Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Innovation: 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. Held at the Ballroom on the 5th Floor of the Startup Center Building, Science Techno Park (STP) Area, IPB Taman Kencana Campus, Bogor, the event was organized 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 bridging 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.
The celebration strongly emphasized that traditional herbal medicine is far from an outdated tradition. The chairwoman of the organizing committee, Dr. Ir. Ninuk Purnaningsih, M.Si., highlighted that National Jamu Day serves as a crucial reminder of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, stressing the urgency of developing jamu scientifically to match modern lifestyle needs so 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,” noting that rigorous scientific verification and evidence-based innovation can elevate jamu into a high-value health and economic resource. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Erika Budiarti Laconi, Head of LRI-PGKH IPB University, urged stronger synergy among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to bring Indonesia’s local bio-resources and herbal innovations to the global stage through sustainable international promotion.
To bridge scientific theory with community action, the event featured a dynamic lineup of educational and community-oriented activities, actively engaging over 100 talkshow attendees and 50 student participants. The “Empon-Empon Talk” served as an interactive health session led by prominent experts, focusing 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 that tasked housewives with crafting innovative, nutritious, and flavorful herbal-based drinks and snacks within a strict 90-minute limit. Rounding out the activities was the Poster & Development Communication Video Exhibition, which 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