broader structural factors such as sectoral concentration, policy effectiveness, and industrial diversification. These findings highlight the importance of integrating demographic management, human capital development, and sectoral economic strategies in policy formulation. Strengthening human development while controlling excessive population growth can provide a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic progress in East Kalimantan.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Potassium Fertilizer and Chicken Manure on the Growth, Production and Potassium Absorption of Sweet Corn Plants. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) consisting of 2 factors. The first factor is Potassium Fertilizer (K) consisting of 4 levels, namely:K0 = Control (Without fertilizer), K1 = 7.2 g/plot, K2 = 14.4 g/plot, K3 = 21.6 g/plot. The second factor of Chicken Manure Fertilizer (C) consists of 3 treatment levels, namely: C1 = 2160 g/plot, C2 = 2880 g/plot, C3 = 3600 g/plot. The results of this study indicate thatPotassium fertilizer treatment had a significant effect onplant height, weight of cobs with husks per plant, weight of cobs per plot.The treatment of chicken manure has a significant effect onplant height, weight of cobs with husks per plant, and weight of cobs per plot.The interaction between potassium fertilizer and chicken manure had no significant effect on all observation parameters.

South Sumatra is a province with high natural resource potential in the palm oil plantation sector. The increasing demand for palm oil has led to many companies operating in this sector. One such plantation company is PT. Agro Muara Rupit, located in Rawas Ulu District, North Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province. This research is important because plantations are not only assessed from a commercial perspective, but must also have a positive impact on environmental sustainability. One environmentally conscious design concept is ecological architecture. Ecological architecture plays a role in protecting ecosystems from damage and creating comfort for residents from a physical, social, and economic perspective. This research aims to create environmentally conscious residential designs by applying ecological architecture concepts, ensuring the preservation of the natural environment. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method with stages namely problem identification, data collection, analysis, and concept development, then the concept is implemented into the design. The results of this study are the implementation of four aspects of the ecological architecture concept in residential environments, including through natural ventilation and lighting systems by creating openings in the building, energy savings by using solar panels, the use of natural materials in the building mass such as clay, wood and bamboo, and the application of a bio pore system as water absorption.

Household waste management, especially organic waste, remains a major problem in many regions, including Pematang Guntung Village, Teluk Mengkudu District, Serdang Bedagai Regency. Improperly managed organic waste has the potential to cause unpleasant odors, environmental pollution, and become a source of disease. Therefore, an appropriate and environmentally friendly solution is needed to overcome this issue. This study aims to examine how the application of the biopore method can serve as a strategy to create a cleaner environment while simultaneously improving soil fertility. The research method used was qualitative, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively to illustrate the implementation of biopores in the community. The results showed that the application of biopores was able to significantly reduce the volume of household organic waste. Organic waste placed into biopore holes naturally decomposed into compost, which is beneficial as an environmentally friendly fertilizer. In addition, biopores improved soil water absorption capacity, which helps reduce waterlogging during the rainy season and maintain soil moisture. From a social perspective, biopores encouraged the development of new awareness among community members regarding the importance of waste management. This was demonstrated by the active participation of residents in creating, utilizing, and maintaining biopore holes sustainably. Thus, biopores function not only as a technical solution for organic waste management but also as an environmental education tool that strengthens community collaboration in maintaining cleanliness and enhancing soil fertility in their area.

Concrete roof tiles are an important material in building construction, particularly for roofing work, due to their advantages in terms of strength, durability, and material availability. This study aims to analyze two main physical characteristics of concrete roof tiles, namely bending load and water absorption, using a literature review approach from various previous studies. Bending load refers to the material's ability to withstand bending forces, while water absorption describes the material's capacity to absorb and store water through its pores. These two properties significantly influence the quality and durability of roof tiles in facing external environmental conditions, especially wet-dry cycles and mechanical loads. The results of the literature review indicate that the use of waste as an aggregate substitute in concrete mixes can significantly improve the performance of concrete roof tiles. For example, research using broken roof tiles and ceramic waste as aggregate substitutes successfully increased flexural strength to a range of 12.5–15.0 MPa. Meanwhile, variations in water absorption were recorded in the range of 4%–8%, depending on the material composition and production method. This proves that the use of recycled materials not only supports sustainability but also improves the mechanical and physical properties of concrete roof tiles. Overall, this study underscores the importance of material innovation in concrete roof tile production, particularly utilizing waste as an alternative aggregate. However, further research is needed to explore the best combination of materials and production techniques for producing high-quality, efficient, and environmentally friendly concrete roof tiles.

