Yogyakarta, 15 July 2025 – The Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is hosting an international collaborative program titled New Colombo Plan: From Indigenous Knowledges to Modern Medicine. The program, running from 12 to 25 July 2025, involves six undergraduate students from the School of Pharmacy and Nursing, University of Sydney, Australia. This program aims to equip students with cultural competence and interdisciplinary skills to explore the integration of traditional medicine into the modern healthcare system.
The program highlights the differing health system approaches between Indonesia and Australia. In Australia, Aboriginal traditional medicine (bush medicine) still exists outside the mainstream healthcare system. In contrast, Jamu in Indonesia is deeply rooted in the culture, supported by significant scientific research, and widely recognized in health practices. UGM, a long-standing partner university of the University of Sydney, has been a pioneer in the research and commercialization of Jamu, notably through the development of the popular Jamu Café on campus.
Over the two weeks, the students will delve into the knowledge of Jamu, from its preparation and active ingredients to the scientific evidence supporting its benefits. The program’s agenda covers various key topics such as ethnomedicine, Indonesian biodiversity for the advancement of herbal medicine, precision agriculture, and the regulation and industrialization of Jamu. To provide practical experience, the program also includes visits to several strategic locations, including the National Research and Development Center for Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine (B2P2TOOT), Kalimosodo Clinic at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, the Air Mancur Jamu factory, and the Hortus Medicus Clinic in Tawangmangu.
This collaborative program directly supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With its focus on exploring traditional medicine for safer and more inclusive health practices, the program contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Through the exchange of knowledge, development of research skills, and cross-cultural competencies for students, this initiative embodies SDG 4 (Quality Education). Furthermore, as a strategic partnership between Indonesian and Australian higher education institutions supported by the government, this program is a tangible example of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which strengthens global cooperation to advance science and health systems.
The Dean of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. apt. Satibi, M.Si., expressed his enthusiasm for the program. “We are very proud to host the students from the University of Sydney. This is an extraordinary opportunity to share Indonesia’s wealth of knowledge about Jamu, which is not only a cultural heritage but also a scientific asset with a strong evidence base. Collaborations like this are crucial for building mutual understanding and paving the way for innovation in patient-centered healthcare globally,” he stated.
Through this program, it is hoped that students will be able to identify the challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional medicine, design effective policy interventions, and build proficient health communication skills to bridge complementary medicine with modern medical practices.
