Utilization of Areca Palm Midribs into Pinara Organic Flowers as a Creative Economy Innovation in Aceh Besar

The community service program in Seumet Village, Montasik District, Aceh Besar, aimed to empower local communities through the utilization of areca palm sheaths into a creative product called organic flower PINARA (Pinang Ramah Lingkungan). Previously, areca sheaths were mostly burned or discarded, causing environmental pollution. Using a participatory approach, the program was carried out in three stages: preparation, implementation, and mentoring. The results showed a significant improvement in community capacity, with knowledge increasing from 30% to 80%, skills from 25% to 75%, environmental awareness from 40% to 85%, and participation from 35% to 78%. The program successfully produced PINARA flowers with aesthetic and economic value, while also initiating small community-based business groups. This activity not only provided new skills and business opportunities but also fostered awareness of sustainable environmental management. Therefore, processing areca palm sheaths into PINARA organic flowers has proven to be an innovative and sustainable solution to address agricultural waste, improve community welfare, and support the development of creative economy based on local resources.