Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) UNAIR Conducts Ethnomedicinal Exploration of Natural Ingredients in Maluku
The Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga (FF UNAIR), conducted an ethnomedicinal exploration activity related to the use of natural ingredients for postpartum care and breast milk production among communities from three ethnic groups in Indonesia. This activity is part of an effort to preserve and develop traditional medicinal knowledge based on local wisdom that has the potential for scientific development.
This ethnomedicinal expedition was led by Prof. Wiwied Ekasari, accompanied by Dr. Neny Purwitasari, and involved undergraduate and doctoral students. For approximately two weeks, from January 11 to 25, 2026, the FF UNAIR team visited Kaitetu Village, Keith Village, and Kalauli Village in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency.
These areas were chosen because the local community still upholds and practices indigenous knowledge to improve postpartum mothers' health and increase breast milk production through the use of natural ingredients. This inherited knowledge is considered to have great potential to be studied and developed as a basis for safe and effective traditional medicine.
As part of a series of activities, the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FF) UNAIR team held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on January 13, 2026. The FGD was attended by various stakeholders, including the sub-district government, the king, traditional leaders, educators, and Family Welfare Movement (PKK) cadres, and received support from the West Seram Regency Health and Food Service. The forum provided a space for active dialogue between academics and the community to explore comprehensive ethnomedicinal information.
On this occasion, Prof. Wiwied Ekasari and her team not only gathered information related to the use of natural ingredients but also provided education to the community on proper processing techniques for medicinal raw materials, ensuring their quality and safety.
The data and findings obtained from this expedition will then be tested and further studied in the FF UNAIR laboratory. This testing aims to obtain scientific evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of the natural ingredients used, thus providing the basis for the development of research-based traditional medicines that contribute to maternal and child health and strengthen Indonesia's local wisdom.
