UNS — The D-3 Pharmacy Study Program at the Vocational School (SV) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta recently held a training session on making traditional scrubs using Family Medicinal Plants (or TOGA). This activity is part of the community service program through the UNS 2024 Community Partnership Program (PKM), led by apt. Ulfa Afrinurfadhilah Darojati, S.Farm., M.Pharm.Sci. The training aims to enhance women’s knowledge and skills in processing natural ingredients, particularly in creating natural cosmetic products. The event took place with the Bagas Waras Women’s Farmer Group (or KWT) located at Banyuanyar RT 02/01, Banyuanyar Village, Ampel District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java.

Under the guidance of Lina Ari Astuti, the Bagas Waras Women’s Farmer Group is dedicated to improving women’s knowledge and skills in agriculture and natural ingredient processing. This group consists of determined and enthusiastic women striving to develop the agricultural potential and natural ingredient processing in their area. With a strong vision, they are committed to making Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) a sustainable source of livelihood.

“Based on the vision of the Bagas Waras KWT, the RG D3 Pharmacy UNS team contributes to achieving this vision through efforts such as training on utilizing TOGA to create traditional scrubs,” Ulfa explained on Friday (7/6/2024).

The event began with an educational session on cosmetics, their functions and purposes, and the various types of commonly used cosmetics. This session was presented by a lecturer in Cosmetic Technology, apt. Sholichah Rohmani, M.Sc.

Following the educational session, the event continued with a demonstration on making cream and powder scrubs using TOGA plants. The ingredients used included simplified powders from ylang-ylang, moringa, gotu kola, roselle, turmeric, and jasmine. The demonstration was led by Ulfa, with assistance from Lina Ari Astuti and several experienced KWT members in natural ingredient processing.

Results and Impact of Training

The training, held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, was attended by 30 enthusiastic members of the Bagas Waras KWT, who actively participated. They not only gained new knowledge about natural cosmetics but also practical skills in making traditional scrubs that can be used daily or even sold as homemade products.

Ulfa expressed her hope that this training would enhance the welfare of Bagas Waras KWT members by opening new business opportunities based on local natural resources. “We hope that traditional scrubs from TOGA plants can become a village’s supreme product and provide economic benefits to the community,” Ulfa said.

With a spirit of togetherness and innovation, the RG D3 Pharmacy UNS team, in collaboration with the Bagas Waras Women’s Farmer Group, continues to develop the potential of agriculture and natural ingredient processing, making TOGA a sustainable source of livelihood.

HUMAS UNS

Editor: Dwi Hastuti