Jamu: Unveiling an Indonesian Herbal Heritage for Holistic Well-being

Nusantara, a vast expanse of thousands of islands, cradles a multitude of traditional wisdom. Within the lively and varied archipelago of Indonesia, a tapestry of 360 ethnic groups unfolds, each navigating life with distinct approaches to livelihood. At its core, the ancestors of this diverse land ingeniously discovered and crafted unique paths to meet their fundamental needs: sandang (clothing), pangan (food), papan (shelter), and the essence of their sadar (well-being).

The natural well-being and holistic culture of Indonesia find their roots in a harmonious connection between nature and rich traditions. Whether through time-honored healing practices, mindfulness rituals, or a profound respect for the environment, Indonesia's cultural traditions cultivate a holistic perspective that nurtures the well-being of individuals and communities alike. Our ancestors embraced a lifestyle that seamlessly integrated physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, evident in various traditional practices, with Jamu being a standout example.

Jamu, a herbal remedy meticulously crafted from local indigenous herbs using techniques passed down through generations, transcends mere physical problem-solving. With roots dating back to the 8-10th century during the Mataram Kingdom, Jamu goes beyond being a remedy; it's a cultural heritage deeply embedded in our traditions, linking us to a natural approach to self-care. Given that Indonesia is home to 30.,000 out of 40,000 medicinal herbs worldwide, the utilization of Jamu is not surprising; it is a natural extension of our rich biodiversity, and its role in our traditional practices becomes even more profound. On December 6th, 2023, UNESCO recognized the significance of Jamu Wellness Culture by appointing it as the 13th Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia during the 18th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana. This prestigious acknowledgment further solidifies Jamu's position as a cultural treasure, highlighting its role in preserving the holistic well-being and traditional wisdom of Indonesia for generations to come.

Derived from two Javanese terms, Djampi and Oesodo, Jamu reflects a rich cultural synthesis. Djampi embodies the use of medicinal herbs, chants, and prayer for healing, while Oesodo translates to health. 

Jamu is more than a mere concoction; it symbolizes a blend of medicinal herbs employed for therapeutic purposes. With its diverse herbal composition, Jamu serves as a remedy extending beyond physical ailments, such as inflammation or sore throat. 

It goes beyond the physical realm, with some of its herbal components affecting the emotional and psychological aspects acting as antidepressants, immune boosters, and more. Consequently, Jamu is rightly categorized as a holistic approach to health in Indonesia. It doesn't merely address health symptoms; it nurtures the interconnected aspects of human existence, showcasing its profound role in promoting well-being beyond the boundaries of conventional medicine.

At the heart of preserving Jamu, lies the resonance with traditional technologies. The process of making Jamu has been passed down from our ancestors when technology was as simple as rocks and woods. Despite these basic tools, our ancestors cleverly figured out how to use the herbs around Nusantara. One of the trailblazers in preserving Jamu's traditional culture is Rumah Reina—an enthusiast for handcrafted Jamu, driven by a commitment to preserve the local wisdom of Indonesian Jamu and Herbal traditions. Starting in Solo, Central Java, in 2012, Rumah Reina expanded to Bali in 2019. It's a family effort involving a mother, son, and daughter, all concerned about a healthy lifestyle. Hence, Rumah Reina was created as a place to develop traditional healing using ancestral recipes.

"Our ancestors inherently possessed extraordinary knowledge, acquired from the universe. We need to learn their recipes so they won't be lost. This means learning their traditional language.”

-Made Ayu Aryani, Founder of Rumah Reina & Jamu Queen

In steering their enterprise, Rumah Reina remains firmly rooted in the timeless wisdom of Balinese tradition, guided by the Tri Hita Karana principle. This ancient philosophy underscores the importance of harmonizing relationships with the divine, fellow humans, and the natural world. For them, it's not just about preserving the age-old art of Jamu-making; it's about nurturing a symbiotic bond with nature. Their vision extends beyond healing through herbs; it's about reciprocity—giving back to the earth that sustains us. At Rumah Reina, this ethos comes to life as they carefully craft Jamu from locally-sourced medicinal plants, weaving a story of interconnectedness with every drop.

Rumah Reina's main goal is to uphold the tradition of consuming Jamu in urban settings. To achieve this, Rumah Reina innovates by crafting herbal Jamu suitable for all generations: the elderly, the young, and children. This traditional approach not only preserves ancient practices but also adapts them to modern lifestyles. That's why Rumah Reina also conducts workshops to pass on this traditional knowledge to the next generation, hoping they will continue the legacy of Jamu preservation. Through these efforts, they aim to reconnect with our roots and explore the depths of traditional wisdom. In support of their initiative, the Pratisara Bumi Foundation organizes a "Jamu as Traditional Heritage of Indonesia" event, aligning with our #IndigenousTechnology campaign to amplify the effort of revitalizing one of our most cherished heritages, Jamu, and making it relevant once again.

“There must be engaging stories for the younger generation to take pride in our ancestral heritage, encouraging them to continue learning. Let's return to our roots."

-Made Ayu Aryani, Founder of Rumah Reina & Jamu Queen

As Rumah Reina preserves and innovates the Jamu tradition, they inspire us to embrace this ancient wisdom in our modern lives. Their commitment to crafting herbal beverages that resonate across generations and their dedication to passing on this knowledge through workshops inspire us to rekindle our heritage. As we reflect on the profound impact of Jamu, let us embrace the call to shift towards herbal remedies, honoring our indigenous traditions and fostering holistic well-being for generations to come. So, it's time for us, the younger generation, to join hands on this journey to go back to our roots, rediscover our heritage and preserve the timeless wisdom of Jamu together!

Written by: Naila Madina - Communications Officer