UWP Surabaya Lecturer's Revolutionary Innovation, Increases Production of Uyel Crackers Almost Double
Three
lecturers at Wijaya Putra University (UWP) Surabaya created a revolutionary
innovation that succeeded in changing the uyel cracker industry in Gresik
Regency. Through the Community Partnership Service (PKM) program, they
implemented new technology which succeeded in increasing the production
capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
The PKM
program was initiated by Dr. Rodhiyah, Yanuar Fauzuddin from the Faculty of
Economics and Business, and M. Muchid from the Faculty of Engineering focused
on innovation in the "Sri Wahyuni" uyel cracker industry managed by
Agus Riadi in Betiting Village, Cerme District, Gresik. The results were
extraordinary, cracker production increased from 250 kilograms to 450 kilograms
per day, almost double from before.
The key to
this breakthrough is the application of Appropriate Technology (TTG) in the
form of a large modern oven that uses LPG power and is equipped with automatic
temperature control. Before this innovation, cracker production was greatly
hampered by the drying process which relied on sunny weather. When the weather
is cloudy, the drying process can take up to 4-5 hours. However, with the new
oven, crackers can be dried in just two hours per process.
Apart from
increasing capacity, this innovation also succeeded in maintaining the quality
of the crackers. The temperature that can be precisely adjusted ensures that
the crackers are crispier and more evenly distributed, as well as hygienic
because they are not exposed to dust during the drying process.
Agus Riadi,
owner of the business "Sri Wahyuni," expressed his gratitude for this
assistance, which not only increased production, but also product quality and
business turnover.
"With
this oven, our production has become much faster. The quality of our crackers
has increased and we can meet market demand. We are very grateful for the
support from the UWP team and the Directorate General of Higher Education,
Research and Technology," said Agus.
