UNAIR NEWS The Nanotechnology Engineering Program at the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), (UNAIR), held a community service initiative to help batik artisans in Batu City manage dye waste that threatens the environment, Saturday (Sept. 20, 2025).
Challenge of batik waste
Batik production in Batu has grown rapidly, earning international recognition. While the industry has boosted the local economy, it has also created environmental concerns. Wastewater from the dyeing process contains toxic chemicals that can pollute water, damage ecosystems, and pose long-term health risks, including digestive problems and cancer.
Nano-carbon innovation from coconut shells
To tackle the issue, UNAIR檚 team, in collaboration with local MSMEs, introduced carbon-based nanomaterials made from coconut shells. The material is produced through controlled burning and refined with a ball mill, creating particles with a high surface area that makes them highly absorbent. This allows the nano-carbon to effectively capture harmful dye chemicals before wastewater is discharged.
Twenty-one batik MSMEs joined the program at SLB Eka Mulia, which included workshops on nano-carbon production, live demonstrations, and interactive discussions. Each participant received a ready-to-use nano-carbon package for immediate use in their operations. 淚 had no idea coconut waste could be used to treat batik dye wastewater, one artisan said.
The program also involved students with disabilities from SLB Eka Mulia, who participated in the batik-making process. This collaboration highlighted how waste treatment efforts can support both environmental sustainability and inclusive community empowerment.
Contribution to SDGs
Program leader Tahta Amrillah, PhD, explained that nano-carbon technology helps artisans adopt sustainable production practices aligned with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while also supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
淭his program goes beyond technology攊t reshapes artisans awareness of environmental responsibility, Amrillah said. Mirza Ardella Saputra, PhD, added that the team is developing a nanotechnology-based wastewater treatment prototype that MSMEs can apply directly.
The event concluded with the presentation of a souvenir by FTMM Vice Dean III, Prastika Krisma Jiwanti, PhD. She hoped that the program will continue and lead to broader application of academic research. 淲ith nanotechnology, communities can manage waste independently. The goal is for Batu檚 batik industry to grow sustainably, without harming the environment, while strengthening Indonesia檚 role in achieving the SDGs, she said.
Author: Dara Devinta Faradhilla
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
