Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang

@brin.go.id

Research Center of Ecology and Ethnobiology
National Research and Innovation Agency

Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang


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https://researchid.co/verasihotang

EDUCATION

Postgraduate

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Arts and Humanities, General Arts and Humanities
5

Scopus Publications

133

Scholar Citations

7

Scholar h-index

4

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • REMOTENESS AS RESOURCE: Ethnographic perspectives on mobility and economic resilience in Sebesi Island, Indonesia
    Devi Riskianingrum, Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang, Fenky Marsandi
    Shima, 2026
    Sebesi Island provides an illuminating context for exploring mobility, resilience and livelihoods on small islands. Despite its remote location in the heart of the Sunda Strait and its exposure to environmental hazards—including volcanic eruptions from Mount Anak Krakatau, earthquakes, tsunamis, and illegal sand mining—the Sebesi community has cultivated adaptive livelihood strategies and demonstrated enduring resilience. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, and oral histories, this study situates Sebesi within the growing discourse of Islandness and mobility, framing mobility not simply as movement but as a relational, transformative, and place-anchored strategy of survival. The findings reveal that Sebesian mobility—expressed through inter- island farming, trade, motorcycle workshops, junk businesses, harbor portering, and community lending—enables livelihood diversification and economic resilience. Rather than seeking displacement, residents choose to remain and adapt, continuing to live their lives, where movement becomes a response to structural marginalisation and environmental precarity. Furthermore, Sebesians succeed in retaining place-based identity while navigating systemic constraints. By integrating global island scholarship with localised knowledge from Sebesi Island, this paper bridges a critical gap in small-island research, offering a bottom-up perspective on how mobility fosters resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Ultimately, it argues that remoteness catalyses—not curtails—entrepreneurial adaptation, positioning mobility as a central strategy for island communities to survive and thrive.
  • Indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants utilization by the Indonesia’s North Sumatra Karo ethnicity: A qualitative analysis
    Merry Meryam Martgrita, Fitriani Tupa Ronauli Silalahi, Mulyati Rahayu, Muhamad Nikmatullah, Christine Sembiring, Lianty Simangunsong, Esti Munawaroh, Fenky Marsandi, Siti Susiarti, Titi Kalima, Parwa Orizanty, Y. Purwanto, Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang, Siti Sunarti, Hidayatul Fajri, Nina Mindawati, Pratiwi
    Journal of Herbs Spices and Medicinal Plants, 2025
    This study aims to explore, document, and assess the importance of medicinal plant species diversity based on local knowledge of communities in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview with key respondents, validated through engagement with residents of Karo District and analyzed using the Use Value (UV) methodology. The study found that the Karo people used 106 plant species for medicinal purposes, mostly Zingiberaceae. The most common preparation method was boiling, followed by drinking and topical application. Among all plants, Areca catechu had the highest Used Value (UV) of 0.2.
  • Ethnobotany and diversity of Citrus spp. (Rutaceae) as a source of “Kem-kem” traditional medicine used among the Karo sub-ethnic in North Sumatra, Indonesia
    Mulyati Rahayu, Titi Kalima, Merry Meryam Martgrita, Christine Sembiring, Lianty Simangunsong, Sion Elisabeth, Esti Munawaroh, Inggit Puji Astuti, Siti Susiarti, Parwa Oryzanti, Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang, Y. Purwanto, Muhamad Nikmatullah
    Heliyon, 2024
    <h2>Abstract</h2> The Karo sub-ethnic is one of five Batak sub-ethnicities in the Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. They are famous for their local knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat various diseases. The "Kem-kem" traditional medicine is one of the traditional healing practices that involve using plants passed down through generations from their ancestors. One of the plant genus group in the Rutaceae family utilized in the traditional "Kem-kem" healing practice is a citrus known as "Rimo". This study aims to document the local knowledge about the diversity of <i>Citrus</i> spp. as Kem-kem's herbal medicinal plant. This study was conducted from April to July 2023 in the Kabanjahe and Berastagi districts, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Data was collected using interviews with traditional healers, herbal medicine vendors, and direct observations at traditional markets, involving a total of 8 <i>Citrus</i> spp. The Karo uses "Rimo" with different local names as sources of traditional medicinal ingredients in practicing "Kem-kem". There are 15 local names comprising eight species of <i>Citrus.