THE ROLE OF SOFO-SOFO IN STRENGTHENING HEALTH AWARENESS AND LOCAL WISDOM IN NIAS
Keywords:
Sofo-sofo; Local Wisdom; Health Awareness; Ethnobotany; Community Engagement; Nias; Traditional Medicine
Abstract
This community service project, conducted in Bawonifaoso Village, Nias, aimed to explore and promote the role of Sofo-sofo (Ageratum conyzoides) in strengthening health awareness and preserving local wisdom. Sofo-sofo is a medicinal plant traditionally used by the Nias community as a natural tonic and for various health purposes, yet its potential remains underutilized among younger generations. The project employed participatory approaches, including workshops, demonstration gardens, herbal preparation training, and storytelling sessions with local elders, to enhance both knowledge and practical skills regarding Sofo-sofo. The results indicate a significant increase in community awareness of Sofo-sofo’s health benefits, particularly its role in improving stamina and supporting general wellness. Participants reported incorporating Sofo-sofo into their daily routines and expressed a renewed appreciation for traditional medicinal practices. The project also strengthened intergenerational knowledge transfer, fostering cultural pride and sustaining intangible heritage. Moreover, the integration of Sofo-sofo activities into local cultural events and schools enhanced community engagement and motivation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of combining local wisdom with health promotion initiatives, demonstrating that culturally grounded interventions can simultaneously improve health literacy and preserve heritage. The project provides a model for leveraging ethnobotanical knowledge in rural community development, emphasizing sustainability, community ownership, and the integration of traditional practices with modern health education.
References
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Harefa, D. (2025). Transformasi Pendidikan IPA Fisika Di Era Industri 5.0 : Mempersiapkan Generasi Pintar Dan Berinovasi, CV Lutfi Gilang
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Harefa, D., I Made Sutajaya, I Wayan Suja, & Ida Bagus Made Astawa. (2024). Nilai Moral Tri Hita Karana Dalam Album “Keramat” Ciptaan H. Rhoma Irama. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 7(2), 1-15. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Ndrumi.V7i2.2117
Marbun, E. D., Sapitri, A., & Asfianti, V. (2021). Activity Ethanol Extract, Ethyl Acetate Fraction, N Hexane Fraction of Sofö Sofö Leaves (Acmella cf) Against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis as Antibacterial. Jurnal Biosains, 7(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.24114/jbio.v7i1.23492
Müller, J. G., Boubacar, R., & Guimbo, I. D. (2014). The “How” and “Why” of including gender and age in ethnobotanical research and community-based resource management. Ambio, 44(1), 67–78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4293356/
Nazara, B. T., Mendrofa, D. R. C., Harefa, E., & Halawa, D. M. E. (2024). Local Wisdom in Naming the Traditional Herbal Plants: A Semantic Analysis in Nias Language. EDUJ: English Education Journal, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.59966/eduj.v2i1.1093
Pillai, A., Kinabo, J., & Krawinkel, M. B. (2016). Effect of nutrition education on the knowledge scores of urban households with home gardens in Morogoro, Tanzania. Agriculture & Food Security, 5, 22. https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40066-016-0069-1Rahayu, S. M., & Andini, A. S. (2022). Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants in Sesaot Forest, Narmada, West Lombok, Indonesia. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.15294/biosaintifika.v11i2.19314
Rahmawaty, R., Rauf, A., Arina, H., & Afifuddin, Y. (2022). Conservation of Medicinal Plants in North Sumatra for Sustainable Use. ABDIMAS TALENTA: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.32734/abdimastalenta.v7i2.7681
Reza Fadly, T., Jati, S. P., & Sriatmi, A. (2024). What Factors Influence the Use of Traditional Medicine in Adults?: A Scoping Review. Eduvest Journal of Universal Studies, 4(12). https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v4i12.41806
Rinto, R., Iswari, R. S., Mindyarto, B. N., & Saptono, S. (2023). Bridging the generational gap: Exploring youth understanding on ethnobotanical knowledge and its integration in higher education curricula. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 26, 1–16. https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/5521
