23 September 2019 – Victorian Young Leaders students had a chance to see how to make traditional Javanese medicine called jamu. They learn directly from the Jamu maker, Bu Jum and Mbak Angel. Bu Jum had made jamu since 1989. Now, Mbak Angel, her daughter helps her on making jamu.

The jamu making was held outdoor, so everybody could see and got involved in the process. They had a chance to make jamu called beras kencur (rice and white ginger) and kunyit asem (sour tamarind). There are several tools that were used to make jamu such as, alu and lumpang. Alu is the smasher to smash the ingredients. It is made from wood. Lumpang is the place to smash the ingredients. It is made from the stone. The first jamu that they made was jamu beras kencur. It was started by smashing the white ginger into the lumpang using alu until it is soft. It was mixed with the rice. Then, it was mixed with melted palm sugar water. Using a big washbasin, the mashed ingredients were put into strainer and the melted palm sugar water was poured into it. It needs around 10 bottles of melted palm sugar water. They still have to squeeze the mixed ingredients to get the strong taste of it. After that, they can put the water in the glass to have a drink. The similar process also occurred in making jamu kunyit asem. The different was just the ingredients. Jamu kunyit asem needs tamarind and turmeric.

The students were so happy to know the process of making jamu.  They thought it was really interesting. One of the students got a yellowing hand because of the turmeric extract. However, they love the taste. “Enak sekali!” said Aidan while drinking jamu with the yellowing hand. Don’t forget to wash your hand, friend!