Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), in collaboration with the Functional Implementation Unit for Traditional Healthcare Services (UPF Yankestrad) Tawangmangu of Dr. Sardjito Hospital, officially opened Cafe Jamu Dewi Kiswani at the Kresna Building, RSA UGM, on Wednesday (Oct. 28). The opening ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a communal jamu-drinking session.
RSA UGM President Director Dr. Darwito explained that establishing Cafe Jamu Dewi Kiswani represents a collaboration between modern medical science and traditional healthcare services. He noted that this initiative shows how indigenous culture can thrive alongside the nation’s development and progress. The cafe also serves as a platform for introducing traditional herbal medicine to younger generations.
The name Dewi Kiswani reminds people of cultural heritage that remains relevant in modern times. He further expressed hope that the cafe would generate innovations that benefit the wider community.
“Going forward, we plan to develop jamu as a supplement under the concept of complementary healthcare, which can support conventional medical treatment,” he said.
Dewi Sarastuti, Vice Chair of KHM at RSA UGM, explained that Cafe Jamu Dewi Kiswani is KHM’s 20th business unit. She noted that jamu plays a meaningful role in everyday life and represents an important form of local wisdom. This new unit is expected to serve as an educational resource for all RSA UGM visitors.
“Through this collaboration, the cooperative and UPF Yankestrad are working together to provide education and healthcare services that benefit everyone,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ulfatun Nisa, Head of UPF Yankestrad Tawangmangu at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, said that Cafe Jamu Dewi Kiswani is the third cafe established through the unit’s hospital partnerships. She hopes the cafe will pioneer similar facilities not only at teaching hospitals but also at hospitals under the Ministry of Health.
Looking ahead, she also expressed hope that the collaboration would continue through research initiatives that benefit the wider community.
“May Cafe Jamu Dewi Kiswani bring blessings, benefits, and good health to everyone at RSA UGM and the wider community,” she said.
Nisa added that Cafe Jamu Dewi Kiswani offers several types of jamu familiar to the public, including butterfly pea jamu; ginger, aromatic ginger, and citrus (Jahe Kencur Jeruk or JKJ); turmeric and tamarind (Kunyit Asem); and rice and aromatic ginger (Beras Kencur).
She explained that butterfly pea jamu, in addition to its appealing color, may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Through the cafe, the hospital also seeks to introduce younger generations to jamu as a cultural heritage with various health benefits.
Author/Photo: Jesi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara