BEM Untag 1945 Cirebon Holds Blue Economy Empowerment Program Through Downstreaming of Blue Swimming Crab Shell Waste in Gebang Mekar

CIREBON – The Student Executive Board (BEM) of Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (Untag) Cirebon once again demonstrates its real commitment to community service. Entering the middle of 2026, the realization of strategic work programs initiated since 2025 continues to roll out. One of the main focuses highlighted is the economic empowerment program for coastal communities through the sustainable utilization of local potential.

Through an innovative approach oriented towards real solutions, BEM Untag Cirebon officially runs a program entitled “Blue Economy Empowerment through a Challenge-Based Approach and Community Involvement”. This program is focused on the downstreaming of blue swimming crab shell waste located in Gebang Mekar Village, Gebang District, Cirebon Regency.

Transforming Environmental Challenges into Economic Value

Gebang Mekar Village is known as one of the productive centers for catching and processing blue swimming crabs. However, this home industry activity leaves an environmental challenge in the form of an accumulation of crab shell waste. Seeing this condition, BEM Untag Cirebon is present bringing a Challenge-Based Learning approach to formulate solutions together with the community.

The downstreaming of this crab shell waste is designed to transform unused production residue into high economic value derivative products. The utilization of this waste is expected to open up new business opportunities for local residents while simultaneously reducing the impact of environmental pollution in coastal areas.

Blue Economy Approach and Community Involvement

This program carries the principles of the Blue Economy (Blue Economy), a concept that encourages sustainable economic growth while maintaining the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. The implementation of the program is carried out in a participatory manner by actively involving the community, starting from the education process, processing training, to product packaging strategies.

Through synergy among students, academics, and local residents, this sustainable program from BEM Untag Cirebon is expected to become the driving force for economic independence in Gebang Mekar Village. This step also serves as tangible proof of Untag Cirebon’s contribution in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals in the Cirebon Regency area.