Spices Transformed into Herbal Products by Jepara Women Farmers Group Successfully Go To Bali Market

Jepara Kartininews.com - Women in Dukuh Sewengen, Somosari Village, Batealit Subdistrict, Jepara Regency, have proven that a remote geographical location is not a barrier to innovation. They have successfully processed raw agricultural produce into a variety of high-economic-value Jepara herbal products, penetrating inter-provincial markets.

This grassroots economic transformation is led by the Rukun Santosa III Women Farmers Group (KWT). This empowerment initiative has successfully changed the mindset of local residents—from simply selling raw harvests to becoming independent MSME (small and medium enterprise) producers.

Narti, Chairwoman of KWT Rukun Santosa III, shared that the group’s movement began in November 2023. Starting with only 25 members, the productive group has now grown to involve 35 women farmers.

“Every Friday Kliwon, we produce together. That’s where the mothers learn collectively, from the beginning until the products are finished,” she said during an interview at her home on Wednesday (29/4/2026).

Narti explained that the birth of this independent village-level MSME started from their sharp observation of the abundant harvest of spices, particularly lemongrass (sereh/serai). In a single day, the harvest of natural raw materials in the hamlet can be massive, reaching up to three pickup trucks.

“It started from seeing the abundant potential of lemongrass. So we tried processing it into herbal products,” she said.

The processing innovations carried out by the residents have gradually yielded results. The group has now launched four flagship product variants: *lengkunis* (galangal, turmeric, and palm sugar), dried citrus, robusta coffee, and *wedang uwuh*.

All processed products from KWT Rukun Santosa III are guaranteed safe, having obtained strict production legality standards, including PIRT (Home Industry Food Production License), NIB (Business Identification Number), and halal certification.

Thanks to quality mentoring from various parties—such as State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), regional tourism and creative economy sectors, pharmacists, and university academics—the products made by these women farmers are increasingly favored by consumers. Their distribution network continues to expand, reaching major cities such as Semarang, Jakarta, and Bali.

“For the nearest outlets, I consign them to herbal drink stalls, village halls, and local shops,” she added.

Although orders are starting to flow from online stores, the business in Somosari Village is not without challenges. Their relatively remote settlement, far from delivery service access, presents its own logistical difficulties.

“It’s far from delivery services here, and not all the mothers can ride motorcycles,” she lamented.

Despite these infrastructure limitations, Narti ensures that her group’s health products are marketed at very affordable prices, ranging from Rp 5,000 to Rp 25,000. These herbal drinks are not only delicious but are also believed to boost stamina, cleanse the blood, stimulate appetite, and relax the body’s muscles.