The use of organic materials as fertilizers is an important effort to improve soil fertility and crop productivity sustainably. Gliricidia sepium (gamal leaves) is a leguminous plant rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and contains bioactive compounds and microbes that support plant growth. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) made from fermented gamal leaves offers advantages including ease of application, high nutrient absorption by plants, and environmental friendliness compared to synthetic chemical fertilizers that may cause pollution and other negative impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LOF from gamal leaves on the growth and yield of Japanese cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The research was conducted at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, UKI Toraja, South Sulawesi, from April to July 2025. The LOF was produced by fermenting gamal leaves for 15 days using EM-4 solution and palm sugar as activators. The LOF was applied three times at two-week intervals, starting at 7 days after planting (DAP), by soil drenching around the base of the plants. Observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, number of fruits per plant and per plot, average fruit diameter and length, and fruit weight per plant and per plot. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 0.05 significance level. The results showed that application of LOF from gamal leaves at a dose of 300 ml per plant produced the best results across all observed parameters, including plant height, leaf number and area, stem diameter, fruit number, fruit size, and fruit weight per plant and per plot.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple food that is widely consumed by the Indonesian population, especially in rural areas. However, during post-harvest handling and storage, cassava is highly susceptible to contamination by microorganisms, particularly fungi. These fungi can cause damage to the food, reduce its nutritional quality, and even produce mycotoxins that are harmful to human health. The increased risk of contamination has become an important concern in efforts to improve the quality and safety of cassava food products. This study aimed to identify the morphology of fungal colonies and the characteristics of fungal cell walls isolated from cassava stored in open environmental conditions for several days. The methods used in this study included isolation using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media, macroscopic observation of fungal colony morphology, including color, edge, elevation, and texture, as well as Gram staining to observe the fungal cell wall properties. The results of this study revealed a diversity of fungal colony morphology, with three dominant types suspected to belong to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus. Gram staining showed that the three isolates were characterized as Gram-negative, indicated by the absorption of safranin as the secondary stain. This study provides an initial overview of the types of fungi that may develop on cassava during storage, and it offers a foundation for further studies on the toxicity and food microbiology applications related to cassava. Morphological identification and Gram staining play an essential role in the initial screening before molecular identification is performed.

This study investigates the potential of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste as a partial substitute for sand in concrete block mixtures, focusing on its effects on compressive strength and water absorption. LDPE is a non-biodegradable plastic waste that poses significant environmental challenges. Its incorporation into construction materials offers a promising solution to reduce pollution while enhancing the performance of building components. The research employed LDPE substitution levels of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by weight of sand, compared against conventional concrete blocks without LDPE. Experimental results revealed that the highest compressive strength was achieved with a 15% LDPE mixture, reaching 80.762 kg/cm² at 28 days of curing—an increase of approximately 40.8% compared to normal blocks, which recorded 57.359 kg/cm². LDPE additions up to 20% maintained favorable strength characteristics, while higher proportions (25% and 30%) led to a decline in mechanical performance. In terms of water absorption, the inclusion of LDPE demonstrated a decreasing trend, attributed to the hydrophobic nature of plastic, which enhances moisture resistance in the concrete blocks. These findings suggest that a 15% LDPE substitution represents an optimal formulation for producing eco-friendly concrete blocks with improved strength and reduced water absorption. The study highlights the dual benefits of waste management and material innovation, aligning with sustainable development goals. By repurposing plastic waste into construction applications, this approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also contributes to the advancement of green building technologies. Further research is recommended to explore long-term durability, thermal properties, and scalability of LDPE-based concrete products in real-world construction settings.

