Transforming the Potential of Coconut Water into Business Opportunities in Bontolempangan Village
Coconut is one of the local commodities with considerable potential in Kepulauan Selayar. Beyond its conventional use, coconut water can be developed into value-added products that support household income and community-based entrepreneurship. This potential has become the foundation of a community service program conducted in Bontolempangan Village, Buki District, Kepulauan Selayar.
The program, entitled “Strengthening the Capacity of Dasawisma Groups through Assistance in the Production and Business Management of Coconut Water-Based Products to Support Household Income Improvement in Bontolempangan Village, Buki District, Kepulauan Selayar,” was initiated by Ariella Ramadhani Putri, S.P., M.Si., a lecturer at the Food Agribusiness Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Hasanuddin.
This initiative received funding through the Universitas Hasanuddin Community Service Grant Program 2026, under the Community Partnership Program scheme. The program reflects the important role of higher education institutions in supporting community empowerment through practical, knowledge-based assistance.
The main focus of the program is to strengthen the capacity of Dasawisma groups by providing assistance in coconut water processing, production management, packaging, basic financial recording, and business management. Through this approach, community members are not only encouraged to produce processed coconut water products, but also to understand how to manage these products as sustainable household-based businesses.
This community service activity is particularly relevant for empowering women at the village level. Dasawisma groups play a strategic role in household welfare, community participation, and local economic development. By improving their skills in production and business management, the program is expected to create new opportunities for additional household income.
In addition, the program supports the utilization of local agricultural resources in a more productive and sustainable manner. Coconut water, which is often underutilized, can be transformed into marketable products with higher economic value. This process contributes to strengthening local agribusiness and encouraging community innovation.
Through this initiative, Universitas Hasanuddin demonstrates its commitment to connecting academic knowledge with real community needs. The program is expected to provide practical benefits for the people of Bontolempangan Village and serve as a model for community-based agribusiness development in rural areas.
Overall, the assistance provided through this program is expected to strengthen the independence of Dasawisma groups, improve household economic resilience, and promote the development of local coconut-based products in Kepulauan Selayar.