KBRN Jakarta: The closing ceremony of the Nusantara Jamu Festival brought together music, traditional games, and a fashion show, drawing crowds to Jakarta’s Kota Tua.

The festival, held from November 14 to 16, featured over 50 Jamu sellers from across the archipelago. It was designed not only to promote Indonesia’s rich spice heritage but also to spotlight the endurance of Jamu brewers, known as Jamu Gendong, who have carried herbal concoctions on their backs for generations.

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar emphasized that Jamu must be revitalized to remain relevant in modern society. “Many people still view Jamu as something traditional and increasingly hard to find. However, the mothers who brew Jamu can now sell online. It is crucial to revitalize the culture of drinking Jamu so that we do not forget our cultural roots,” she said on sunday, November 16, as quoted by Antara.

Irene added that the process of making Jamu involves diligence and physical labor, and public events in historic spaces like Kota Tua remind communities of this heritage.

Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made from spices, roots, and natural ingredients, has been consumed for centuries to maintain health and boost immunity.

In December 2023, Jamu was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking international recognition of its cultural significance.

Irene noted that preserving Jamu requires collaboration between traditional brewers and modern business actors. By blending tradition with innovation, she believes Jamu can be introduced to younger generations in new ways, ensuring its sustainability.

“Here, we showcase Jamu and also the struggle of the Jamu mothers. They carry heavy loads every day and remain strong because they drink Jamu. Every bottle we enjoy has a long journey before it reaches the public,” she remarked.

Acaraki Founder, Jony Yuwono, explained that Heroes’ Day was chosen as the festival’s closing momentum to honor the perseverance of Jamu Gendong brewers. “They wake up at four in the morning to process fresh ingredients, then walk for tens of kilometers regardless of rain or heat. That is the spirit we want to recall,” he said.

Jony added that his organization seeks to reintroduce the figures behind the scenes, including daily workers such as street sweepers and motorcycle taxi drivers, who embody resilience in supporting their families.

The Nusantara Jamu Festival’s closing underscored how Jamu is more than a drink. It is a living tradition, a cultural symbol, and now a globally recognized heritage. ***