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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202563Optimization of Traditional Salt Production To Reduce Downtime And Cost In West Oesapa, West TimorDamianus Manesi1, Fahrizal2, Priyono1, Raymundus S. Situmorang1and Tri M. Putra11Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia2Capture Fisheries Study Program, Defense University, Indonesia*Corresponding author: %u2026AbstractTraditional salt production in West Oesapa Village still relies on conventional methods with low efficiency. The process of heating saltwater for six hours using firewood results in high operational costs, while the selling price of salt is insufficient to cover these expenses. This study aimed to improve the salt production process by applying a time and motion study approach to reduce downtime and production costs. A descriptive case study method was used, involving direct observation and time tracking of each production activity across five groups of traditional salt farmers. The data were analyzed to identify value-added and non-value-added activities, followed by simple recommendations related to workflow optimization, equipment placement, and time management. The results showed that the average production cycle duration before intervention was 7 hours and 15 minutes, with approximately 2 hours spent on unproductive waiting. After implementing improvements based on the time and motion analysis, the average production time was reduced to 5 hours and 30 minutes. Fuel efficiency improved by 18% due to the reorganization of furnace placement and adjustments to the combustion process. Additionally, salt output increased by 12% per cycle, and average operational costs decreased by approximately 20.3%. These findings demonstrate that the time and motion study method can significantly enhance production efficiency in traditional home-based industries. The study recommends applying this approach to other salt-producing regions with similar characteristics to improve the competitiveness of local farmers.Keywords: Traditional Salt Production, Time and Motion Study, Downtime, Production Efficiency, West Oesapa