Strengthening Research Key to Advancing Indonesia’s Jamu Industry

Indonesia’s jamu industry has significant growth potential. Consequently, strengthening research is fundamental to ensure the sector progresses further.

Patrick Kalona, President Director of PT Phytochemindo Reksa, stated that based on his years of experience in the jamu industry, research activities must be viewed as an investment rather than a cost burden for businesses.

‘Scientification always adds value and deepens our understanding of a product’s effectiveness and quality,’ he said at a CNBC Indonesia Health Forum on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He expressed gratitude for initiatives such as BRIDGE (Business/Research Information, Development, and Good Manufacturing/Governance) and BPOM’s ‘Orang Tua Angkat’ programme, which have proven to help jamu industry players reduce research costs.

Further analysis shows these programmes do more than just support research on jamu and other herbal medicines; they also bridge small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with larger industry players in the sector.

Patrick added that the benefits of research support extend beyond jamu developers. Fundamentally, research is crucial for enhancing consumer literacy on health products, including jamu. Moreover, access to product information has become easier with advancements in new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

‘Consumer access to experience and knowledge has greatly improved, so scientific validation is a differentiator, but will likely become a necessity in future,’ he said.

Ultimately, Patrick continued, research serves as both a differentiator and proof of the quality of Indonesia’s jamu products for consumers. Moving forward, investment in jamu industry research must continue, through collaboration with BPOM, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and academia.