Empowerment and empowerment aspects of orphans through the Mandiri Entrepreneur Center Jakarta program

Background: This research is motivated by the condition of underprivileged orphans who are unable to pursue higher education and secure decent jobs due to the death of their parents and the poverty they experience. Meanwhile, the empowerment of underprivileged orphans, which is typically carried out by orphanages, is usually only done until they graduate from high school. Therefore, further empowerment is needed for underprivileged orphans to achieve their welfare. This research aims to explain the empowerment and aspects of power of underprivileged orphans developed through the Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Jakarta program. Methods: This research uses a qualitative and descriptive approach conducted from March to June 2024. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, participation observations, and literature studies involving twelve informants, namely four program implementers and eight students. Finding: The results of this research show that the empowerment of underprivileged orphans by MEC Jakarta, which focuses on digital business, consists of new student admissions, student orientation, education and training classes, service, internship, employment, and graduation. The process of empowering underprivileged orphans can be seen from increasing students' capacity, knowledge, skills, and learning motivation. A strength perspective is found in MEC Jakarta activities, which focus on developing the capacity and potential possessed by the underprivileged orphans as students. Empowerment is carried out so that the underprivileged orphans can have power. The aspects of power developed in this program are the power to make personal choices and determine life opportunities, define needs, think, access and utilize resources, and engage in economic activities. This power enables underprivileged orphans to improve their lives. Concluison: The empowerment process in MEC Jakarta emphasizes the potential of underprivileged orphans so that they can have aspects of empowerment in order to change their life for the better through employment. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty/originality of this article lies in analyzing MEC Jakarta’s empowerment model, which uniquely focuses on developing digital business skills to enhance underprivileged orphans’ power, choices, and economic independence

RETRACTED: Optimizing geothermal brine for balneological use: An integrated study of health, engineering, social, and economic dimesion

The Editorial Board of Journal of Innovation Materials, Energy, and Sustainable Engineering hereby retracts the article entitled “Optimizing geothermal brine for balneological use: An integrated study of health, engineering, social, and economic dimesion”, published in Vol. 3, No. 1, 2025 and accessible at https://journal-iasssf.com/index.php/JIMESE/article/view/2108. This decision follows confirmation of significant similarity with a previously prepared work by another research team, which had been presented at the IIGCE 2024 Conference. Although the earlier work was not formally published at the time of submission, data from that study were reused without proper authorization. The matter was reported to the Editorial Board in August 2025 and verified through internal review. At the request of the authors and in accordance with publication ethics, the Editorial Board has agreed to retract the article to maintain academic integrity and prevent redundant publication. We sincerely apologize to our readers, reviewers, and the wider academic community for any inconvenience caused.

Utilization of POME waste as a renewable energy source in the life cycle concept of palm oil biodiesel

Background: In 2024, Indonesia, an importer of crude oil and fuel, is shifting focus to renewable energy as fossil fuel production declines. This research aims to develop a life cycle concept for biodiesel production from palm oil, addressing environmental concerns related to emissions from FFB, CPO, and biodiesel production processes. Methods: The method used in this research is a combination of quantitative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) along with qualitative methods. Findings:  This research identifies and evaluates the alternative utilization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) waste with certain priority weights. The results showed that biodiesel production from palm oil requires various significant inputs, such as NPK fertilizer, herbicides, water, diesel, and Crude Palm Oil (CPO), resulting in environmental emissions in the form of CO2 of 1489 Kg CO2 (eq) per ton of biodiesel, as well as contributions to eutrophication and acidification. The LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) analysis also identified that the largest CO2 emissions came from POME waste (53%), followed by NPK fertilizer (23%), methanol (18%), and diesel oil (7%), while eutrophication and acidification indicated significant contributions from NPK fertilizer, methanol, diesel oil, and POME waste. These findings confirm the importance of utilizing POME waste as an optimal step to reduce CO2 emissions with a potential reduction of up to 667.2 Kg CO2 through a more sustainable biodiesel production life cycle concept. Conclusion: From this result, researchers recommend that palm oil companies start replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers to reduce environmental impacts, and encourage the utilization of POME waste at Palm Oil Mills as a source of biogas for renewable energy. At the biodiesel industry level, increasing the methanol recycling rate is proposed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions at the downstream stage of biodiesel production. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study identifies and evaluates alternatives for utilizing Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) waste with certain priority weights

Effectiveness of herbal toothpaste with Ambon Banana tree sap extract (Musa paradisiaca var. sapientum) on inhibiting the growth of streptococcus mutans serotype-d (omz-176) bacteria

