Through our collaborations with Jamu Gendong women, we've seen how Jamu can be adapted for contemporary markets without losing its essence. We collaborate closely with them to blend traditional Jamu practices with modern business models. By revitalizing their traditional methods and offering training in new herbal plant potentials, we enhance their skills and ensure high-consistency production. We also explore innovative product forms while maintaining authenticity and implementing standardization to meet contemporary quality standards. This connection preserves their cultural heritage and integrates their expertise into today’s market, revitalizing Jamu for a modern society. 

Yuli, 30 years old, is one of our Jamu Gendong women, and she is a third-generation Jamu seller in her family. She can now use several plants she once thought were just wild as medicines, addressing several issues in her community. These include Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Butterfly Pea Flower, and Black Turmeric. She updates her knowledge without abandoning the traditional wisdom she possesses. Together with her, we are also archiving the traditional recipes and processes passed down by Yuli and previous generations.
 

Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Social Entrepreneurship

After my speech during the Youth Co:Lab Summit, the room was full of exchanges. Some people from other countries, like the Philippines, approached me and shared their experiences, eventually recalling similar indigenous figures like the Jamu Gendong women. They said one practice in the Philippines is “Kayabang,” a tradition where women carry woven baskets on their backs, which plays a role in preserving traditions. It became clear that the role of Indigenous communities in maintaining and revitalizing traditional practices is a universal phenomenon.