Traditional Medicine in Asia

machine. Some producers cannot even
compound jamu, so they purchase the
compound powder, divide it into several
small packets and sell them. Often, they
also use kitchen utensils to process jamu. 5
Home industries produce jamu forms
that can be readily served. The producers
compound jamu materials and then grind
them to a fine powder. This is packed in
plastic or paper packets and then repacked
in bigger paper packets that are
labelled. Some are packaged very well,
while others are simply packed. An
advanced method of jamu processing
comprises the production of pills, either
dried or moistened with honey. Some
producers pack jamu powder in capsules
for consumers who do not like the taste of
jamu. Though very rare, some produce
jamu in the form of tablets. Pills, capsules
and tablets are packed in labelled plastic
pots. Besides producing jamu to be taken
orally, producers also manufacture jamu
for external use like bobok i (lubricants),
pilis j and parem. k These three are sold in
the form of big pills or powders, which can
be easily mixed with water. Godogan l ,
which is compound jamu in the form of
raw material, has to be boiled for extracting
its essence and is then taken orally.
Compound jamu godogan is packed in
labelled or unlabelled transparent plastic
bags. 5
The market for industrial jamu is very
large, as the culture of consuming jamu is
already institutionalized in most of the
country. These days, industrial jamu seems
to be more popular than traditionally made
jamu since it is more convenient to
consume and store. The market for
Traditional system of medicine in Indonesia
industrial jamu is varied, depending on the
producer’s capacity to promote his
products. Some big industries have even
opened special outlets in supermarkets and
luxury malls, which cater to the middle- and
higher-income groups. But, as most jamu
consumers belong to the lower economic
stratum, promoting techniques which are
friendly for lay people would be more
popular. The same applies to the marketing
system. Most industrial jamu sellers have
limited capital and vend their products in
small kiosks. Such businesses are beginning
to thrive in dwelling complexes and
markets. The jamu is sold at an affordable
price and the products are sometimes
varied. The most popular variation is
dissolved jamu mixed with egg yolk and
honey. Then there are the peripatetic jamu
sellers like Surti, who visit residential
complexes on carriages or bicycles,
complete with musical instruments. Their
products are suited to the consumer’s
needs, and have different brand names.
Jamu sellers serve the drink sinom, after
the customer has had the jamu to
overcome its bitter taste. A simple way of
consuming jamu is by buying it at a kiosk,
and then having it there. Jamu gendong
sellers also provide industrial jamu to
complement their product.
Jamu provided by herbalists
Herbalists include those who use local herbs
grown in various areas of Indonesia, and
those who use materials from outside the
country. The latter are mostly from China,
Saudi Arabia or Pakistan. They use
materials from their own countries, though
some also add local materials.
i Bobok is a lubricant used on the arms and legs.
j Pilis is a lubricant used on the face.
k Parem is a lubricant used on the abdomen.
l Godogan is jamu in the form of raw materials, the essence of which has to be extracted by boiling.
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