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Young people play a strategic role in driving the transformation of economic and agricultural systems toward sustainability. However, limited exposure to circular economy concepts and sustainable agriculture management often reduces youth engagement in these sectors. In response, thePunthuk Sewu Learning Center organized an activity titled "Introduction to Circular Economy for Youth" as part of its green vocational education and youth capacity-building initiatives.

2. Objectives

This activity aimed to:

1. Introduce the basic concepts and principles of the circular economy to young people.
2. Increase understanding of key forms of capital in sustainable agriculture management.
3. Encourage critical and innovative thinking among youth on environmental, food, and local economic issues.
4. Foster youth interest and engagement in sustainable agriculture and green entrepreneurship.

3. Activity Materials

a. Introduction to the Circular Economy

This session explained the differences between the linear economic model (take–make–dispose) and the circular economy, which emphasizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Participants were introduced to practical examples of circular economy applications in daily life and agriculture, including the conversion of organic waste into compost, the integration of crop and livestock systems, and the optimization of local resource use in environmentally responsible ways.

b. Introduction to Capital for Sustainable Agriculture Management

Participants learned that sustainable agriculture relies on multiple forms of capital, not only financial resources. These include:

• Natural capital (soil, water, biodiversity),
• Human capital (knowledge, skills, and innovation),
• Social capital (cooperation, networks, and community institutions), and
• Economic capital (market access and value addition).

The session emphasized the importance of managing these forms of capital in a balanced and integrated manner to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and community well-being.

4. Benefits of the Activity

The activity generated several key benefits:

1. Increased Knowledge and Awareness
2. Participants gained a clearer understanding of the circular economy and sustainable agriculture as practical solutions to environmental challenges and rural economic issues.
3. Shift in Youth Mindset
4. Young participants began to view agriculture and environmental sectors as spaces for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity rather than as purely traditional livelihoods.
5. Strengthened Youth Capacity
6. The activity provided foundational knowledge that can support youth involvement in sustainable farming practices, green entrepreneurship, and community-based economic initiatives.
7. Contribution to Food Security and Environmental Sustainability
8. By building youth awareness and skills, the activity contributes to long-term efforts to strengthen environmentally friendly food systems and sustainable rural development.

5. Conclusion

Through the Introduction to Circular Economy for Youth activity, Punthuk Sewu Learning Center serves as an alternative learning space that nurtures environmentally conscious, economically empowered, and socially responsible young people. This activity is expected to serve as an entry point for increased youth participation in transforming agriculture and rural economies based on circular economy principles.

On 21 October 2025, the management team of Punthuk Sewu conducted a study tour to KingMas Farm. The visit aimed to strengthen the capacity of Punthuk Sewu’s management team by learning directly from an established model of dairy sheep (milk sheep) farming developed at KingMas Farm.

KingMas Farm was selected as the study tour destination due to its experience in developing dairy sheep as a specialized livestock commodity. Sheep milk remains relatively rare in Indonesia, with dairy sheep populations far smaller than those of goats or cattle. However, sheep milk has strong market potential and a higher market price compared to goat and cow milk, making it an attractive option for value-added livestock development.

The study tour was attended by eight Punthuk Sewu managers and formed part of Punthuk Sewu’s broader plan to develop dairy sheep farming and flagship products for use in its training and education facilities. During the visit, participants engaged in direct discussions with KingMas Farm managers and observed day-to-day farm operations.

Key learning areas during the study tour included the selection of suitable sheep breeds for milk production, livestock management practices aimed at increasing milk productivity—such as feed management, animal health, and milking routines—and the development of processed dairy products to enhance value addition and business sustainability.

Through field observations and in-depth discussions, the Punthuk Sewu management team gained practical insights into both the opportunities and challenges of developing dairy sheep farming in the Indonesian context. The visit also encouraged reflection on how the model observed at KingMas Farm could be adapted to the local conditions of Punthuk Sewu, taking into account scale, human resources, and its dual role as a training and learning center.

Overall, the study tour provided valuable knowledge for Punthuk Sewu in planning the initial stages of dairy sheep development as part of an integrated and sustainable agriculture–livestock system. The lessons learned from this activity will inform future program planning, particularly in developing an educational livestock unit that supports training, learning, and community empowerment initiatives at Punthuk Sewu.