Indonesia's Jamu Declared as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Convention Committee has declared Jamu Wellness Culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on 6 December.

IDXChannel - The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Convention Committee has declared Jamu Wellness Culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on 6 December.

Jamu Wellness Culture became the thirteenth Indonesian ICH that was successfully inscribed into the UNESCO ICH list. 

Previously, Indonesia has inscribed twelve other cultural elements as UNESCO ICH, which are Wayang (2008), Keris (2008), Batik (2009), Batik Education and Training (2009), Angklung (2010), Saman Dance (2011), Noken (2012), Three Genres of Traditional Dance in Bali (2015), Art of Pinisi Shipbuilding (2017), Pencak Silat Tradition (2019), Pantun (2020), and Gamelan (2021).

The Jamu Wellness Culture encompasses traditional skills and cultural values associated with traditional natural medicines made from herbs and spices as well as traditional treatment methods that aim to improve health by boosting immunity. Jamu culture is believed to have existed since the 8th century AD, as evidenced by the reliefs at Borobudur Temple and ancient manuscripts such as Kakawin Ramayana and Serat Centini.

According to a media release issued by the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, UNESCO notes the value of herbal culture as a means of cultural expression and building connections between humans and the universe. 

The 18th session of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee will continue until 9 December, in Kasane, Botswana. 

In addition to discussing inscribed cultural elements, the Committee also discussed periodic reports, namely reports on steps taken by countries in preserving cultural elements that have been inscribed in the UNESCO ICH list. (WHY)