Maintaining Jamu Existence from Generation to Generation

The existence of jamu deserves a thumb up. Many people are still steadfast in maintaining jamu in this modern era. One of them is Mrs. Sugiati (53) who peddles jamu at Pasar Gede Solo. This native of Sukoharjo is also a jamu connoisseur of from her early age until now at her fifties. She admitted that the business of selling jamu had been initiated by her own mother and passed down to her. Her family’s loyalty to selling jamu gave color to Sugiati’s life. She has faced hard and happy times. She has gone through various twists and turns along with the development of jamu in Indonesia.

Every day, Sugiati’s mother travels from Sukoharjo to Pasar Gede Solo. Accompanied by a daughter, she leaves at 6 am and returns at 3 pm by motorbike. The various jamu ingredients that she sells are dry, wet, spices, herbal sachets, and many others.

Jamu has been embedded in her mind, especially she herself is a connoisseur of jamu. When her son’s appetie dropped, she gave him the jamu temuireng (pink and blue ginger, Curcuma aeruginosa) and jamu temulawak (white turmeric, Curcuma zedoaria) to kill the worms and increase his appetite. No significant obstacles have been encountered so far. Being a jamu seller is a job that suits her well.

“Yes, that’s it, sis, first of all, it’s what fits with me,” said Mrs. Sugiati.

Taking part in preserving jamu is a matter of pride for him. For her, having loyal customers is a bonus. There is happiness for her that she can help provide medicine for the healing of customers, even though the customer only buys one type of jamu.

Responding to jamu among young people, Mrs. Sugiati suggested that its presentation should follow current trends.

“It’s hard for children to drink jamu now, Ma’am. They just want something simple. Yes, so that today’s children know jamu, maybe the container where it is served should be changed to a simpler one,” said Mrs. Sugiati laughing.