UAD Pharmacy Students Develop Herbal Palm Sugar with Local Community
A team from the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), known as MeRAMU, has launched a community development programme in Hargowilis, Yogyakarta. The initiative focuses on developing local spices and enhancing the village’s signature palm sugar product.
The team was officially deployed on 11 August 2026 at the Hargowilis Village Office. The programme involves collaboration between UAD, LAZISMU UAD, local authorities, women’s farming groups and community representatives.
Led by 15 students from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Management, the two-month programme combines pharmaceutical knowledge with product development and marketing strategies. Its main initiative is the development of herbal palm sugar, incorporating locally cultivated ginger, kencur, turmeric and lemongrass.
These herbs will be combined with palm sugar produced by the Desa Prima Hargowilis community through its COCONERA production house. The initiative aims to create an innovative product while increasing the economic value of locally sourced agricultural resources.
The programme also provides students with practical experience in community engagement, product innovation and entrepreneurship. Through collaboration with village authorities and local communities, the team hopes to strengthen the development and marketing potential of Hargowilis’ local products.
Over the next two months, MeRAMU will continue mentoring and working with residents to refine the herbal palm sugar product and support sustainable local economic development.
