Polije and KWT Sitara Develop Herbal Village to Empower Women

Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), through its Community Service Team, has partnered with the Sitara Women Farmers Group (KWT Sitara) in Tegal Besar, Kaliwates, to launch a herbal village program. The initiative seeks to empower women while strengthening community welfare by leveraging the potential of local herbal resources.

The program covers training in local spice cultivation, functional beverage production using modern technology, and digital marketing strategies. A team of Agribusiness Management lecturers—Tia Sofiani Napitupulu, Sumarlina, and Aulia Nadhirah—along with two students, has been guiding KWT Sitara members in developing both products and market access.

Previously, KWT Sitara’s herbal products were sold only through local pre-orders. Now, with training in online store management, content creation, and marketplace platforms, the group is expanding into the digital market. “This is not just about digital platforms, but also about giving women the skills to build markets and connect with customers in today’s era,” said Tia Sofiani Napitupulu.

The initiative reflects a growing global trend in herbal and functional food products. Allied Market Research projects the global herbal market to exceed USD 400 billion by 2030, highlighting increasing demand for health-focused and eco-friendly products. With this momentum, the Jember herbal village aims to contribute to Indonesia’s role as a biodiversity-rich nation with competitive herbal commodities.

Beyond economic benefits, the program is envisioned as the foundation for herbal village agro-edutourism in Jember. By combining local wisdom, women’s empowerment, and sustainable practices, the initiative demonstrates how community-based innovation can connect with international markets while promoting a greener economy.