JAKARTA — As the head of the state, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has to stay healthy and fit in order to do all his activities.
Instead of consuming factory-made supplements, Jokowi is said to prefer drinking homemade jamu (traditional herbal medicine) to prevent illness and maintain stamina.
On Tuesday, the President shared a vlog on his Instagram account on how to make his signature jamu.
“This jamu is a mixture of temulawak [Curcuma zanthorrhiza], ginger and turmeric,” Jokowi said in the video.
All of the ingredients are sliced or pounded, then brewed in hot water. After being strained, the concoction is drunk hot.
“I have been drinking [jamu] since perhaps 17 to 18 years ago,” said Jokowi, adding it had brought him tremendous benefits and good health.
For many Indonesians, drinking jamu is a traditional and natural way to expel toxins from the body. The herbal concoction typically includes roots, leaves and flowers from plants indigenous to the country.
Various kinds of jamu help eases menstruation pains, keeps the body warm, increases appetite in children and, in Jokowi’s case, increases stamina and prevents illness.