Masuk angin (catching a cold) is a common health complaint in Indonesia, and remains unrecognized as a formal disease in modern medical science. Often interpreted as a symptom of other conditions, such as the common cold, masuk angin has taken root as a unique cultural phenomenon in Indonesia.
This notion was presented by Professor Atik Triratnawati, a lecturer in Anthropology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), during her professorial inaugural lecture in the field of Health Anthropology on Tuesday, Jun. 6, 2025, at the UGM Senate Hall.
Professor Triratnawati explained that masuk angin exists in the intersection between medical and cultural perspectives.
It is widely accepted among the Javanese, and later among Indonesians more broadly, as a form of health disturbance.
In the cultural context, masuk angin is associated with the realm of magic or mysticism, especially since its symptoms overlap with other illnesses and often prevent sufferers from carrying out normal activities.
Among Javanese communities, masuk angin is traditionally classified into three types: ordinary, severe, and kasep (angina pectoris).
The ordinary type is perceived as mild, with the sufferer still able to go about their daily routines.
“The symptoms include bloating, feeling hot, and body aches,” she explained.
Professor Triratnawati added that this type is commonly believed to result from physical or mental exhaustion after work.
In contrast, severe masuk angin occurs when symptoms are ignored or neglected by the sufferer.
“Often, individuals delay eating, drinking, and resting, hoping to complete their work first. This results in additional symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea,” Professor Trirartnawati said, noting that these symptoms differentiate the severe type from the ordinary.
The third type, masuk angin kasep, appears when it is left untreated for too long.
Initial symptoms are usually overlooked until the condition suddenly worsens, causing the sufferer to collapse or experience chest pain.
“In some cases, unaddressed symptoms can even lead to death,” she stated.
Despite its classification, each type of masuk angin is treated with a variety of traditional remedies.
Professor Triratnawati cited examples of home remedies that vary across individuals and families.
In one case, a family treated their toddler’s masuk angin by rubbing cow manure on the child’s stomach.
In another instance, a farmer drank a carbonated soft drink to alleviate symptoms.
However, one form of treatment stands out as communal and culturally significant: kerokan (a traditional Indonesian healing method that involves scraping the skin, typically on the back, using a coin or similar object and a lubricant like massage oil or balm).
“In Javanese culture, kerokan is considered the primary remedy for masuk angin,” she explained.
The method involves scraping parts of the body with a coin and massage oil, generating a warming effect that is believed to relieve symptoms.
From a medical standpoint, the effectiveness of kerokan is still debated.
Some view it as potentially harmful due to the risk of damaging the skin and blood vessels.
Others, however, acknowledge its perceived effectiveness, particularly when performed properly.
Professor Triratnawati emphasized that painful kerokan is counterproductive.
When done correctly, kerokan helps improve blood circulation and increase body temperature.
“This method aligns with Javanese cultural beliefs about the principles of health and illness.”
Professor Triratnawati’s scholarly work on the cultural phenomenon of masuk angin earned her the title of professor, making her one of 17 active professors at FIB UGM and among the 532 currently active professors at the university.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian