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May 2, 2025The Light of Bonibais Herbal House
Cahaya BNBS (The Light of Bonibais) Herbal Group is a community-initiated group established by the residents of Bonibais Village. They have successfully cultivated and processed their herbal plants. Although their products have not yet been marketed, the community's continued efforts following the training demonstrate that the community empowerment program has effectively transferred skills in producing instant herbal immune-boosting drinks to a broader audience.
After receiving cultivation and production training in 2022 from CD Bethesda YAKKUM, the community formed three groups: a herbal drink group, a massage oil group, and a planting group. Within the Bonibais Village herbal group, designated individuals are now responsible for cultivation and production, and they have grown 50 types of herbal plants.
Alfonsius Fouk, Herbal Cadre of The Herbal Cahaya BNBS
"One pack of this herbal drink can be brewed into two servings or two glasses. Although we currently do not have a distribution permit, we, together with our mentor from UPKM/CD Bethesda YAKKUM in the Malaka area, continue working toward obtaining product permits and labelling. Hopefully, before 2024, we will have the permit," said Alfonsius with hope.
Currently, the Cahaya BNBS herbal group is still focusing on developing ingredients and cultivating herbal plants, as several varieties—such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, cubeb, and cloves—have not yet been planted. In addition to herbal drinks, the group also produces massage oil. Tasks are divided within the group, with women primarily responsible for producing herbal beverages while men focus on making massage oil.
The Cahaya BNBS Herbal Group
"In making herbal medicine, we recorded 5,400 mixes in just one and a half hours. We counted them manually together. We are currently working together to buy a scale; hopefully, once the contribution funds are collected, we can purchase it," said one of the Cahaya BNBS herbal group members.
(Rachel Indrias)
