[Unpad Media Channel] The Creativity and Entrepreneurship Group (OKK) 137 Sub-Group 1 from Universitas Padjadjaran conducted a socialization event on cassava-based food alternatives for the residents of RW 04, Cileles Village, Jatinangor District, in early November 2024. Through this event, OKK Unpad introduced a method for producing “cassava rice,” inspired by Cirendeu Village in Cimahi, which has long utilized cassava as a rice substitute.
OKK is a mandatory course for first-semester students at Unpad, aimed at fostering community engagement. This year, Unpad assigned the theme “Food Security” for the OKK program. The OKK group consisted of Husna Abelita Shafira, Ujang Kadarus Solihin, Naurah Felisha, Mochamad Ihsan Alfy, Priyanti Putri, Asri Okta Ramadhani R, Naily Hikmah Shafarina, Shareefa Cheffaluna Ramadhania, Mohammad Hasbi As Shidiqi, Uswatun Nur Fadillah, Bening Kalamananda Nugraha, and Naela Raya Faradisa, under the guidance of faculty facilitator Nursiswati, SKep., Ners., MKep., Sp.KMB.
In recent years, food security has garnered serious attention, especially with rising rice prices due to high rice consumption rates in Indonesia. Cileles Village was selected for this initiative because of its abundant cassava resources and the participation of community members across various age groups, making it ideal for implementing cassava rice innovation. The event was attended by nine housewives and five children, who eagerly followed the students’ explanations and demonstrations.
“The texture is similar to rice but bland in taste; it’s better with salt and chili sauce. Although the texture feels a bit unfamiliar, and the cassava taste is still quite noticeable, it’s not very different from the rice we usually eat,” said Yayah, one of the participants.
Through this initiative, Unpad remains committed to encouraging students to contribute to community service by addressing relevant themes like food security. Additionally, this event is expected to provide the community with new insights into the importance of food diversification to support household food security. (SA)*
