An initiative to promote sustainable agriculture and plantation practices is being carried out by the Kedai Masyarakat Foundation in collaboration with the community of Tanglad Village, Nusa Penida, with support from academic expert Prof. I Wayan Mudianta, S.Pd., M.Phil., Ph.D., who lectures in the Applied Chemistry Study Program, Department of Chemistry, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Bali, Indonesia.

In his workshop laboratory, Prof. Mudianta conducted research to assess the quality of sandat and other plant species in order to obtain data and oil extraction samples.

In this activity, Prof. Mudianta demonstrated to the community that the sandat plant, which is commonly found in Bali, has high economic value if managed properly.

Encouragement and support from competent stakeholders such as academics are essential to provide scientific data and build community confidence in validating the potential resources they possess. At this stage, the community received initial information on how soil conditions influence the growth of sandat plants, the flowering period, and flower quality with high oil potential, as well as guidance on harvest timing and management.

Sandat, which is categorized as a climate adaptation and mitigation plant and is not consumed by monkeys in Tanglad Village, represents one of Nusa Penida’s key potentials to be developed as an adaptive and climate-mitigative crop, while simultaneously contributing to the creation of value-added products.

Sandat as a Local Balinese Plant with Global Potential

I. Sandat as a Local Biological Heritage of Bali

Sandat (Cananga odorata), internationally known as ylang-ylang, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. In Bali, sandat is not merely an ornamental plant but an integral part of the social, spiritual, and economic life of the community. Its flowers are used in religious ceremonies, offerings (canang sari), purification rituals, and as a symbol of refinement, simplicity, and enduring moral fragrance, even when the flower has withered. Within the Balinese knowledge system, sandat is also recorded in traditional medicinal manuscripts such as Taru Pramana, indicating its long-standing use as a medicinal resource and as a symbol of harmony between humans and nature.

II. The Ecological Role of Sandat in Environmental Balance in Bali

a. Adaptation to Tropical and Dry Climate Conditions

Sandat is a tropical species capable of growing from lowland areas up to approximately 1,200 meters above sea level and is tolerant of temperature variations between 16–34°C. It can grow in various soil conditions with relatively acidic pH and can adapt to moderate to low rainfall, making it suitable for dry tropical regions.

In Bali, which includes dry areas such as Karangasem, Buleleng, and Nusa Penida, sandat has strong potential as a shade tree, soil conservation plant, and agroforestry species, as its root system helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion risks.

b. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions

Sandat flowers produce a strong fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting biodiversity and the stability of agricultural ecosystems. In addition, sandat essential oil contains natural compounds such as linalool and eugenol, which have insect-repellent properties, including against mosquito vectors of diseases, contributing to ecosystem and human health.

c. Ecological Functions in Cultural Landscapes

Sandat is commonly planted in home gardens, temple grounds, and agricultural lands, functioning as a micro-ecological buffer, shade provider, microclimate regulator, and carbon sink, while also maintaining the aesthetic value of Bali’s cultural landscape.

III. Economic Value of Sandat Essential Oil (Cananga Oil / Ylang-Ylang Oil)

a. High-Value Global Commodity

Sandat essential oil is one of the key raw materials for the global perfume, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and health industries. Ylang-ylang oil is a major export commodity in producing countries such as Madagascar and the Comoros and is widely used in the global fragrance industry.

Each mature sandat tree can produce approximately 120 kg of flowers per year with an essential oil yield of about 350 grams, indicating high economic potential if developed commercially.

b. Pharmacological and Industrial Benefits

Sandat essential oil has antiseptic, antifungal, sedative, and antihypertensive properties and is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and in cosmetics as a fragrance base. Furthermore, this oil is regulated under international quality standards (ISO 3036), demonstrating its position in global trade.

c. Local Economic Opportunities in Bali

With the growth of the spa industry, wellness tourism, and natural products sector in Bali, sandat presents significant opportunities as:

• raw material for locally produced essential oils,
• aromatherapy products,
• community-based agroforestry commodities, and
• flagship products of biodiversity-based creative economies.

IV. Cultural and Spiritual Values of Sandat

Sandat holds strong symbolic value in Balinese culture. Its flowers symbolize simplicity and moral fragrance; even when they fade, they continue to emit fragrance—serving as a metaphor for a meaningful human life.

In Balinese and Southeast Asian spiritual traditions, sandat flowers and oil are used for rituals, purification, traditional medicine, and spiritual protection. In traditional practices, sandat oil is used to calm the mind, balance emotions, and maintain spiritual harmony.

V. Sandat as a Local Plant with Global Potential

Sandat represents a clear example of local biodiversity with global relevance. As a native Balinese plant, sandat plays an important ecological role, has high economic value through its essential oil, and carries profound cultural significance.

Through community-based development approaches, agroforestry systems, and green economy strategies, sandat can become a strategic commodity for climate change adaptation, strengthening rural economies, and preserving Balinese cultural heritage, while contributing to the global market for natural and wellness products.
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