Jamu, a traditional herbal remedy from Indonesia, is recognized by UNESCO as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
This drink, made by extracting compounds from various medicinal plants, has proven health benefits.
The process of making jamu and the culture surrounding it inspired the artwork of the Fine Arts Unit (USER) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, titled “Jejamuan Art Project.”
To capture the cultural heritage embodied in jamu, USER UGM visited the Gesikan Herbal Village in Merdikorejo, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Gesikan Herbal Village is known as a center for traditional jamu production. Historically, crafting jamu has been a means to boost the local economy, leading to the emergence of home-based jamu industries.
Today, dozens of residents still prepare and sell various jamu, many using traditional methods, such as carrying jamu on their backs, known as “Jamu Gendong.” The village has become a popular tourist destination in Yogyakarta.
The visit, which took place from Sep. 14 to 15, involved 20 students. Yusril Mirza, curator of the Jejamuan Art Project, hopes that the presence of young artists in Gesikan will introduce the cultural heritage of jamu to the younger generation.
“Young artists can directly experience the process of making jamu and the intriguing dynamics of the lives of its producers, allowing them to express these experiences in art filled with educational and reflective narratives,” Mirza stated in a press release on Wednesday (Sep. 18).
In addition to learning about traditional jamu production, students explored the lives and environments of jamu artisans. This immersive learning method brings jamu culture into broader contexts, such as the arts.
Antonius Aditya Jatmika, chair of the Jejamuan Art Project committee, explained that the theme of traditional jamu was chosen to initiate cultural preservation efforts.
Jamu is at risk of disappearing due to declining interest among consumers, particularly the youth, who often find its bitter and sour taste unappealing.
“Despite being recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, jamu faces significant threats and vulnerabilities. Through the Jejamuan Art Project, we aim to introduce jamu in new forms, represented as art,” Jatmika emphasized.
The “Sambang Jejamuan” visit included observational activities and engaging events for students and the community, such as documentaries, dialogues and discussions with jamu producers, and hands-on jamu crafting workshops.
Young artists from Solo, Boyolali, Kendal, and Garut participated enthusiastically in the Sambang Jejamuan activities.
Zia Esha Azhari, a UGM Philosophy student and one of the participants, expressed her excitement about gaining insights into jamu culture in Gesikan.
“This is an innovative project because, as artists, we are directly immersed in the jamu-making process. For those who have never seen jamu being made, this experience is extraordinary and inspiring for creating our works,” she shared.
The Sambang Jejamuan event, part of USER UGM’s preparation for the Jejamuan Art Project, is expected to provide young artists with a unique and engaging experience.
The resulting jamu-themed artworks will be showcased from Oct. 16 to 22, 2024, at the Ratan Art Space in Panggungharjo, Bantul.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif