Community Empowerment through Durian Peel Waste Processing for Soil Amendment Development in the DURI MAS Programme in Air Mesu Village

Abstract

Durian peel waste from consumption and food processing in Air Mesu Village, Central Bangka Regency, requires management that connects environmental improvement with community capacity building. This article describes the DURI MAS programme facilitated by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Aviation Fuel Terminal Depati Amir to process durian peel into a liquid product being developed as a soil amendment. A participatory approach comprised needs assessment, infrastructure provision, training, field application, and monitoring and evaluation. The main partners were the Bukit Nek Ayam Forest Farmer Group and Mitra Sejahtera Village-Owned Enterprise. Reported processing stages included collection, shredding into 2–3 cm pieces, fermentation with microorganisms and molasses, liquid separation, and distribution for field application. The programme reported a 15-hectare demonstration area, a 20–30% reduction in chemical fertiliser use, a 50% reduction in organic waste, and an estimated emission reduction of 0.68 tonnes CO₂e. These figures cannot yet be independently verified because baseline data, measurement periods, and calculation records were not presented. Identification of the product as humic acid also requires testing. The programme provides activities for waste-processing skills development and group capacity building, while agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits require further evaluation.