By Youth Co:lab alumna Intan Rahmaningtyas, Co-Founder of Lestari Jamuku, Indonesia
I, recently, had the honour of delivering the opening remarks at the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024 in the Philippines. This golden experience allowed me to share the story of “Lestari Jamuku” and its mission to preserve and innovate the traditional Indonesian practice called “Jamu”.
“J-A-M-U is Indonesia's traditional herbal medicine. Just like ginger pickle in Japan or turmeric in Indian food, the herbs and spices used in Jamu have numerous health benefits. Approximately half of the Indonesian population uses Jamu, either to maintain their health or to treat illnesses. Unfortunately, this habit is starting to disappear, especially among the young generation. As youth, through Lestari Jamuku, we have a mission to preserve the tradition of Jamu.”
For generations, Jamu has been an integral component of Indonesia’s Indigenous healing practices. It is utilized throughout the archipelago and maintains its important role in society. More than just a collection of healing potions, it symbolizes food sovereignty, sensitivity to Indonesian societal senses, and the blessings of the land.
The Indigenous roles within Jamu
Indigenous women have been the heart and soul of Jamu’s preservation and transmission through generations. Their intimate knowledge of herbal remedies and traditional practices not only showcases their role as custodians of this ancient wisdom but also reflects their deep connection to the land and its bounties. This role is embodied in the profession known as “Jamu Gendong”. Each day, these women rise early to brew different types of Jamu, then pack a basket with bottles of the herbal medicine and carry it on their backs to sell on the streets. They prepare only enough for one day, ensuring every batch is fresh. "Gendong'' translates to "carry on your back." This practice has persisted for centuries, providing accessible health remedies to the community.
In my recent speech at the Youth Co Lab Summit, I emphasized how these women have played a crucial role in introducing and maintaining the rich traditions of Jamu. I shared, “I was introduced to Jamu at the age of six by a Jamu Gendong woman who came to our house. From that moment, I became familiar with Jamu, and when I was busy with work in adulthood, various health issues emerged, reminding me of the ‘Jamu Gendong.’ This became part of the backstory for creating Lestari Jamuku. Jamu is a tradition led by women for a hundred years, and this profession is passed down from generation to generation. One of my favorite Jamu Gendong women, named ‘Bude,’ passed away in 2020. Her family told us the tradition wasn’t inherited, making us realize that the inheritance of Jamu might be degrading and at risk of extinction among the younger generation.”
Lestari Jamuku: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
As we celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, I'd like to share a little about our journey at Lestari Jamuku. Lestari Jamuku was born from a deep respect for Indigenous traditions and a desire to help these communities thrive in the modern world. We exemplify this by recognizing their knowledge, providing education, and creating economic opportunities.
Through our collaborations with Jamu Gendong women, we've seen how Jamu can be adapted for contemporary markets without losing its essence. We collaborate closely with them to blend traditional Jamu practices with modern business models. By revitalizing their traditional methods and offering training in new herbal plant potentials, we enhance their skills and ensure high-consistency production. We also explore innovative product forms while maintaining authenticity and implementing standardization to meet contemporary quality standards. This connection preserves their cultural heritage and integrates their expertise into today’s market, revitalizing Jamu for a modern society. Yuli, 30 years old, one of our Jamu Gendong women, is a third-generation Jamu seller in her family. She is now able to use several plants she once thought were just wild as medicines, addressing several issues in her community. These include Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Butterfly Pea Flower, and Black Turmeric. She updates her knowledge without abandoning the traditional wisdom she possesses. Together with her, we are also archiving the traditional recipes and processes passed down by Yuli and previous generations.
Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Social Entrepreneurship
After my speech during the Youth Co:Lab Summit, the room was full of exchanges. Some people from other countries, like the Philippines, approached me and shared their experiences, eventually recalling similar indigenous figures like the Jamu Gendong women. They said one practice in the Philippines is “Kayabang,” a tradition where women carry woven baskets on their backs, which plays a role in preserving traditions. It became clear that the role of Indigenous communities in maintaining and revitalizing traditional practices is a universal phenomenon
This experience highlighted a broader truth: empowering Indigenous communities through social entrepreneurship is a global endeavour. Just as we see in Indonesia with the Jamu Gendong women, similar efforts are happening around the world, where Indigenous groups use their traditional knowledge to drive positive change. By integrating our role as youth, we not only enhance their economic opportunities but also help preserve their unique cultural traditions.
I invite you to join us in appreciating and supporting Indigenous communities. Their knowledge and practices aren't relics of the past but valuable resources for a sustainable future. Let's listen, learn, and grow together.
Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Read more about Youth Co:Lab here.
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