Indonesian University Students Advance Family Herbal Gardens in Rural Communities

Students from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) carried out a Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) project in Batu Bajanjang, Solok, building a “Living Pharmacy” that plants family herbal medicines (TOGA). The initiative introduced an integrated herbal zone with information boards and organic cultivation training. According to project leader Michael Try Saputra Angandowa Lase, “Puji syukur program utama kami berupa Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) diterima dengan baik oleh pihak nagari dan masyarakat.” A post‑project survey showed 85 % of households now maintain their own TOGA garden and community knowledge of herbal uses rose from 30 % to 90 %. Village head Ulil Amri praised the effort for increasing health self‑reliance.

Students from Universitas PGRI Semarang (UPGRIS) served as judges in a TOGA garden competition in Diwak, Semarang. The contest evaluated cleanliness, neatness, creativity and plant diversity. PKK chair Sumiarti said, “Terima kasih kepada ibu‑ibu PKK dan mahasiswa KKN yang telah turut serta dan bersemangat dalam menyukseskan kegiatan ini.” Participants highlighted the value of using home yards for health‑promoting plants, and the students noted the experience taught them objectivity and community engagement.