BPOM launches two programmes on National Jamu Day to drive innovation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has launched the Active Ingredient Library (PUSAKA) and the programme for Synergising in Innovative Research for Global Competitiveness and Market Expansion (BRIDGE) during the National Jamu Day celebrations, strengthening the innovation ecosystem for natural-based medicines.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated in Jakarta on Monday that the National Jamu Day commemoration aims not only to promote jamu as an Indonesian cultural heritage but also to encourage the public to adopt healthy lifestyles through exercise and the use of Indonesian natural medicines.
“World recognition of jamu is strengthening following UNESCO’s designation of jamud as an intangible cultural heritage. Furthermore, international recognition is also coming from the World Health Organization (WHO), which is increasingly opening space for the development of evidence-based traditional medicine,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of introducing jamu to the younger generation. The ‘back to nature’ trend developing in various countries presents a significant opportunity to expand the use of jamu. Therefore, innovation is required so that jamu can be packaged more attractively and in accordance with the tastes of Millennials and Generation Alpha.
Currently, there are approximately 22,000 marketing authorisation numbers related to authentic Indonesian medicines. He expressed hope that this number would continue to grow alongside increasing public interest in natural-based products.
“This is an extraordinary wealth. We want more people to enjoy jamu because it is our own heritage,” he said.
BPOM is paying close attention to the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing the national jamu industry. MSME players, including traditional ‘jamu gendong’ (itinerant herbal medicine) sellers, are seen as having great opportunities to scale up through business model innovation and the use of digital technology.
BPOM organised a week-long series of National Jamu Day commemorations, culminating in the Jamu Festival 2026 held on Sunday (7/6).
Similarly, the General Chairman of the Indonesian Jamu Association (GP Jamu), Jony Yuwono, stated that the development of jamu should not focus solely on products but also requires support through broader efforts to revitalise Indonesian culture.
“I hope and invite various parties to join more widely. We see the ‘jamu gendong’ women struggling to preserve cultural heritage, reflected in their traditional attire. They give their best to maintain the nation’s identity,” he said.
Jony hoped that everyone could be inspired by the spirit of the ‘jamu gendong’ women in developing their products. Furthermore, Jony noted that herbal plants could be more widely adopted in cosmetic products, which would certainly require support from BPOM.
Additionally, BPOM presented Marketing Authorisation Certificates (NIE) for several standardised herbal medicine (OHT) and phytopharmaceutical products resulting from downstream research. Recipients of the NIE included Mansur from PT Ismut Fitomedical Indonesia, Raymond R. Tjandrawinata from PT Dexa Medica, and Jony Yuwono from PT Sinde Budi Sentosa.
As a form of appreciation for the development of national natural medicine innovation, BPOM also presented awards to several researchers who successfully transitioned their research results into products that provide real benefits to society. Awards were given to Purwoko from Dr. Moewardi Regional General Hospital, I Ketut Adnyana from the School of Pharmacy, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Elin Yulinah from Jenderal Achmad Yani University.