Improving the Economy of the Combatants Through the Development of Regional Business Potential of Citronella Oil into a Multi-Purpose Oil in Blang Crum Village, Muara Dua District, Lhokseumawe

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The prolonged conflict between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh
Movement (GAM) has led to a high unemployment rate in Aceh, especially
among former combatants who lack productive skills. Aceh, as an essential oil
producing area, has great potential to develop citronella oil into multi-purpose oil
products with high economic value. The Community Science and Technology
Application (PIM) program aims to improve the skills, income, and quality of life
of former combatants in Blang Crum Village, Lhokseumawe, through training in
modern distillation technology and the manufacture of multipurpose oil products.
The training includes processing lemongrass oil with hydrodistillation technology,
mixing herbal compositions to produce multipurpose oils, and marketing products
digitally. This program is expected to increase the productivity of essential oils,
improve product quality, and open up export opportunities. With a holistic
approach, the program also aims to create a sustainable entrepreneurial
community that supports local and national economic development.

Keywords: lemongrass oil, multi-purpose oil, former combatant,
hydrodistillation, economic development.