Indonesia aims to boost returns from Rp1.2 trillion jamu industry

 The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has called for greater support for standardized herbal medicines, as the annual market value of traditional herbal drinks or jamu, potentially reach Rp1.2 trillion (US$67 million).

According to the BPOM Head, Taruna Ikrar, here on Tuesday, Indonesia’s wellness and health products have a potential global market value of around Rp350 trillion (nearly US$20 billion), which can be realized through the optimal utilization of biodiversity.

Speaking during the launch of Pekan Jamu (Jamu Week) 2026, he highlighted Indonesia’s comparative advantage in curcumin-rich plants such as turmeric and Javanese ginger, which he described as being as valuable as ginseng products commonly associated with East Asian countries.

“Curcumin offers more benefits than ginseng, as it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Indonesia is basically capable of competing with South Korea and other countries,” Ikrar said.

Ikrar added that unlocking the full potential of Indonesia’s herbs requires better management, more intensive research, and stronger downstream processing efforts.

He said that turmeric, ginger, and many other herbal plants found across Indonesia can be developed into a wide range of value-added commodities such as cosmetics and personal care products.

BPOM, says Ikrar, has so far issued distribution permit numbers (NIE) for about 22,000 jamu products.

However, only 71 products have been upgraded to standardized herbal medicines, while just 21 have reached phytopharmaceutical status.

“Elevating the status of jamu products into standardized herbal medicines and phytopharmaceuticals requires stronger scientific studies, including stability testing, bioavailability research, and validation of efficacy,” he said.

In this regard, the BPOM chief further emphasized that expanding the scientific evidence supporting jamu products is essential for increasing their economic value.