Telaumbanu, T., Murnihati Sarumaha, Kaminudin Telaumbanua, Baziduhu Laia, Fatolosa Hulu, Harefa, D., & Anita Zagoto. (2025). Transformasi Botol Plastik Aqua Menjadi Tempat Sampah Ramah Lingkungan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Desa Bawolowalangi. Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(1), 1-14. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Haga.V4i1.2779
Toni Hidayat, Amaano Fau, & Darmawan Harefa. (2023). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Index Card Match Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran Ipa Terpadu. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 4(1), 61 - 72. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Tunas.V4i1.885
Zebua, N. F., Nerdy, N., Dachi, K., Fujiko, M., & Septama, A. W. (2024). Ethnomedicine in Nias Island. Pharmacognosy Journal, 16(1), 186 194. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2024.16.26
Gea, K., & Rahardi, K. (2021). Lexicon of Traditional Herbal Medicine in Utterance of Nias Community, North Sumatera: Ecolinguistic Studies. Salingka, 18(1), 55–65. https://doi.org/10
Grasser, S., Schunko, C., & Vogl, C. R. (2016). Children as ethnobotanists: Methods and local impact of a participatory research project with children on wild plant gathering in the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Reserve, Austria. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 12, 46. https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13002-016-0119-6
Harefa, D. (2025). Filsafat Pendidikan Nasional Sebagai Budaya Kearifan Lokal Nias. CV Lutfi Gilang
Harefa, D. (2025). Fisika Di Dunia Nyata : Evaluasi Pendidikan IPA Yang Tak Sekadar Hitungan Dan Rumus. CV Lutfi Gilang
Harefa, D. (2025). Getting To Know Yahowu And Ya’ahowu Warm Greetings From The Nias Community. KOHESI : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 5(2), 15-27. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Kohesi.V5i2.2559
Harefa, D. (2025). Globalizing Hombo Batu The Role Of English In Promoting Nias Local Wisdom On The International Stage. Research On English Language Education, 7(1), 74-91. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Relation.V7i1.2638
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu A Traditional Art That Can Be Explained With The Laws Of Physics. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(1), 264-276. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Faguru.V4i1.2459
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu The Tradition Of South Nias That Teaches Courage And Cooperation. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(1), 75-84. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Faguru.V4i1.2454
Harefa, D. (2025). Implementation Of Pancasila Character Education In Hombo Batu In South Nias. CIVIC SOCIETY RESEARCH And EDUCATION: Jurnal Pendidikan Pancasila Dan Kewarganegaraan. 6(1), 1-13, Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Jpkn.V6i1.2566
Harefa, D. (2025). Improving Environmental Conservation Skills through Science Learning that Values the Local Wisdom of Hombo Batu in the Botohilitano Indigenous Community. Global Sustainability and Community Engagement, 1(3), 119–130. Retrieved from https://iesrjournal.com/index.php/gsce/article/view/302
Harefa, D. (2025). Innovation In Social Science Learning Based On Local Wisdom: Hombo Batu As A Cultural Education Media In South Nias. Curve Elasticity: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 6(1), 15-27. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Jpe.V6i1.2555
Harefa, D. (2025). Integrating Character Education Into Science Learning To Improve Academic Achievement At Sma Teluk Dalam. Tunas : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 6(1), 1-13. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Tunas.V6i1.2909
Harefa, D. (2025). Kearifan Lokal Nias Dalam Pembelajaran IPA. CV Jejak (Jejak Publisher)
Harefa, D. (2025). Mathematics As A Philosophical Foundation In Hombo Batu: Exploring Nias’ Local Wisdom Through The Perspective Of Mathematics. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(1), 13-26. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Afore.V4i1.2557
Harefa, D. (2025). Ruang Lingkup Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam Sekolah Dasar. CV Jejak (Jejak Publisher)
