Yogyakarta, June 10, 2025 – The Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is reinforcing its commitment to community well-being through a key collaboration with Paniradya Kaistimewan DIY. This partnership focuses on developing organic gotu kola (Centella asiatica) cultivation in Sidoharjo Village, Kulonprogo. As part of the Desa Prima and PKK programs, supported by the DIY Women’s Empowerment Agency, this initiative does more than just optimize local agricultural potential; it significantly empowers productive women in rural areas.
Umami, the Head of Sidoharjo Village, highlighted the village’s considerable agricultural potential, bolstered by active women’s groups in Desa Prima and PKK. This potential, combined with tourist attractions like Embung Canggal, provides a strong foundation for boosting the local economy.
This organic gotu kola cultivation initiative clearly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on multiple levels. It directly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by creating economic opportunities and enhancing the skills of rural women, making them crucial players in local development. By generating jobs and increasing income through the use of gotu kola’s potential, the program also significantly advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Furthermore, this initiative reflects a dedication to sustainable land management, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Beyond that, by encouraging innovation in medicinal plant cultivation and their potential for developing value-added products, this effort strengthens SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Finally, the development of gotu kola, known for its extensive health benefits—from improving memory and aiding stroke recovery to acting as an immunostimulant for children, and even its cosmetic uses like UV skin protection—directly aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Dr. Djoko Santosa S.Si, M.Si, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy, emphasized, “Indonesia is blessed with gotu kola, or ‘regedek,’ as a substitute for Ginkgo biloba. Since gotu kola is consumed by humans and offers health benefits, its cultivation must be done organically.”
The significant potential of gotu kola and its community impact were central topics at the Rembag Kaistimewan Podcast, organized by Paniradya Kaistimewan DIY. This event, funded by Dana Keistimewaan (Danais), took place at the Pendapa Gedung Paniradya Kaistimewan DIY, Kepatihan Yogyakarta Governor’s Office Complex, on Thursday, June 5th. It was livestreamed via the Paniradya Kaistimewan DIY YouTube channel to reach a broader audience.
The Rembag Kaistimewan Podcast featured prominent speakers: Aris Eko Nugroho S.P, M.Si (Paniradya Pati Kaistimewan DIY), GKBRAA Paku Alam (Deputy Head of TP PKK DIY), and Dr. Djoko Santosa S.Si, M.Si (Lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy). The discussion, hosted by Febri Setiawan and co-host Pak Radji, thoroughly explored gotu kola’s benefits and women’s vital role in its development. The event was further enriched by performances from Sekar Wilasita and 03 Production. Online participants, known as “Sahabat Istimewa,” also had the chance to receive a free e-certificate from Corporate University Paniradya Kaistimewan by filling out a form in the YouTube channel’s chat.
“This gotu kola cultivation initiative in Sidoharjo isn’t just about the plant’s potential; it’s about building an inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem, especially for women. This is a concrete step towards realizing the goals of DIY’s Special Autonomy, positively impacting community welfare,” stated a representative from Paniradya Kaistimewan DIY.
Through strong collaboration among local government, academia, and the community, gotu kola cultivation in Sidoharjo Village is poised to become a model for sustainable local economic development based on natural resources and women’s empowerment across the entire Special Region of Yogyakarta.
