Jamu 101: Indonesia’s Ancient Wellness Drink That’s Nothing Like You Think
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Mention jamu to most Malaysians and you’ll probably get one of two reactions. Either they’ll imagine a dark, bitter herbal concoction that’s brewed in a cauldron by an old Indonesian woman living in a hut in the middle of the jungle…
…Or they’ll assume it’s something only women drink during pantang.
The truth? Neither is entirely accurate.
In Indonesia, jamu isn’t just medicine. It’s a daily wellness tonic enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life. Think of it as Indonesia’s answer to cold-pressed juice, kombucha, or matcha—a drink that’s both meant to be enjoyed and be beneficial to your health. The only difference is that jamu has been ‘trending’ for generations.
And when you’re on a weekend getaway to Batam, trying a glass of authentic jamu might just become a part of your bucket list.
So what exactly is jamu?
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic with roots (and containing roots!) stretching back centuries.
The word itself is believed to come from the Old Javanese words djampi (healing or prayer) and oesodo (health). Originally, these herbal preparations were created within the royal palaces (keraton) of Solo and Yogyakarta for Javanese royalty before eventually becoming available to everyday Indonesians.
Jamu relies entirely on natural ingredients such as roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and leaves. Recipes are often passed down through generations, with families and communities developing their own preferred blends.
And no, jamu isn’t only for women
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
One of the biggest misconceptions Malaysians have about jamu is that it’s only consumed by women - whether after childbirth or to enhance their “downstairs femininity".
While certain varieties are indeed popular during postpartum recovery, the reality is that men drink jamu, women drink jamu, and even children grow up familiar with it.
It’s because there are countless types of jamu that bring different benefits. Some are daily wellness tonics, some aid digestion, some warm the body, and some simply taste good. It’s really like choosing your health drink of choice to start the day.
3 jamu recommended for newbies to start with
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Okay, so you don’t want your first jamu experience to be accidentally picking the most bitter of the lot (unless that really is your thing). If you want to keep the experience enjoyable before easing in to the hardcore varieties, here are a few crowd favourites that are refreshing and easy on the palate.
Kunyit Asam: The first-timer favourite
If you’re trying jamu for the first time, this is the best one to start with.
Made from fresh turmeric (kunyit), tamarind (asam jawa), and palm sugar, Kunyit Asam strikes a balance between sweet and tangy flavours. Served chilled, it’s incredibly refreshing—especially on a hot Batam afternoon.
It’s also rich in antioxidants and is traditionally enjoyed for its anti-inflammatory properties. Many women also drink it to help relieve menstrual discomfort.
Beras Kencur: The comfort drink
Beras Kencur combines rice powder, aromatic kencur (a close relative of ginger), and palm sugar. The result is a creamy, slightly spicy drink that’s both comforting and energising - perfect when you’re feeling tired, achy, bloated, or simply in need of a pick-me-up.
The flavour is warming and mildly sweet, making it one of the easiest jamu varieties for to appreciate.
Jahe Merah: Teh halia’s intense, gym bro cousin
If you’re already a fan of teh halia, you’ll enjoy jahe merah.
Made with red ginger, lemongrass, and honey, Jahe Merah delivers a warming kick that’s perfect on a rainy day or after spending hours in air-conditioned shopping malls.
It’s commonly enjoyed to soothe digestion, warm the body, and help fend off common colds.
Here’s where to find jamu in Batam
Photo source: Merdeka.com
There are several ways you can sample authentic jamu during a weekend trip to Batam.
The first is probably the most random, but also the most authentic - tracking down a jamu gendong seller.
These women, often known as Ibu Jamu, carry bottles of freshly made jamu in baskets strapped to their backs or transport them on bicycles. You can sometimes spot them around local morning markets and residential neighbourhoods, pouring out cups on the spot.
Photo source: AGENTIN via Google Maps
The second is to go to a jamu cafe. Cafes like Griya Jamu, Selarah, and ANGETIN offer the same traditional tonics, but in a comfortable and instagrammable environment. While you’ll miss out on getting your jamu poured out off the back of an Ibu Jamu, the air conditioning might be a worthwhile trade off.
But although there are two ways you can try jamu in Batam, there is only one right way to get there.
From Berjaya Waterfront, an air-conditioned ferry can get you to Batam in 90 minutes or less. Coupled with fuss-free boarding and fixed ticket prices, regular trips to Batam for jamu is an actual reality because - trust us - you will not get jemu of jamu.