Jamu (traditional herb) is Indonesian traditional medical product that initiated West medical tradition. This traditional medication knowledge inspired renaissance of European medical world in the 16th and 17th century. “Local wisdom about traditional medication inspired medical renaissance in Europe. However, Indonesia which is the origin of herb is often not acknowledged as owner of herbal traditional knowledge,” said Hans Pols, Ph.D, a professor of history in Sydney University on Tuesday (7/12) at Affandi Museum, Yogyakarta.
In a workshop entitled Local Knowledge and Global Health of WISDOM 2010, Hans Pols said that various ways in medical tradition in the world have been connected for years. The connection is interwined through many ways such as trade, individual interaction, and good exchange. They have a role in spreading traditional medical knowledge that is useful for widespread development of medical world. The interaction continues up to now, but in different format. Currently, the interaction is built through international dialogue among medical and disease experts. “The many dialogues can gain many new developments which are interesting in traditional medical world,” he explained.
Prof. Dr. Phil. Nat. Sudarsono, Apt., a professor of UGM Faculty of Pharmacy said that data collection in traditional medication research should be more intensified. That is done to get medical scientific data that is appropriate to contribute in global medical world. “Therefore, monitoring and research dealing with local knowledge in ethnic groups who have strong belief on their knowledge are very recommended,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Latifah K. Darusman of Bogor Agricultural Institute said that the utilization of local wisdom such as ethnopharmachology together with appropriate technology application can give benefits for people and nature. Meanwhile, community’s participation, according to Latifah, is one of successful keys for sustainability of natural resources management.
In the workshop, also attending as speakers were Dr. Hilawan Yuda Teruna, M.Si., Riau University, Dr. Irawan Wijaya Kusuma, Mulawarman University, and Prof. Umar Anggara Jenie, M.Sc., Ph.D.