Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences (FF) UNAIR Educates the Public About Turmeric-Based Innovation Products in Tenaru Village, Gresik
To celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University (FF UNAIR), a community service activity was held in Tenaru Village, Gresik, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The theme of this activity was "Turmeric-Based Health Product Innovation as a Solution Towards Economic Independence for the Tenaru Village Community, Gresik."
"This is to support the development of the village's economic potential, particularly to increase the added value of local agricultural products. This activity is one manifestation of the Tri Dharma (Three Pillars of the Tri Dharma), which aims to empower the community through training in innovation of safe and high-quality turmeric products, as well as expanding business opportunities through the creation of home industry (IRT) products," said Prof. apt. Juni Ekowati, M.Si., the head of the community service activity.
Prof. Juni received information from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) that in 2024, Gresik Regency produced 2,426,290 kg of turmeric, with the majority (2,216,865 kg) produced in Driyorejo District, including Tenaru Village. Currently, farmers and local communities only harvest turmeric and sell it as fresh rhizomes for around IDR 15,000-25,000 per kg.
However, if turmeric were given a technological touch through innovative processed products, its value could increase three to fourfold. This opens up opportunities for more profitable and sustainable business development.
Recognizing this potential, residents were educated on everything from the process of producing medicinal plant simplicia for traditional medicine to the quality and safety aspects of turmeric-based processed products.
In addition to theory, participants also had the opportunity to practice making innovative products such as turmeric and tamarind powder drinks, turmeric syrup, and turmeric soap. Participants were enthusiastic about trying new things they had never done before during the training.
This activity is expected to improve the community's skills in utilizing the natural resources that constitute their local wisdom. This will enable the local community to create new economic opportunities. This aligns with the fourth pillar of sustainable development goals (SDGs), "Quality Education."
The UNAIR Faculty of Agriculture Community Service Team took a photo with residents of Tenaru Village, Gresik.