</i> Four are hybrids, i.e., <i>Citrus x aurantiifolia</i> (Christm.) Swingle, <i>Citrus × aurantium</i> L, <i>Citrus × junos</i> Siebold ex Yu.Tanaka, and <i>Citrus × taitensis</i> Risso. Two of the remaining species are recognized in infraspecific rank, one variety (<i>Citrus medica</i> var. <i>sarcodactylis</i> (Hoola van Nooten) Swingle) and one form (<i>Citrus × aurantium</i> f. <i>deliciosa</i> (Ten.) M.Hiroe). They were used as material sources for Kem-kem traditional medicine to treat at least nine health problems. There are two species with six local names included in the Least Concern (LC) category, namely <i>C. medica</i> (Rimo Gawang, Rimo Hantuantu, Rimo Kayu), <i>C. medica</i> var. sarcodactylis (Rimo Kuku Harimau), and <i>C</i>. <i>medica</i> (Rimo Telur Buaya), <i>C. maxima</i> (Burm.) Merr. (Rimo Malem). Nine local names are included in the Not Evaluated (NE) category, namely <i>C. × junos</i> (Rimo Kejaren), <i>C. × taitensis</i> (Rimo Jungga), <i>C. × aurantium</i> f. <i>deliciosa</i> (Rimo Keling), <i>C. × aurantium</i> (Rimo Kersik), <i>Citrus hystrix</i> DC. (Rimo Mukur), <i>C. × taitensis</i> (Rimo Puraga), <i>C. × aurantium</i> (Rimo Kalele), <i>Citrus swinglei</i> Burkill ex Harms (Rimo Pagar), and <i>C. x aurantiifolia</i> (Rimo Bunga). Rimo Kejaren (<i>C. × junos</i>) is a species that has the most benefits.
  • The role of forest in the knowledge production of traditional medication in Tejang Village Sebesi Island, South Lampung
    V B L Sihotang, P Semedi, A Triratnawati
    Iop Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 2021
    Forest has a crucial role in elevating public welfare. It provides various products such as food, beverages, clothes, residence, musical instruments, and medicines. The medicines originated from the forest could act as the supplier for livelihood particularly for a traditional healer. The traditional healer is one of the health treatments sources for the people of Sebesi Island. For traditional healers, the forest is also beneficial in the knowledge production of traditional medication. This study purposes to examine the role of the forest in knowledge production carried out by traditional healers and identify the patterns of knowledge production. Data collection was done through interviewing, involving four traditional healers in Tejang Village, Sebesi Island, South Lampung. Another method was literature study related to the roles of forests in traditional medication and knowledge production. The knowledge production process can occur through giving agents, both human and non-human ones, namely teachers, family members, books, and dreams. The interaction between those healers with the forest also resulted in the medication knowledge. The role of the forest in the knowledge production of traditional medication is that it transforms into a place for semedi or meditation when doing ngelmu, knowledge sources about medication, and the place for the existence of medicinal plants.
  • The Role of Plant Diversity in Local Community of Gili Iyang Island, Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia
    S Susiarti, VBL Sihotang, Rugayah
    Iop Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 2019
    Indonesia is known as an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, one of which is Gili Iyang Island. The island is located in the eastern part of Madura island, including in the region of Sumenep regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. Gili Iyang Island is reported as one of the highest oxygen sites in the world with tourism potency such as various caves with its natural beauty. The research was aimed to discover the plant diversity and local wisdom of the community. Data was collected through direct observation, open ended interview with 20 informants in two villages. The results showed that no less than 94 species utilized as food, medicines and other purposes. The plant species used for food such as taal (Borassus flabellifer L.), bukkol (Zizyphusjujuba Mill.), bille (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa.) and bintaos (Wrightia pubescens R.Br.). The latter species is still rare to consume as food, while medicinal materials are landhek (Barleria pronitis L), membhe (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and tanggeri (Sida rhombifolia L.).

