A bibliometric analysis of research gaps on ritual plants within ethnobotanical studies in Indonesia

Abstract

Asian J Ethnobiol 8: 158-170. Ethnobotany plays a crucial role as a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern science, exploring the deep and long-standing relationship between humans and plants. In Indonesia—a country rich in both biodiversity and cultural diversity—ethnobotany holds a vital place in safeguarding ancestral heritage, such as herbal remedies, traditional rituals, and indigenous agricultural practices. These traditions not only enrich the nation’s identity but also offer sustainable alternatives for the future. This analysis aims to map research trends and identify knowledge gaps related to ethnobotany in Indonesia. The findings are expected to serve as a reference for conservation programs that preserve local wisdom throughout the country. This study employed a bibliometric analysis. Scientific publication data were obtained from the Scopus database over the past decade. The keywords used included ethnobotany, ethnobotanic, ethnobotanical, Indonesia, Indonesian, ritual, and rituals. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. The analysis revealed several gaps that need to be addressed. First, the most popular topic in ethnobotanical research in Indonesia over the past decade has been medicinal plants. In contrast, research on ritual plants remains minimal—comprising less than 10% of all ethnobotanical studies—with an average of only two publications per year and a stagnant trend. Second, the digitalization of ethnobotanical data on internet-based platforms is still underdeveloped. The visibility and popularity of ritual plant studies should be enhanced through increased global collaboration, funding support, and sustainable conservation policies. Digitalization efforts should be improved by developing websites, mobile applications, social media platforms, and mapping plant distribution using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools or Google MyMaps. The education system should also be engaged by promoting the integration of ethnobotanical themes and values through both intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.