Citronella Spa Magic, Healing Land and Livelihoods

24 April 2026

PULU, Suluwesi: In Malaysia, natural oils, aromatherapy, and plant-based body care are gaining popularity as consumers seek safer, greener alternatives rooted in nature.

But can products linked to relaxation and self-care also mend damaged land?

This question grows urgent amid booming demand for natural ingredients and traditional knowledge.

The Asia Pacific market for such products is forecast to hit USD 3.94 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 8.26%—covering oils like lavender, orange, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

Malaysia's essential oils sector is tipped to reach USD 207.76 million by 2032, fuelled by health awareness, aromatherapy demand, and a robust agricultural foundation.

Community enterprises, cooperatives, and SMEs—including women-led ventures—are producing oils from lemongrass, citronella, patchouli, tea tree, and palm derivatives.

They blend eco-friendly processing and herbal traditions into modern systems.

In states like Johor and Sabah, these oils star in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and sustainable household goods, bolstering rural livelihoods and cementing Malaysia's sustainable wellness credentials.

Restorative Economy in Action

One standout regional story unfolds in Pulu Village, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi.

Here, a village-owned enterprise has turned erosion-ravaged land into profit by crafting organic spa products from citronella.

At its heart is Lana Tumbavani—named from Kaili words for "oil" and "citronella"—led by 29-year-old Dilah Sahim, Director of the Pulu Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes).

For years, the village battled flooding threats. Between 2020 and 2021, deluges hit 1,365 people and slashed farm yields by nearly 70%, shrinking livelihood options. Dilah's priority? Stabilise the soil.

Citronella emerged not as a cash crop, but an ecological fix. Thriving in poor, sandy soil, its roots fortify riverbanks and curb erosion—especially paired with bamboo. Its economic promise followed: leaves distilled into essential oil for spa and body care.

"In the beginning, we didn't think about business. What mattered was safe land; the economy came later," Dilah explains.

From land recovery sprang Lana Tumbavani, producing citronella oil, massage blends, moringa-infused herbal soaps, beeswax candles, and solid perfumes. By 2024, output was modest but drew buyers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, and the US.

Products now grace tourism spots like Aston Hotel in Sigi and sell via Shopee.

Scaling Sustainably Without Compromise

With sustainable wellness demand surging, Lana Tumbavani's challenge is market entry without diluting its roots.

The GIAT 2.0 incubation programme saw Gampiri Interaksi refine costs, capacity, pricing, and readiness—while anchoring it in restorative principles.

"We view this as restorative economics, not conventional business. Nature restores, communities mobilise, products gain value. Remove one pillar, and it crumbles," says Nedya Sinintha Maulaning of Gampiri Interaksi.

Impacts are tangible: from 2024 to early 2025, 3–4 households joined the chain, boosting participants' incomes by 50%. Less than one hectare of barren land is now stabilised, and flood risks have eased, per locals.

For Dilah, the environment-livelihood link is clear, "No recovery, no product, no income. We're proving nature care fuels prosperity."

Gampiri Interaksi agrees: "Usually, nature is exploited first, then profits shared. Here, restoration leads growth—making it resilient."

As part of Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL)—an association of sustainable districts—such initiatives spotlight ecosystem aid, collaboration, and tools like the Sustainable District Outlook to build enduring growth from recovery.

In Pulu, citronella transcends spa scents: it's restorative economics—mending land, harnessing local plants, and generating income without harming nature.