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Detritivore Macrofauna Assemblages and Litter Accumulation in Bukit Pinang-Pinang Tropical Rainforest Area: A Comparative Study across Land Use Types
    F Marsandi, W Sujarwo, H Hafsah, VBL Sihotang, H Hermansah, H Fajri
    Annals of Silvicultural Research 51 (1) , 2026
    2026
  • REMOTENESS AS RESOURCE: Ethnographic perspectives on mobility and economic resilience in Sebesi Island, Indonesia.
    D Riskianingrum, VB Lestari Sihotang, F Marsandi
    Shima 20 (1), 52 , 2026
    2026
  • Indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants utilization by the Indonesia’s North Sumatra Karo ethnicity: A qualitative analysis
    MM Martgrita, FTR Silalahi, M Rahayu, M Nikmatullah, C Sembiring, ...
    Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants 31 (4), 444-466 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Produksi dan Reproduksi Pengetahuan Pengobatan Tradisional Malaria pada Masyarakat Pulau Sebesi, Lampung Selatan
    VBL Sihotang
    Universitas Gadjah Mada , 2025
    2025
  • Ethnobotany and diversity of Citrus spp.(Rutaceae) as a source of “Kem-kem” traditional medicine used among the Karo sub-ethnic in North Sumatra, Indonesia
    M Rahayu, T Kalima, MM Martgrita, C Sembiring, L Simangunsong, ...
    Heliyon 10 (9) , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 13
  • Tangos Therapy: Health Behavior as the Result of Normalizing Power in Medicating Symptoms of Malaria on the Community of Sebesi Island
    VBL Sihotang, P Semedi, A Triratnawati
    2022
  • The Role of Forest in the Knowledge Production of Traditional Medication in Tejang Village Sebesi Island, South Lampung
    PSAT V B L Sihotang
    IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. , 2021
    2021
  • Transmission of Traditional Medicine Knowledge in Sebesi Island Community, South Lampung
    VBL Sihotang
    International Conference of Indonesia Culture “Connectivity and … , 2020
    2020
  • The Role of Plant Diversity In Local Community Of Gili Iyang Island, Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia
    S Susiarti, VBL Sihotang, Rugayah
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 298 (1), 012028 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 2
  • Bertahan di Tengah Samudra: Pandangan Etnobotani terhadap Pulau Enggano, Alam, dan Manusianya
    MF Royyani, VBL Sihotang, O Efendy
    Jurnal Biologi Indonesia 14 (2) , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 1
  • Integrasi Pengetahuan Lokal dan Ilmu Pengetahuan: Penelaahan Roti Buaya dalam Perspektif Zoologi
    AHHK Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang
    PatrawIdya 20 (2), 161-170 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 1
  • Ekspedisi Sulawesi Barat: Flora, Fauna, dan Mikroorganisme Gandangdewata
    AS Achmadi, A Hamidy, I Maryanto, P Lupiyaningdyah, VBL Sihotang, ...
    Penerbit BRIN , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 8
  • The ethnobotanical survey of clove, pepper, and nutmeg and their utilization by Chinese and Indonesian people
    VBL Sihotang, G Yang, X Chi, L Huang
    Journal of Tropical Biology & Conservation (JTBC) 15, 15–27-15–27 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 9
  • Kajian etnobotani ramuan pasca melahirkan pada masyarakat enggano
    MF Royyani, VB Lestari, A Agusta, O Efendy
    Berita Biologi 17 (1), 31-38 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 15
  • Studi Populasi dan Potensi Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) di Kabupaten Langkat, Provinsi Sumatera Utara
    ADFVBLS Kusuma Rahmawati
    Seminar Nasional SEMABIO) 2018 “Biodiversitas: Penelitian, Pembelajaran, dan … , 2018
    2018
  • Nilai ekonomi dan Pemanfaatan Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) di Kecamatan Bahorok, Sumatera Utara.
    KRFR Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang
    Prosiding Seminar Nasional Konservasi dan Pemanfaatan tumbuhan dan Satwa Liar , 2018
    2018
  • Politik Usaha Pengumpulan dan Perdagangan Pasak Bumi: Strategi UD Alam Lestari dan Masyarakat Pengumpul Pasak Bumi di Kecamatan Bahorok, Sumatera Utara
    VBLSK Rahmawati
    Prosiding Seminar Nasional Konservasi dan Pemanfaatan tumbuhan dan Satwa Liar , 2018
    2018
  • Pengetahuan Masyarakat Lokal di Desa Temiang-Riau Tentang Pemanfaatan Sumber Daya Alam
    BAPJSR Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang, M. Fathi Royyani
    Seminar Nasional SEMABIO) 2018 “Biodiversitas: Penelitian, Pembelajaran, dan … , 2018
    2018
  • Bertahan di Tengah Samudra: Pandangan Etnobotani terhadap Pulau Enggano, Alam, dan Manusianya (Survive on The Oceanic Island: Ethnobotanical Views on Enggano Island, Nature and …
    MF Royyani, VBL Sihotang, O Efendy
    Jurnal Biologi Indonesia 14 (2), 235-242 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 5
  • Land Use Changes and Their Effects on the Provisioning Services for 32 Years in Temiang Village, Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu
    VBL Sihotang, BA Pratama, MF Royyani, JS Rahajoe, L Zhen
    Journal of Tropical Biology & Conservation (JTBC) 14 , 2017
    2017