Background: This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity of Ambon banana stem sap extract against Streptococcus mutans serotype-d (OMZ-176) and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of toothpaste formulated with Ambon banana stem sap extract, along with its antibacterial activity against S. mutans serotype-d (OMZ-176). Methods: This study involved the extraction of Ambon banana stem sap, its phytochemical and antibacterial testing, and the formulation of herbal toothpaste. Quality tests included homogeneity, viscosity, pH, foaming, and spreadability. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and ANOVA to assess effectiveness and product quality. Findings: The research employed an experimental method on a laboratory scale. Ambon banana stem sap extract inhibited the growth of S. mutans at concentrations of 600 mg/mL and 700 mg/mL, with inhibition zone diameters of 9.405 ± 0.0613 mm and 10.623 ± 0.0044 mm, respectively. Toothpaste containing Ambon banana stem sap extract at a concentration of 600 mg/mL exhibited characteristics of a creamy color, thick consistency, homogeneity, a pH of 9.4, foam height of 0.8 cm, viscosity of 196.58 dPa·s, and a spreadability of 3.65 cm. Meanwhile, toothpaste with a 700 mg/mL extract concentration had a brownish color, thick consistency, homogeneity, a pH of 9.43, foam height of 0.5 cm, viscosity of 196.65 dPa·s, and a spreadability of 3.38 cm. Both toothpaste formulations at 600 mg/mL and 700 mg/mL were effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans, with inhibition zone diameters of 13.6233 ± 0.8519 mm and 11.565 ± 0.8674 mm, respectively, categorized as strong inhibition. Novelty/Originality of this Study:This study presents an innovative approach to oral health by using Ambon banana stem sap as a fluoride alternative, showing strong antibacterial properties and offering a safer, natural option for effective oral care

Green open space planning based on spatial justice in Jakarta: Study of child friendly integrated public spaces/RPTRA and general green open space

Background: Urbanization has significantly reduced green open spaces in Jakarta, impacting ecological balance and quality of life. While the importance of green open spaces for urban quality of life is well understood, comprehensive studies on spatial justice related to the distribution and accessibility of green open spaces in major cities like Jakarta are still limited. This study aims to assess the distribution, accessibility, and government budget allocation for public green open spaces in South Jakarta, with a focus on spatial justice and equitable access. Method: Using GIS software, this study assesses the distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces, conducts descriptive analysis on government budget allocation, and evaluates justice in public green space planning in South Jakarta. Findings: Despite the overall availability of green open space in South Jakarta meeting the standard of 0.2 m²/capita, the sub-districts of Pasar Minggu and Pesanggrahan still exhibit gaps in availability, and accessibility uneven trough all South Jakarta. Conclusion: Moreover, the budget allocated by the government for green spaces is relatively low compared to the total budget of DKI Jakarta. Green open space planning in the City of South Jakarta has not yet fully achieved spatial justice. This is influenced by the insufficient number, area and distribution to reach all regions and accommodate all levels of society. Novelty/Originality of This Article: This study highlights spatial injustice in the distribution and accessibility of green open spaces in South Jakarta using GIS analysis, revealing disparities despite meeting per capita standards and inadequate government budget allocation

Analysis of the impact of forest fires: Pre-wedding incident of Mount Bromo and its disaster risk

Background: Forests play a crucial role in sustaining the environment, economy, and society by acting as carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change and maintain ecosystem balance. However, forest fires remain a growing global concern, including Indonesia. One significant fire occurred in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) in 2023, sparked by human negligence during a pre-wedding photoshoot. The fire damaged 1,487 hectares of land and threatened local biodiversity and ecosystems. TNBTS is home to over 1,000 plant species and holds cultural significance for the Tengger Community, who depend on its resources for their livelihoods. The research examines the environmental, economic, and social impacts of fire, using a quantitative research approach. Mentods: The methodology uses quantitative analysis using Landsat 8 imagery to assess fire severity. The Delta Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) is used to assess fire damage, while vegetation density is analyzed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to ensure data reliability. Findings: The fire caused significant environmental damage. Economically, the tourism sector was severely affected, with the park’s closure for 13 days leading to an 80% drop in hotel occupancy, resulting in an estimated loss of IDR 89.76 billion. Socially, the Tengger people suffered, as the fire damaged sacred sites and disrupted their cultural practices. Also, it increases the stress and anxiety of society that depends on tourism and agriculture. Public concern about the incident underscored the importance of responsible behavior in national parks, this can be seen by Google Trend. Conclusion: Although signs of recovery are evident, the long-term ecological and economic impacts require continued assessment and mitigation efforts to ensure the sustainable future of TNBTS. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article offers a novel analysis of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park fire by integrating remote sensing data with environmental, economic, and social impacts, including the unique use of Google Trends to measure public concern

