Students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participating in the KKN-PPM (UGM’s community service program) sub-unit in Bukit Layang, Bangka Belitung Islands, organized a training on making aromatherapy air fresheners and wedang uwuh herbal drinks using Indonesian spices.
The training, held at the Bukit Layang Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) on Friday (Jul. 25), was attended by local residents, most of whom were homemakers.
The program was initiated by Anisah Qurrotu’Ainii, an undergraduate student of Biology (class of 2022), and Stefani Cynthia Rosy, an undergraduate student of Agricultural Technology (class of 2022).
Aimed at encouraging the development of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the activity began with a presentation on producing aromatherapy air fresheners made from Indonesian spices, which also function as bioinsecticides. The training also introduced essential oil processing techniques.
During the session, Qurrotu’Ainii explained how to produce essential oils to repel mosquitoes. She noted that the ingredients include Indonesian spices such as orange peel, lemongrass, ginger, aromatic ginger (kencur), and clove.
“We adjusted the ingredients to what is locally available in the Bangka Belitung Islands. Besides demonstrations, we also guided residents of Bukit Layang Hamlet in directly practicing how to make mosquito-repellent room fresheners,” she said at the UGM campus on Friday (Aug. 15).
Meanwhile, Stefani Rosy introduced the process of making wedang uwuh, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink. She explained that the preparation requires various spices such as lemongrass, ginger, cardamom, sappan wood, clove, cinnamon, and key lime (jeruk kunci).
The process involves placing all ingredients except the lime into a pot, adding water, and stirring until the sugar dissolves.
“When the water turns reddish, the distinctive color of wedang uwuh, and the rising steam carries a strong aroma of spices, the drink is almost ready. It is then left for about five to seven minutes to strengthen the aroma. The result is a highly appetizing beverage,” Rosy said.
As a final touch, she added fresh lime juice to the drink just before serving to give it a distinctive flavor. Through this training, Rosy hopes to inspire entrepreneurial initiatives among the residents of Bukit Layang. She expressed gratitude for the positive response from participants.
“Through this interdisciplinary collaboration between science and agricultural technology, we hope to bring real benefits to the community. We expect this KKN-PPM UGM program to create an impact and be further developed by the women of Bukit Layang Hamlet, particularly in enhancing their skills to improve family livelihoods,” she said.
Author: Agung Nugroho