Harefa, D. (2025). The Application Of Hombo Batu Local Wisdom-Based Learning In Enhancing Student Discipline And Cooperation In The Nias Islands. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 8(1), 14-27. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Ndrumi.V8i1.2565
Harefa, D. (2025). The Influence Of Soil Texture Types On Land Resilience To Drought In South Nias. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(1), 13-30. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Jsa.V4i1.2585
Harefa, D. (2025). Transformasi Pendidikan IPA Fisika Di Era Industri 5.0 : Mempersiapkan Generasi Pintar Dan Berinovasi, CV Lutfi Gilang
Harefa, D., I Made Sutajaya, I Wayan Suja, & Ida Bagus Made Astawa. (2024). Lowalangi Dalam Konsep Tri Hita Karana Dalam Kearifan Lokal NIAS. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 7(2), 51-61. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Ndrumi.V7i2.2226
Harefa, D., I Made Sutajaya, I Wayan Suja, & Ida Bagus Made Astawa. (2024). Nilai Moral Tri Hita Karana Dalam Album “Keramat” Ciptaan H. Rhoma Irama. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 7(2), 1-15. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Ndrumi.V7i2.2117
Marbun, E. D., Sapitri, A., & Asfianti, V. (2021). Activity Ethanol Extract, Ethyl Acetate Fraction, N Hexane Fraction of Sofö Sofö Leaves (Acmella cf) Against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis as Antibacterial. Jurnal Biosains, 7(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.24114/jbio.v7i1.23492
Müller, J. G., Boubacar, R., & Guimbo, I. D. (2014). The “How” and “Why” of including gender and age in ethnobotanical research and community-based resource management. Ambio, 44(1), 67–78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4293356/
Nazara, B. T., Mendrofa, D. R. C., Harefa, E., & Halawa, D. M. E. (2024). Local Wisdom in Naming the Traditional Herbal Plants: A Semantic Analysis in Nias Language. EDUJ: English Education Journal, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.59966/eduj.v2i1.1093
Pillai, A., Kinabo, J., & Krawinkel, M. B. (2016). Effect of nutrition education on the knowledge scores of urban households with home gardens in Morogoro, Tanzania. Agriculture & Food Security, 5, 22. https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40066-016-0069-1Rahayu, S. M., & Andini, A. S. (2022). Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants in Sesaot Forest, Narmada, West Lombok, Indonesia. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.15294/biosaintifika.v11i2.19314
Rahmawaty, R., Rauf, A., Arina, H., & Afifuddin, Y. (2022). Conservation of Medicinal Plants in North Sumatra for Sustainable Use. ABDIMAS TALENTA: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.32734/abdimastalenta.v7i2.7681
Reza Fadly, T., Jati, S. P., & Sriatmi, A. (2024). What Factors Influence the Use of Traditional Medicine in Adults?: A Scoping Review. Eduvest Journal of Universal Studies, 4(12). https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v4i12.41806
Rinto, R., Iswari, R. S., Mindyarto, B. N., & Saptono, S. (2023). Bridging the generational gap: Exploring youth understanding on ethnobotanical knowledge and its integration in higher education curricula. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 26, 1–16. https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/5521
Telaumbanu, T., Murnihati Sarumaha, Kaminudin Telaumbanua, Baziduhu Laia, Fatolosa Hulu, Harefa, D., & Anita Zagoto. (2025). Transformasi Botol Plastik Aqua Menjadi Tempat Sampah Ramah Lingkungan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Desa Bawolowalangi. Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(1), 1-14. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Haga.V4i1.2779
Toni Hidayat, Amaano Fau, & Darmawan Harefa. (2023). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Index Card Match Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran Ipa Terpadu. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 4(1), 61 - 72. Https://Doi.Org/10.57094/Tunas.V4i1.885
Zebua, N. F., Nerdy, N., Dachi, K., Fujiko, M., & Septama, A. W. (2024). Ethnomedicine in Nias Island. Pharmacognosy Journal, 16(1), 186 194. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2024.16.26
Published
2025-11-03
How to Cite
Harefa, D. (2025). THE ROLE OF SOFO-SOFO IN STRENGTHENING HEALTH AWARENESS AND LOCAL WISDOM IN NIAS. Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(2), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.57094/haga.v4i2.3918
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Articles
