Harnessing Local Potential: Polman Negeri Babel PKM Team Encourages MAN 1 Bangka Students to Develop Jeruk Kunci Products
The PKM team from Polman Negeri Babel and students from MAN 1 Bangka after participating in the AgriTech Creators activity focused on developing STEM-based *jeruk kunci* (calamansi) processed products.
Going beyond the realm of formal education, a team of lecturers from the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) conducted a community service activity—featuring training and mentoring—titled "AgriTech Creators: Transforming Harvests into Premium Products with a STEM Touch" at MAN 1 Bangka on Tuesday (June 28, 2026).
The participating lecturers were Novitasari, M.Pd., Nur Khasanah, M.Si., Elisa Mayang Sari, M.Pd., Priestiani, M.P., Laily Muharani, M.Si., Dewi Tumatul Ainin, M.Si., and Peprizal, M.Pd.T. They were joined by students from the Precision Agriculture Applied Bachelor program (Dirly Agni Ragita and Zainab Ummi Latifah), the Electronics Engineering Applied Bachelor program (Nesta Pradinata), and the Electronics Engineering Diploma III program (Agung Pratama).
When interviewed on Monday (August 3, 2026), the Community Service (PKM) team leader, Novitasari, M.Pd., stated, "The goal is to spark an entrepreneurial spirit in students from an early age. We use a learning approach based on modern science and technology to process *jeruk kunci* (local Bangka calamansi limes), a superior local commodity."
Students were not merely taught food processing theory; they conducted hands-on research and experiments to create downstream products from *jeruk kunci* by applying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles. Participants tested various dosage ratios and formulations to produce high-quality, premium-value *jeruk kunci* derivatives.
"The Polman Babel lecturer team aims to shift students' mindsets regarding local agricultural produce. We want them to see that *jeruk kunci* holds immense economic potential when enhanced by technological innovation and a scientific approach to dosage experimentation. This allows students to learn—with precision—how science and engineering principles work to create processed products that meet industry quality standards," she explained.
"He continued, 'Every stage of the experiment—from mixing ingredients and taste testing to understanding the technical aspects of packaging and product formulation—was designed to ensure market appeal.'
Meanwhile, Suharno, S.Ag., M.H., the Principal of MAN 1 Bangka, welcomed the Polman Babel lecturer team and their 'AgriTech Creators' program. He noted that the initiative broadens students' horizons regarding the potential of local produce—showing how it can be processed into high-value products—and equips them with entrepreneurial skills.
'The AgriTech Creators program by Polman Babel boosts technology-based entrepreneurship (technopreneurship) literacy at the high school level while simultaneously encouraging the utilization of local food resources,' Suharno emphasized."
