For many, jamu is simply Indonesia’s traditional herbal drink, renowned for its health benefits. But for me, jamu became much more than just a remedy—it evolved into a pathway to self-discovery. This simple drink, crafted from Indonesia’s rich spices, has since become intertwined with my journey of healing, finding balance, and deepening my understanding of both my body and soul.

My connection with Jamu began after a time when my body was struggling. Around the age of 10, I developed a severe allergy that made me sneeze constantly—first thing in the morning, during school, practically every day. It was so persistent that one day my teacher, misunderstanding my situation, even slapped me for what he thought was deliberate disruption. The allergy affected not just my physical health but also my studies and daily activities, making it difficult to concentrate on even the simplest of tasks. The condition persisted until I moved from Medan, North Sumatra, to Australia for high school. The drier climate there provided some relief, but the allergy never truly disappeared because I hadn’t addressed its root cause.

It wasn’t until 2016 that I made the decision to truly transform my health. After my third accident caused by alcohol, I hit rock bottom—losing my job and my motorcycle. The accident left me with a severe sinus infection, unbearable headaches, and temporary hearing loss. Western medicine offered little relief. Then, a friend introduced me to jamu, and unexpectedly, things began to improve. My allergic reactions gradually diminished, and this experience forced me to reflect on my life. I realized I had been given multiple chances to change, and this might be my last. I decided to embrace this turning point, stop drinking alcohol, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Little did I know, that alcohol had been exacerbating my body’s issues, leading to excessive mucus production and high acidity levels.

Freed from the burden of my allergy, I fully embraced a healthier lifestyle—practicing yoga, becoming vegetarian, regularly drinking jamu, and spending more time in nature. I even got a chance to hike Mount Batur and Mount Rinjani without any allergic flare-ups. Something I would never do if my allergy reaction still acted up. While on these hikes, I met people involved in trail running, which intrigued me. Simply put, trail running is a type of running that takes place on natural terrains like forests, mountains, and uneven trails, combining physical endurance with the challenge of navigating rugged outdoor environments.

One runner mentioned completing a 100-kilometer trail in 25 hours, and though it seemed impossible at the time, it sparked something in me. I finally decided to join a trail running community and started training. By the end of 2021, I completed my first 16-kilometer race in Ambarawa, Central Java, with my wife and friends. It felt like an extraordinary achievement, especially for someone who once struggled with their health. This experience fueled my desire for more, and in 2022, I participated in 10 races, the longest being a 50-kilometer run in Bali. The pinnacle of my journey came in September 2024 when I completed a 100-kilometer race in Bandung, West Java.

Surprisingly, this running journey also brought me back to jamu. After races, I began exploring different cities in Java, discovering new jamu recipes along the way. It made me realize that no matter where I went, jamu was a constant presence in my life. Having been part of the Indonesian archipelago for over 1,500 years, jamu cannot be replaced by Western medicine. While Western science is excellent at breaking things down into details, there are aspects of life that go beyond facts—things that can only be understood through deeper contemplation. 

Besides promoting for healthy lifestyle, my understanding of jamu led me to appreciate the idea of “sow and reap”—the concept that every action (sowing) has a corresponding result (reaping). Since incorporating jamu into my life, many positive changes followed. My wife and I started Jamu Sehati, a small shop that has now flourished into a bigger business. Over the past decade, we have grown from a humble warung to a home-based production of jamu, offering workshops to share traditional recipes and explore the rich history and culture of jamu. 

Through all of these unexpected experiences, I have learned so much. Without jamu, I might never have understood my body as deeply as I do now. Self-discovery brings not only a better relationship with oneself but also with those around us. Before understanding myself, the egocentric part of me was seeking others’ understanding. But now, I have let go of that need and strive for harmony in all aspects of life including with my family, career, and other unpredictable circumstances. 

Additionally, one of the most valuable lessons jamu has taught me is about time. It took me 48 years to truly grasp the concept of patience. Before this, I was always in a hurry, wanting everything to happen instantly, which left me restless. Now, after all these experiences, I can easily express gratitude for everything that has happened in my life. I realize that as humans, we have no reason to complain—life is abundant if we take the time to notice.