Acaraki : bridging Jamu to the 21st century with design

• Main Author: Jessica, Aurelia
• Other Authors: Nanci Takeyama
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music::General::Social aspects; DRNTU::Visual arts and music::Media; DRNTU::Social sciences::Communication::Visual communication
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71165
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research believes there is depth and goodness in traditions and cultures that make up one's identity. In its desire to define Indonesian cultural identity in the present day, it studies traditional wisdoms contained in the ancient healthcare system, Jamu, and wishes to integrate them into the contemporary lifestyle. The word “jamu” is derived from an old Javanese word jampi, which means magic potion (Tilaar, The Tale of Jamu, 2015). This implies close relations between Jamu and the ancient local beliefs. Beers defines Jamu as “part of an integrated system of inner and outer health and beauty” (Beers, 2001). Indeed, Jamu is an integral part of people's lifestyle in Indonesia, especially in Java and Bali, practiced, used and consumed by royalty and commoners alike. Its philosophy behind it is rooted in the ancient belief of harmony of nature and the cycle of all lives. However, along with the erosion of traditional culture in the face of invasion of modern Western medicine, it has been losing popularity and its rich history has been fading into obscurity (Tilaar, The Tale of Jamu, 2015). Although the wave of local entrepreneurship in the past century has allowed Jamu to scientifically catch up with its foreign counterparts, as far as socio-cultural awareness and daily practices in today's lifestyle goes, there are gaps to be bridged and opportunities to be explored. That's where this project comes in - to create a platform to ease the adaptation and promotion of Jamu in today’s context and lifestyle.