The Community Service Team (Pengmas) of the Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) of Universitas Indonesia (UI) conducted counseling on the use of loose powder made from kecombrang (torch ginger/Etlingera elatior) to overcome skin problems, in Kadujangkung Village, Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District, Lebak Regency, Banten. This counseling was carried out to help the Badui community who have so far faced limited access to modern health services.
The activity, led by Prof. Dr. apt. Anton Bahtiar, M.Biomed, was initiated based on data from the Saung Sehat Clinic and the Lebak Regency Health Office in 2021. The data recorded a number of significant health problems, including 238 cases of skin diseases, 147 children experiencing stunting, and dozens of cases of influenza, open wound infections, and mental disorders.
With limited access to modern health care—the nearest health center is 10 kilometers away and the referral hospital is 30 kilometers from the village—Prof. Anton emphasized the importance of collaboration in efforts to improve health services. “With these limitations, we are very aware of the importance of collaboration to improve health services in this region,” said Prof. Anton.
The Badui community has long used the torch ginger plant as a natural ingredient for bathing and cleaning teeth, replacing chemical soap products that are prohibited by local customs. The UI Community Service Team also introduced the use of torch ginger loose powder as a more practical solution to maintain healthy skin. “Torch ginger is an example of how local wisdom can be integrated with clean and healthy living practices (PHBS),” said Prof. Anton. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing education so that the benefits of this plant can be used more widely without violating local traditions.
In addition to counseling, the team also taught the community how to make loose powder from torch ginger plants that can be produced independently. The manufacturing process starts with harvesting torch ginger flowers, drying, grinding, and then processing it into ready-to-use powder.
In implementing this activity, the UI Community Service Team collaborated with Midwife Ira from the local Health Office and several partners, including PT Rohto and PT Ultrasakti, which also provided skin cleansing products. Counseling was carried out using illustrated posters to make it easier for the community, the majority of whom cannot read and write, to understand the health information provided. “Hopefully, this step can increase the awareness and skills of the Badui community in maintaining skin health, while strengthening the role of health workers in supporting community independence through effective education,” said Prof. Anton.
Sadam, a native Badui who is also a guide for the Community Service team, welcomed this activity and hopes that similar programs can continue. “I am very happy with the arrival of the UI team, starting from the socialization to the products that are very useful for local residents, especially me and my family,” said Sadam.
This community service activity is expected to provide a long-term positive impact on the health of the Badui community, especially in maintaining cleanliness and skin health amidst limited access to modern health facilities.
