The Potential of JAKULS Plants (Ginger, Turmeric, Galangal, and Lemongrass) as an Effort to Improve Local Health and Economy

Abstract

Family medicinal plants (TOGA) are a valuable biological resource that forms an important part of Indonesia's cultural heritage. Some popular TOGA include ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), galangal (Alpinia galanga), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). The combination of ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), galangal (Alpinia galanga), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), known as JAKULS, contains various bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. This community service program aimed to empower the local community through training on processing JAKULS into a healthy beverage as an effort to improve family health and support the local economy. The methods included health education, technical training, and mentoring, involving approximately 20 participants consisting of community health volunteers and residents from RT.01 and RT.02, RW.09, Jatiwarna, Pondok Melati, Bekasi. Evaluation was conducted using pretest and posttest assessments of participants’ knowledge and skills. The results showed an increase in average knowledge scores from 50.0% (pretest) to 87% (posttest). Participants successfully produced ready-to-drink JAKULS beverages and instant powder formulations. The program’s impact included increased community awareness of natural herbal beverage consumption, the application of hygienic processing practices, and the emergence of home-based business opportunities using herbal products. Therefore, the innovation of JAKULS herbal beverages has proven to be an effective means of community empowerment that supports health resilience while enhancing the local economy.