Innovative Organic Spa Products to Mitigate Flash Floods Through Restorative Economy Approach of Pulu Village

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets for treatments based on natural ingredients and traditional knowledge. The market size is predicted to reach USD 3.94 billion by 2031, with a growth rate of 8.26% CAGR. This public interest is segmented into various types such as lavender, orange, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils.

Thailand's essential oils industry has reached a market value of USD 65 million, fueled by spa tourism and the country's reputation for natural aromatherapy products. In Chiang Mai, community enterprises and SMEs are producing oils from lemongrass, citronella, and jasmine, embedding eco-friendly processing methods into modern production systems. These initiatives strengthen rural livelihoods and position Thailand as a regional hub for sustainable wellness products.

However, behind the polished and serene spa interiors in the world's major cities lies a production chain that is rarely highlighted. One of these links begins in a small village in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Pulu Village in Sigi Regency is not known as an industrial center, but rather as a region that has lived for years under the threat of flooding.

From Disaster Mitigation to the Utilization of Plant Based Raw Materials

Pulu Village is vulnerable to flooding following earthquakes and extreme rainfall. Recurring floods have damaged agricultural land, impacting over 1,300 people and reducing yields by 70%. For residents depending on small-scale farming, livelihood options narrowed significantly.

In this context, Dilah Sahim (29 years old), Director of the Pulu Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) and owner of Lana Tumbavani, took a step not initially intended as an economic venture. Her focus was land recovery. Citronella (sereh wangi) was introduced as an ecological solution; its root system strengthens riverbanks and restrains erosion.

"In the beginning, we did not think about business at all. What mattered was that the land was safe, and then the the economy came later," said Dilah.

Economic potential emerged as recovery progressed. Citronella leaves can be distilled into essential oil, a primary ingredient in spa products. This was the birth of Lana Tumbavani, a village enterprise processing restorative plants into high-value products.

The process demands precision. From 200 kilograms of leaves, only 200 milliliters of pure oil are produced, with no synthetic additives. By 2024, the quality attracted buyers from Malaysia, Nepal, and the United States. The business expanded into massage oils, herbal soaps, and solid perfumes.

Derived from the Kaili language, "Lana" means oil and "Tumbavani" means citronella. Every product tells a story of land restoration and community involvement. Today, Lana Tumbavani products are distributed as amenities in various tourism destinations, including the Aston Hotel in Sigi as well as in marketplace like Shopee.

Navigating the Global Market with Sustainable Values Through GIAT Incubation

As demand rises, the challenge for Tumbavani is entering the market without compromising its purpose. Mentoring from Gampiri Interaksi became crucial. Through the GIAT (Gampiri Inkubasi Usaha Lestari) 2.0 program, Gampiri worked with BUMDes Pulu to review cost structures and market readiness, ensuring the business remained aligned with restorative economy principles.

"We see this as a restorative economic practice, not a conventional business. Nature is restored, the community is mobilized, and the products have clear value. If one of those is removed, the model collapses," said Nedya Sinintha Maulaning, a representative of Gampiri Interaksi.

Mentoring results highlighted challenges, such as high energy costs and a limited pool of trained human resources. However, local impacts are showing. Between 2024 and 2025, citronella planting stabilized land previously considered unproductive, and the risk of flooding has decreased according to local observations.

Further, households' participation have increased in the Tumbavani production chain. The average additional income received is relatively modest but significant for village households with limited employment options.

The mentoring results highlighted several structural challenges, such as energy costs that often outweigh production costs, and a limited pool of human resources trained in the distillation process. The annual production cycle is also not yet stable, often depending on specific visits or requests rather than long term contracts.

Measuring Restorative Economy Impact and Guarding the Village Sustainability

Lana Tumbavani demonstrates that a restorative economy is a traceable chain of cause and effect. Environmental recovery creates stable ecological conditions, which allow plants to grow, generating economic value. Resident income exists specifically because the environment was restored first.

"If the environment does not recover, there will be no product, and there will be no income. What we are doing is simply proving that caring for nature can directly impact the residents' economy," Dillah stated.

Involvement in the production chain provides a stable flow of additional income. Participating residents recorded an average income increase of 50% compared to before, contributing to family resilience. Gampiri Interaksi emphasizes that this approach reverses conventional logic.

"Usually, nature is squeezed first, then the economy is shared. Here, nature is restored first, and then the economy grows. That is what makes it more durable," said Nedya.

Moving forward, Lana Tumbavani remains rooted in these principles. Production will only increase if it does not exceed the land's ability to function as an environmental buffer. A growth projection of 15% is treated as a safety limit.

As an association of district governments, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL) encourages regional independence through this model. Initiatives like Lana Tumbavani are concrete practices of a collective movement that places environmental recovery as the foundation for growth. In the wellness industry, Tumbavani proves that restoration is not a cost, but a prerequisite for a sustainable economy.

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