Healing Plant Ficus Septica Anchors Biodiversity in Indonesian Karst

Led by Prof. Ahmad Ismail, the research team investigated the intersection of cultural heritage and environmental science. By interviewing community knowledge holders, researchers validated the plant’s status as a "cooling" medicine used to treat fevers and inflammation. Phytochemical analysis further supported these traditional practices, identifying 54 distinct bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beyond its pharmaceutical potential, Ficus septica functions as a pioneer species in harsh, nutrient-poor karst environments. It facilitates soil stabilization and provides essential habitats for local wildlife, supporting broader ecosystem regeneration. The study, published in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, frames this relationship as a biocultural feedback system where human reliance on the plant incentivizes its preservation.

Prof. Ismail argues that integrating such indigenous knowledge into conservation strategies provides a more effective, community-led path toward protecting fragile landscapes. By demonstrating how medicinal plants contribute to the health of both human populations and the land, the findings align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding life on land and the preservation of cultural heritage.