Professor Nyoman Kertia of Universitas Gadjah Mada is highly regarded for his dedication to exploring traditional medicine and its integration into modern medical practices.
He believes Indonesia’s vast potential in herbal plants could replace chemical medicines in contemporary healthcare.
A lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) originally from Buleleng, Bali, Professor Kertia developed an interest in traditional remedies driven by the vast biodiversity of Indonesian herbal plants.
Meanwhile, 90% of chemical medicine ingredients are still imported, which has been a growing concern for Professor Kertia in his research on traditional medicine.
“Western standards should not constrain academics. If processed properly, medicinal plants can be highly effective and safe,” Professor Kertia remarked on Friday (Dec. 27) at UGM.
Professor Kertia regretted the lack of interest in utilizing traditional medical practices in healthcare. He noted that today’s society is increasingly suffering from conditions linked to unhealthy eating habits and junk food, such as diabetes, cholesterol, uric acid issues, and even life-threatening complications like stroke and heart disease.
Unfortunately, traditional treatment methods for these ailments have long been abandoned in favor of modern medicine, which is considered more effective.
“Many people experience stress and mental health problems because they forget the traditional wisdom of living simply and gratefully,” Professor Kertia added.
As the Chair of the Herbal Medicine Council in Yogyakarta and the Head of the Natural Medicine Development Team at Dr Sardjito Hospital FK-KMK UGM, Professor Kertia has been actively researching to develop herbal-based medicines.
One of his studies focuses on traditional treatments for osteoarthritis, a chronic joint inflammation.
In comparing modern treatments using Piroxicam to traditional remedies with herbal plants like turmeric, ginger, and red onion, Professor Kertia found that while both have anti-inflammatory properties, the herbal treatment demonstrated a lower risk of slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.
“I have conducted extensive research, including on turmeric, ginger, shrimp shells, soybeans, gooseberry, gotu kola, memory enhancement drugs, and the Yogyakarta Sustainable Health program, which serves as a guideline for health development in Yogyakarta,” he explained.
Beyond herbal medicines, Professor Kertia incorporates other traditional healing methods such as acupuncture, traditional massage, and meditation.
He emphasized that these ancient healing practices passed down through generations as part of Indonesia’s local wisdom deserves to be preserved and further developed.
Professor Kertia’s dedication to traditional medicine has earned him the UGM Award in medicine and Indonesian culture. The award was presented by UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia at UGM’s Dies Natalis celebration on Thursday (Dec. 19).
Professor Kertia expressed his gratitude for the award, hoping it will motivate him and other researchers to conduct more in-depth studies on the potential of Indonesian traditional medicines and herbal plants as healing methods and means of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and values.
“I am thankful that UGM recognizes the importance of public health through the wisdom of our ancestors, especially in herbal drinks and medicines,” he said.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif
Photographer: Firsto