Klaten, 26 July 2024 – Students of Field Study and Community Service (KKN) Team II Undip Term 2023/2024 conduct training activities to make dishwasher soap for the Turus UMKM Association “Satu Hati”. At the event, a student of Diponegoro University’s Chemistry study program, Anggita Hastuti Pratiwi, acted as a presenter of the event.
This activity was carried out to help overcome the problems faced by Turus UMKM Association related to the production of dishwasher soap that was conducted sometime earlier. People complained that the dishwasher soap produced was not as effective as the commercial dishwashing soap where there was little foam produced, the soap viscosity was not satisfactory enough, and it felt rough on the hands.
The activity that took place was not only a demonstration of making dishwashing soap, there was also an explanation about the function of chemicals that are used in the making of dishwashing soap. In addition, KKN students provided a strategy for producing dishwasher soaps that effectively remove dirt, but still give softness to the hands by introducing a chemical that is often forgotten in the production of homemade dishwashing soap: glycerin.
This activity received a positive response from the Turus UMKM Association. The enthusiasm of the participants was shown during the demonstration of making dishwashing soap. Participants not only watch the production process closely but also participate in helping during the process.
Mr. Agus Winarno, a member of the Turus UMKM Association “Satu Hati”, stated that the activities were very helpful in solving the problems they have faced so far. “This activity provides new knowledge for us in the production of dishwashing soap,” added Mr. Agus. The produced soap also received good reviews from participants. One of the participants said, “The produced soap this time has more foam, more similar to commercial soap”. Furthermore, the dish soap that was made was displayed at the Polanharjo District UMKM Exhibition in the framework of the 220th Anniversary of Klaten.
The implementation of these activities is expected to help the people to continue to innovate and utilize local resources as a form of increasing welfare and economic independence in the village of Turus.
Writer: Anggita Hastuti Pratiwi (Student of KKN Undip)
