A group of students from Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) has successfully developed an innovative snack product called Duri Crackers, transforming durian seeds—often considered agricultural waste—into a value-added food product. The initiative demonstrates how vocational education can contribute to sustainable development by converting underutilized resources into commercially viable products while supporting the principles of a green economy.

The project was led by student team leader Jefri Rasio and supported by eight team members from diverse academic backgrounds. Developed through Polije’s Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach, the innovation encourages students to apply scientific knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills to address environmental and economic challenges.

Durian seeds are typically discarded after the fruit is consumed, contributing to organic waste accumulation. Recognizing their potential, the student team processed the seeds into a nutritious cracker product with higher economic value. The innovation aligns with circular economy principles by maximizing the utilization of agricultural by-products that would otherwise go unused.

The development of Duri Crackers reflects growing awareness among students about the importance of sustainable food innovation. By transforming waste into a marketable product, the team not only reduces environmental burdens but also creates new opportunities for local agribusiness development. This approach supports efforts to promote responsible production and consumption practices.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the product offers economic potential for communities in durian-producing regions. Indonesia generates large quantities of durian waste each year, including seeds and peels. Innovations such as Duri Crackers can help create additional income streams for farmers, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs by expanding the value chain of durian-based products.

The project also serves as a practical example of entrepreneurship education at Polije. Students were involved in every stage of product development, including raw material processing, product formulation, packaging design, branding, and marketing strategy. Through this experience, they gained valuable insights into how sustainable innovations can be transformed into business opportunities.

University leaders have praised the initiative as evidence of students’ creativity and commitment to environmental sustainability. The innovation highlights how vocational education can play an active role in addressing waste management challenges while fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among young people. Similar student projects at Polije have focused on utilizing agricultural waste to create environmentally friendly products with commercial value.

The success of Duri Crackers demonstrates the potential of combining innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship within higher education. By turning durian seed waste into a nutritious snack product, Polije students have created a practical example of green economy implementation, showing how creative solutions can generate economic benefits while contributing to environmental conservation.