Strategic Community Empowerment Through Self-Reliance Group Education to Enhance the Sustainable Use of Indigenous Medicinal Plants

Abstract

This study examines the utilization of Family Medicinal Plants in Bangkingan Village, Surabaya City, and identifies obstacles and strategies for community empowerment based on Suharto’s (2005) 5P theory: possibility, strengthening, protection, support, and maintenance. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research adopts a case study of the Bangkingan Herbal Corner program, a local initiative for developing Family Medicinal Plants (FMP). The findings indicate that the Bangkingan community actively uses various medicinal plants—such as sung nyawa, ginger, moringa, and temulawak—processed into herbal infusions and simple preparations. These practices are facilitated through training programs organized by universities and the use of digital platforms offering practical and educational resources. Strategies related to possibility and strengthening have been effectively implemented, as evidenced by the establishment of local herbal cadres and increased access to learning materials. However, significant challenges persist in terms of legal protection, institutional support, and long-term sustainability. The absence of clear regulatory frameworks, consistent funding mechanisms, and integration into formal village development planning hinder the program’s scalability and resilience. Multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving government agencies, academia, private sector actors, and local communities, is essential to address these gaps and ensure sustainable outcomes. This study concludes that the FMP-based empowerment model implemented in Bangkingan holds strong potential for replication in other regions, provided that adequate policy and institutional support are secured to sustain its impact over time.