Celebrating National Jamu Day 2026: Modernizing Indonesia’s Herbal Legacy for a Global Future
On June 6, 2026, the Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) LRI-PGKH IPB University successfully commemorated National Jamu Day 2026. The event took place at the Ballroom on the 5th Floor of the Startup Center Building, Science Techno Park (STP) Area, IPB Taman Kencana Campus, Bogor.
TropBRC organized the event in close collaboration with the Department of Communication and Community Development Sciences (KPM), Faculty of Social and Human Ecology (FISEMA) IPB University, and the Indonesian Association of Development Extension Experts (PERPAPPI).
Under the inspiring theme “Modernizing Ancestral Jamu Heritage for a Healthy, Empowered, and Global Society,” the celebration served as a vibrant collaborative hub. It successfully bridged academics, researchers, students, herbal practitioners, industry players, and local communities to fortify jamu as both a rich cultural heritage and a future-oriented health innovation.
Shifting the Paradigm: Jamu in the Modern Era
The celebration strongly emphasized that traditional herbal medicine is far from an outdated tradition. Dr. Ir. Ninuk Purnaningsih, M.Si., chairwoman of the organizing committee, highlighted that National Jamu Day serves as a crucial reminder of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. Furthermore, she stressed the urgency of developing jamu scientifically to match modern lifestyle needs. This approach ensures it remains safe, effective, and deeply relevant for Gen Z and Generation Alpha.
Echoing this forward-looking vision, the Director of TropBRC IPB University, Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rafi, S.Si., M.Si., underlined that “jamu doesn’t mean ancient.” He noted that rigorous scientific verification and evidence-based innovation can elevate jamu into a high-value health and economic resource.
In addition, Prof. Dr. Erika Budiarti Laconi, Head of LRI-PGKH IPB University, urged stronger synergy among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. This collaboration aims to bring Indonesia’s local bio-resources and herbal innovations to the global stage through sustainable international promotion.
Interactive Activities and Community Engagement
To bridge scientific theory with community action, the event featured a dynamic lineup of educational and community-oriented activities. These sessions actively engaged over 100 talkshow attendees and 50 student participants.
The “Empon-Empon Talk” served as an interactive health session led by prominent experts. The discussion focused on the promotional and preventive management of diabetes and hypertension through native herbs like sambiloto, temulawak, and kumis kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus).
Meanwhile, the Jamu MasterChef Competition provided a creative culinary challenge. It tasked housewives with crafting innovative, nutritious, and flavorful herbal-based drinks and snacks within a strict 90-minute limit.
Finally, rounding out the activities was the Poster & Development Communication Video Exhibition. This offered a compelling visual showcase of student-led public health campaigns designed to effectively target and prevent non-communicable diseases.
✍️ Author & Editor: Titis Arifiana
📸 Documentation: Team TropBRC