This study investigates the influence of economic growth, investment, and minimum wage on the open unemployment rate across districts and cities in East Kalimantan Province. The research employs a quantitative descriptive approach with panel data regression analysis, processed using EViews 13 software. Model selection was carried out through the Chow and Hausman tests, which identified the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) as the most appropriate estimation technique. The study utilizes secondary data from 2018 to 2024, obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office of East Kalimantan Province. The empirical findings demonstrate that economic growth exerts a negative and statistically significant impact on the open unemployment rate, indicating that higher economic growth effectively contributes to reducing unemployment in the region. Foreign Investment (PMA) is found to have a negative but insignificant effect, suggesting that inflows of foreign capital alone do not directly translate into job creation unless accompanied by supporting policies and local labor absorption capacity. In contrast, Domestic Investment (PMDN) shows a positive yet statistically insignificant relationship with unemployment, reflecting the possibility that domestic investments may not always generate sufficient employment opportunities in the short term due to structural constraints or sectoral imbalances. Furthermore, the minimum wage variable has a negative and significant effect on the open unemployment rate, implying that increases in the regional minimum wage can stimulate greater employment absorption and improve labor market conditions. Overall, the results highlight the importance of fostering sustained economic growth and designing investment policies that are more labor-intensive to optimize employment creation. Additionally, the findings emphasize the strategic role of minimum wage policy in supporting job opportunities while safeguarding workers’ welfare.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Indonesia's economy with a contribution of around 60% to the Gross Domestic Product and the absorption of more than 90% of the national workforce. In the culinary sector, MSMEs face various challenges, especially in terms of limited access to technology, efficient logistics management, and the implementation of hygiene practices that meet standards. This community service activity aims to empower culinary MSMEs through a structured and comprehensive approach that includes technology training, managerial capacity building, and the implementation of food safety standards. The method of implementing activities consists of three main stages: (1) preparation and planning, (2) implementation of training and mentoring, and (3) evaluation and follow-up. The training is focused on the use of digital technology for business operations, financial and logistics management, and hygiene practices in food production. Mentoring is carried out intensively to ensure that knowledge and skills transfer is effective. The results of the activity showed a significant increase in the understanding and skills of culinary MSME actors. Partners are able to adopt simple technology to support business operations, improve management systems, and implement better hygiene practices. In addition, this activity succeeded in building a collaborative network between MSMEs, academics, local governments, and the private sector, which strengthened the local business ecosystem. However, challenges in the form of limited financial resources and the need for ongoing assistance are still major concerns. Overall, this program makes a real contribution to increasing the competitiveness of culinary MSMEs, encouraging local economic growth, and supporting the development of an inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem based on community empowerment.

Poverty remains a structural issue and a major challenge in economic development, including in Bali Province, particularly in the strategic Sarbagita region (Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan). This region plays a significant role in supporting regional economic growth but still faces socioeconomic disparities, including a relatively high poverty rate. Several fundamental factors—such as limited investment in productive sectors, high unemployment rates, low quality of education, and uneven economic growth—are the primary causes of this issue. Targeted government expenditure policies and investment strategies directed toward areas with the potential to generate employment are expected to reduce poverty levels. This study aims to analyze the effect of Special Allocation Funds (DAK) and investment on employment absorption and poverty levels in the Sarbagita region of Bali Province from 2009 to 2023. The data used in this research are secondary data obtained from the Revenue Department, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in the Sarbagita Regional Area, and the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of Bali Province. The analytical tool used in this study is path analysis with the assistance of SPSS software. The results indicate that DAK does not have a positive and significant effect on employment absorption in the Sarbagita region. Investment has a positive and significant effect on employment absorption. Employment absorption has a negative and significant effect on poverty levels in the region. DAK does not have a significant effect on poverty through employment absorption, whereas investment does have a significant effect on poverty through employment absorption in the Sarbagita region.