Concern among Herbal Entrepreneurs
Friday, 21 November, 2008 | 19:00 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Makers of traditional and herbal (jamu)medicine are worried following the government ban on generic jamu products. Traditional and Herbal Medicine Businessmen's Association chairman Charles Saerang feels this can make jamu products unpopular. "That terminology has been around for hundreds of years," he said in Jakarta.


Descriptions on jamus that are banned include white spots, blood cleanser, late menstruations, sedative and male empowerment. As of last year, producers were asked to change their brand names.


Traditional Medicine Association's Board of Patron member, Suryo Hadiwinoto, feels that the terms have become part of the culture. "If we change them, we will harm our own culture," he said.


The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency's (BPOM) Product Inspection Sub-Directorate head, Tepy Usia, said the government is still drafting the ban and the regulations related to them, to avoid confusion.


Jamu producers are also worried about raids that are being held without previous warning to check products containing chemical substances. "This creates anxiety not only among the vendors but also the consumers," said Charles, who claimed sales had declined by 15 to 20 percent.


AQIDA SWAMURTI