Patchouli farmers in Siki Village, Dongko District, Trenggalek Regency, are now being encouraged to develop their commodity into value-added products. FF UNAIRis accompanying local farmer groups in processing patchouli essential oil into market-ready aromatherapy products through a community service program titled “Empowerment of Farmer Groups in Siki Village Through Innovation Aromatherapy Products Based on Patchouli Essential Oil” held on August 21-22, 2026. This program, funded by the Directorate of Community Service and Research (DPPM) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology through the Community Empowerment scheme 2026, is directed toward strengthening the value chain of patchouli commodities, so that farmers no longer merely sell raw materials but also master the processing methods.
The Chair of the Community Service Team, Dr. apt. Neny Purwitasari, S.Farm., M.Sc., stated that farmer welfare cannot rely solely on harvest volume but also on the ability to transform local potential into finished products. "Developing products based on local potential allows the economic margin that was previously captured by external parties to be enjoyed directly by the community. We integrate pharmaceutical understanding regarding product formulation and safety with realistic business strategies," she said.
Dozens of members from Farmer Group (Poktan) Sri Rejeki 1 and Women Farmer Group (KWT) in Dongko District received training on patchouli essential oil quality control, processed material safety, and aromatherapy formulation, with pharmaceutical science mentorship from Prof. Dr. apt. Wiwied Ekasari, M.Si., and business management and branding material from Economics and Business expert at UNAIR, Dr. Fatin Fadhilah Hasib, S.E., M.Si.
Karni, Chair of Poktan Sri Rejeki 1, acknowledged that this mentorship opened new perspectives. "We now understand that the patchouli oil we produce can be processed ourselves into higher-value products, not just sold raw to middlemen," he said. Panijo, Head of Siki Village, also welcomed this program and hopes the mentorship continues, particularly to strengthen the institutional capacity of farmer groups and open marketing access, so that Siki Village can develop into an independent patchouli processing center in Trenggalek.
This program represents FF UNAIR's contribution in supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) through improving farmers' economic value, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through innovation in implementing value-added products based on local potential.