The human firewall: Increasing digital awareness and literacy for consumer protection

Background: In the evolving digital era, consumers are increasingly vulnerable to various cyber threats such as online fraud, identity theft, and misuse of personal data. This paper discusses the concept of "Human Firewall", an approach that places individuals as the main component in the defense against digital threats through increased awareness and digital literacy. Methods: By applying a systematic literature review method to various international scientific journal sources, this study shows that low levels of digital literacy increase consumers' risk of cybercrime such as personal data theft, online fraud, and information manipulation. Findings: A good understanding of digital ethics, privacy and safe use of technology helps people make wiser decisions in the digital world and prevent digital threats. Conclusion: Efforts to improve these skills can be done through interactive training, psychology-based approaches, and the use of gamification methods to strengthen user engagement. The gap in digital access and understanding in disadvantaged areas is also a challenge that needs to be addressed through an inclusive education approach. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research is in the integration of educational and psychological approaches to form digital resilience based on proactive individuals, not just relying on technological systems. Therefore, society must build digital awareness as protection from cyber threats

The 2024 hajj special committee: Analyzing the complexities of social and media realities through the lens of social construction theory

Background: The issue of organizing the 2024 Indonesian Hajj seems more complex because it presents many diverse social or media realities. This paper aims to critically analyze the diversity of these realities based on the Social Construction theory conceptualized by Peter L Berger and Thomas Luckmann. Methods: The research of this paper uses a qualitative approach from data collected in mainstream media and social media and is supported by data from research, discussions and interviews. Findings: From a critical analysis, it shows that the social reality in the issue of the Special Hajj Committee and the 2024 Hajj service is not singular. Moreover, the media reality is also very complex and counterproductive to each other. Conclusion: The findings reveal that the discourse on the Special Hajj Committee and the 2024 Hajj service is shaped by multiple, sometimes conflicting, social and media realities. These complexities highlight the non-singular nature of social constructions in Hajj management, where differing narratives influence public perception and policy debates. Novelty/Originality of This Study: The novelty of this study lies in its application of Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann's Social Construction theory to critically analyze the diverse and often conflicting social and media realities surrounding the 2024 Indonesian Hajj, providing a nuanced understanding of how narratives shape public perception and policy discourse

Optimization of medical waste management systems in community health centers: Challenges, strategies, and sustainable solutions

Background: Public health services are classified as public goods, primarily aimed at maintaining and improving health and preventing diseases, without neglecting disease treatment and health recovery. These services include disease control, environmental sanitation, nutritional improvement, family health enhancement, family planning, mental health, and various other public health programs, such as health promotion. On the other hand, individual health services are considered private goods, with the main objective of curing diseases and restoring individual health, while still considering health maintenance and disease prevention. Methods: Based on the data analysis to be conducted, this study is analytical in nature, as it aims to examine hypotheses and provide a deeper interpretation of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Findings: This study found that although there is compliance with waste management procedures, issues remain in waste collection, storage, and treatment. A lack of staff training and awareness, limited resources, and weak monitoring and evaluation systems hinder the overall effectiveness of waste management. Furthermore, community participation and awareness are still low. Therefore, improvements are needed in staff training, resource allocation, technological utilization, and community engagement to enhance future waste management practices. Conclusion: The implementation of medical waste management at community health centers (Puskesmas) complies with the medical waste management standards set by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. However, several aspects have not been fully met. These include the absence of medical waste symbols on waste bins in some Puskesmas, the lack of dedicated medical waste transport tools such as carts or trolleys in all facilities, and the use of ambulances as waste transport vehicles in some Puskesmas. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study presents innovations in medical waste management at community health centers in Bulukumba by integrating digital technology, a holistic training approach, and ecosystem principles to promote environmental sustainability

Systematic study of political ecology and the role of local community in the development of the Ibu Kota Nusantara

Background: The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) represents a transformative initiative aimed at relocating the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan to mitigate environmental degradation and promote equitable regional growth. This study investigates the ecological and social implications of IKN development by reviewing relevant literature and emphasizing the role of local communities and pentahelix collaboration in fostering sustainable outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA and SALSA methodologies to screen 215 articles, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. Findings: The review revealed significant challenges—including ecological disruption, social inequality, and the marginalization of indigenous rights—while identifying pentahelix collaboration as a critical mechanism for integrating efforts from government, academia, the private sector, media, and community stakeholders. Conclusion: The study concludes that enhancing pentahelix collaboration and empowering local communities are essential for mitigating adverse impacts and achieving sustainable, inclusive development in the IKN context. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research introduces a novel framework that links political ecology with social justice and ecological sustainability, offering innovative insights for policy interventions that prioritize long-term equity and environmental stewardship