Community Engagement Event Promotes Healthy Meatballs with Natural Ingredients

In a heartwarming initiative aimed at empowering the local community, the village of Srikaton, Central Bengkulu Regency in collaboration with the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) group, the Lecturers of Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture University of Bengkulu, and dedicated members of the community, recently organized a community engagement event. The event not only served as a knowledge-sharing platform but also fostered the spirit of innovation and collaboration.

For the PKK members in Srikaton, this initiative provided a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills. They learned to craft nutritious meatballs using natural ingredients, specifically the powdered leaves of the Senduduk plant. The event aimed to boost the skills and knowledge of the village residents, particularly in the production of healthy meatballs incorporating Senduduk leaf powder. The Faculty of Agriculture, as an educational institution, also reaped the benefits of this engagement, enhancing its reputation and reinforcing its commitment to community well-being. Meanwhile, the participating faculty members and students had the chance to apply their academic knowledge and technological expertise in a practical setting. Lastly, the broader Srikaton community was introduced to innovations in the production of meatballs by incorporating Senduduk leaf powder.

This remarkable community engagement event unfolded at the Srikaton Village Hall, situated in the Pondok Kelapa district of Central Bengkulu Regency on Monday, October 2, 2023. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 20 members of the local PKK. The faculty members participating in this event were Dr. Suharyanto, S.Pt., M.Si., Dr. Bieng Brata, M.P., and Woki Bilyaro, S.Pt., M.Si.

The event commenced with an insightful presentation, which shed light on the significance of healthy meatballs for the community. Creating these nutritious meatballs involved incorporating Senduduk leaf powder, known for its health benefits, into the recipe. The presentation encompassed the entire process of crafting these healthy meatballs and the preparation of Senduduk leaf powder.

Following the presentation, the gathering engaged in lively discussions and a productive question-and-answer session. Attendees displayed remarkable enthusiasm, posing numerous queries related to healthy meatballs with Senduduk leaf powder. This keen interest arose due to the village’s ongoing efforts to promote healthy eating habits, particularly to combat the issue of stunting, making this initiative highly relevant to the pressing issue of stunting in Indonesia.

After the informative discussion, the event transitioned to a practical demonstration of healthy meatball preparation using Senduduk leaf powder. Students and willing participants were actively involved in the hands-on process, allowing them to learn the intricacies of the craft. Throughout the preparation, questions regarding the material and technical aspects were addressed.

This community engagement event not only imparted valuable knowledge and skills but also reinforced the sense of community and shared responsibility in Srikaton. It served as a shining example of how collaboration between educational institutions, community organizations, and local residents can lead to positive change and innovation, all while addressing important health-related issues like stunting. []