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The activity, published in 2026, focused on planting and managing family medicinal plants—commonly known in Indonesia as Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA)—at RPTRA Amanah, a Child-Friendly Integrated Public Space located in the Jakarta Islamic Center complex, Tugu Utara, North Jakarta. The researchers, all affiliated with the Architecture Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, highlighted that medicinal plants in public spaces are not only a source of natural remedies for minor illnesses but also an effective way to enhance urban aesthetics and social engagement.
Why Medicinal Plants Matter in Urban Public Spaces
In densely populated cities like Jakarta, access to green space and affordable health resources is increasingly important. Medicinal plants such as ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal are widely recognized in Indonesian households for their health benefits, ease of cultivation, and cultural relevance. When planted in shared public spaces, these plants offer multiple benefits at once: improving air quality, providing educational value, supporting preventive health practices, and creating visually pleasing environments.
The authors emphasize that RPTRA is not merely a playground but a multifunctional urban asset. A well-designed RPTRA can serve ecological functions by increasing greenery, aesthetic functions by improving visual quality, and social functions by encouraging interaction among residents. Integrating medicinal plants aligns with these roles while reinforcing community self-reliance in health.
Simple, Community-Based Research Approach
The project adopted a practical community service approach rather than a laboratory-based experiment. The research design combined surveys, field observation, coordination meetings, and direct implementation. Data were collected through online questionnaires distributed to residents living around RPTRA Amanah to measure interest and awareness related to medicinal plant cultivation.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond RPTRA Amanah. For local communities, the project strengthens family health independence by providing access to natural remedies and encouraging preventive care. For city managers and policymakers, it offers a replicable model for activating public spaces with minimal cost and strong community participation.
The study also highlights the strategic role of universities in addressing urban challenges. By combining academic knowledge with local collaboration, higher education institutions can contribute directly to sustainable city development. The authors note that similar approaches could be applied to other RPTRAs across Jakarta, many of which still lack medicinal plant gardens.
As Ulinata from Universitas Kristen Indonesia explains, community involvement is essential for sustainability. The team recommends ongoing collaboration between RPTRA managers and TP PKK to ensure regular maintenance, watering, and fertilization so that plant survival and harvest success can reach optimal levels.
Sion Lumban Raja, S.T., M.T. – Lecturer, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, specializing in urban and architectural planning.
Jibrael Jonathan Sitompul – Academic contributor, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, with interests in community-based design.
Ulinata, dkk. (2026). Planting Medicinal Plants at RPTRA Amanah through TP PKK Empowerment. Asian Journal of Community Services (AJCS), Vol. 5 No. 1, hlm. 45–56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ajcs.v5i1.554
URL:https://srhformosapublisher.org/index.php/ajcs
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