The 2023 Diponegoro University Thematic Community Service (KKN-T) students have played an active role in introducing the benefits of herbal medicine for public health. Through various outreach and counseling activities, KKN-T Undip students are trying to revive traditional values in the health sector and promote the importance of utilizing ancestral heritage to improve the quality of life and health of the community.
Along with the rapid development of technology and modern pharmacy, jamu as traditional medicine is increasingly marginalized. However, KKN-T Undip students have succeeded in presenting the vital role of herbal medicine in maintaining health through an educational approach. Striving to explore local wisdom and making jamu an essential part of daily life are the primary motivations for KKN-T Undip students.
The socialization of jamu is carried out in various innovative ways. The Undip student team held live counseling at a routine gymnastics event on Saturday (22/7/2023) in Beji Village and directly involved the community. In this outreach, the students took part in doing exercises together and shared knowledge about the natural ingredients used in jamu production and the health benefits they contain. The KKN-T Undip students invited the public to drink herbal medicine together.
Apart from that, social media is also used to convey information about the benefits of jamu. KKN-T Undip students created educational content in the form of exciting infographics and brochures, which were distributed to village residents. It is hoped that this strategy can provide messages about the benefits of jamu so that this information can be spread widely and reach the younger and elderly generations.
“We really appreciate the presence of KKN-T Undip students in providing information about the benefits of jamu for our health. Hopefully, the information they provide can increase awareness of the benefits of herbal drinks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” said Yayu, a Gymnastics Instructor at the Beji Village Gymnastics Association.
Fahmi Arifan, S.T., M.Eng., as the first supervisor of KKN-T Undip 2023, expressed the hope that this program could be beneficial for the community. “I am proud of the program run by KKN-T students. I hope that this program can benefit the local community,” he said.
Ir. R.TD Wisnu Broto. MT, as the second supervisor of KKN-T Undip, conveyed, “I am very proud of the initiative and hard work of KKN-T Undip students in organizing activities to socialize the benefits of jamu and healthy lifestyles for health. An interactive approach by doing exercise together, giving brochures, and drinking jamu together is a big concern for awareness to maintain health.”
By introducing the benefits of herbal medicine widely, KKN-T Undip students hope that people can use it as a choice for maintaining health and alleviating symptoms of minor illnesses. They also reminded us that the use of herbal medicine should still be based on the knowledge and recommendations of competent medical personnel. This educational outreach activity can have a positive impact on health and increase public awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Author: Difa Maulana Subiyakto