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • A preliminary ethnobotanical study on useful plants by local communities in Bodogol Lowland Forest, Sukabumi, West Java
    M Rahayu, S Susiarti, VBL Sihotang
    Journal of Tropical Biology & Conservation (JTBC) , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 25
  • Ethnomedicinal study of the Sundanese people at the Bodogol area, Gede Pangrango Mountain National Park, West Java
    VBL Sihotang
    Garden's Bulletin Singapore 63 (1 & 2), 527-534 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 21
  • Kajian etnobotani ramuan pasca melahirkan pada masyarakat enggano
    MF Royyani, VB Lestari, A Agusta, O Efendy
    Berita Biologi 17 (1), 31-38 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 15
  • Ethnobotany and diversity of Citrus spp.(Rutaceae) as a source of “Kem-kem” traditional medicine used among the Karo sub-ethnic in North Sumatra, Indonesia
    M Rahayu, T Kalima, MM Martgrita, C Sembiring, L Simangunsong, ...
    Heliyon 10 (9) , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 13
  • The ethnobotanical survey of clove, pepper, and nutmeg and their utilization by Chinese and Indonesian people
    VBL Sihotang, G Yang, X Chi, L Huang
    Journal of Tropical Biology & Conservation (JTBC) 15, 15–27-15–27 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 9
  • Ekspedisi Sulawesi Barat: Flora, Fauna, dan Mikroorganisme Gandangdewata
    AS Achmadi, A Hamidy, I Maryanto, P Lupiyaningdyah, VBL Sihotang, ...
    Penerbit BRIN , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 8
  • Peran Indonesia dalam Penciptaan Peradaban Dunia: Perspektif Botani
    MF Royyani, VB Lestari
    Herbarium Bogoriense, Puslit biologi, LIPI , 2009
    2009
    Citations: 7
  • Serat Kulit Kayu Bahan Sandang: Keanekaragaman Jenis Dan Prospeknya Di Indonesia
    M Rahayu, VBL Sihotang
    Berita Biologi 12 (3), 269-275 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 6
  • Bertahan di Tengah Samudra: Pandangan Etnobotani terhadap Pulau Enggano, Alam, dan Manusianya (Survive on The Oceanic Island: Ethnobotanical Views on Enggano Island, Nature and …
    MF Royyani, VBL Sihotang, O Efendy
    Jurnal Biologi Indonesia 14 (2), 235-242 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 5
  • Regeneration strategies of palms (Arecaceae) in response to cyclonic disturbances
    D Latifah, RA Congdon, JA Holtum
    Reinwardtia 15, 43-59 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 5
  • The Utilization of Kecondang (T. leontopetaloides) in Karimunjawa Island as Alternative Food
    VBL Sihotang
    Proceeding International Conference on Global Resource Conservation 4 (1) , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 5
  • Kajian Etnobotani Perubahan Fungsi Lahan, Sosial Dan Inisiatif Konservasi Masyarakat Pulau Enggano [the Ethnobotanical Study of Land Use Change, Social Change and the …
    MF Royyani, VB Lestari, O Efendy
    Berita Biologi 16 (3), 227721 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 4
  • Ekspedisi Sumba
    A Hamidy, AP Keim, A Agusta
    Penerbit BRIN , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 3
  • Indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants utilization by the Indonesia’s North Sumatra Karo ethnicity: A qualitative analysis
    MM Martgrita, FTR Silalahi, M Rahayu, M Nikmatullah, C Sembiring, ...
    Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants 31 (4), 444-466 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • The Role of Plant Diversity In Local Community Of Gili Iyang Island, Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia
    S Susiarti, VBL Sihotang, Rugayah
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 298 (1), 012028 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 2
  • Bertahan di Tengah Samudra: Pandangan Etnobotani terhadap Pulau Enggano, Alam, dan Manusianya
    MF Royyani, VBL Sihotang, O Efendy
    Jurnal Biologi Indonesia 14 (2) , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 1
  • Integrasi Pengetahuan Lokal dan Ilmu Pengetahuan: Penelaahan Roti Buaya dalam Perspektif Zoologi
    AHHK Vera Budi Lestari Sihotang
    PatrawIdya 20 (2), 161-170 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 1
  • The Ethnobotanical Aspects of Curcuma spp. In Javanese Traditional Medicine
    M Rahayu, HM Sangat, VB Lestari
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Temulawak and the 40th … , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 1
  • Detritivore Macrofauna Assemblages and Litter Accumulation in Bukit Pinang-Pinang Tropical Rainforest Area: A Comparative Study across Land Use Types
    F Marsandi, W Sujarwo, H Hafsah, VBL Sihotang, H Hermansah, H Fajri
    Annals of Silvicultural Research 51 (1) , 2026
    2026
  • REMOTENESS AS RESOURCE: Ethnographic perspectives on mobility and economic resilience in Sebesi Island, Indonesia.
    D Riskianingrum, VB Lestari Sihotang, F Marsandi
    Shima 20 (1), 52 , 2026
    2026