Alternative Energy: Optimization of Livestock Waste and Its Utilization Opportunities for Rural Communities in Muna Regency, Indonesia

Abstract The lifestyle of the people in Muna Regency has changed from traditional to semi-modern. Some people have even abandoned lifestyles that previously upheld cultural values, such as farming and raising livestock. This study will descriptively describe the potential for utilizing alternative energy based on livestock waste and its relevance for people in rural areas of Muna Regency. This study uses a survey method with a duration of five months, namely from January to May 2024. Respondents were selected by accidental sampling , where respondents who met the criteria were used as study samples. The findings show that livestock waste, especially beef cattle, can be an alternative energy source for rural communities in Muna Regency. The potential production of this waste reaches 2.267,72 m 3 , with Kontunaga District contributing the most significant potential of 65,84 m 3 and Watopoute District of 136,2 m 3 . Based on these findings, it can be concluded that utilizing livestock waste as an alternative energy source has great potential to meet the daily energy needs of rural communities, so it is necessary to develop and deploy a biodigester in Muna Regency.