LOCAL BEVERAGE OF INDONESIA : IN TERMS OF ITS HISTORY, FUNCTIONALITY

AND MODERNITY

Melisa Adriani1), Edo Saputra1), Fiera Lusida1), and Binardo Adiseno2)

1)
Student, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Soegijapranata
Catholic University
2)
Lecturer, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Soegijapranata
Catholic University
melliza_adriani@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Indonesia is one of developing countries that well-known as a country with a lot of diversity such as
cultural diversity, ethnicity, language, and local food and beverage of each region. Those diversity,
which will be discussed specifically in this study is diversity of local beverage of Indonesia. One
example of popular local beverage in Indonesia is jamu which known as herbal medicine that has
undergone some inovations due to changing times. In ancient time, jamu used to be sold only by jamu
vendor but now, jamu has been packaged well by industries. Jamu believed as herbal medicine due to
its medicinal properties for body and rich in nutrients. Actually jamu is not the only one local
beverage of Indonesia. There are many more example such as uwuh tea (teh uwuh), pletok beer (bir
pletok), young coconut ice (degan), bandrek (bandrek), etc. These local beverages have either the
interesting historical story or the functional value that can be able to be business opportunity.
Although some local beverages have undergone modernization, but still many other local beverages
that not known by public. If this continues, this kind of thing will result in the loss of diversity and
local knowledge that could be used as a business opportunity. Therefore, in this study we will discuss
about forgotten local beverage of Indonesia in order to reminding public that the local beverages has
an interesting historical stories, functional aspects, and modernization aspects that can be used as a
business opportunity

Keyword : Local Beverage, Functional, History

1. INTRODUCTION
Indonesia is one of developing countries at stimulate antioxidant activity, to lowering
south east Asia, and has its own diversity, blood sugar in diabetics, to lowering blood
especially on food and beverage. That can pressure, immunomodulatory, anti-
be happened because on each area of inflammatory, etc (Astawan, -).
Indonesia has their own herb potention
such as to be ingredient for traditional One famous example of functional
beverage. At the beginning, traditional beverage is jamu. Jamu was a mixture of
beverage just trated as local knowlegde for natural ingredients and sometimes known
health. But nowadays it has been approved as herbal medicine originated from
that traditional beverage has a lot of active Indonesia. In fact, jamu was only
compound inside with its own function consumed to prevent disease not to heal
and benefits for human body. Several disease (Anonim_a, 2012). Jamu is a
function of herb-based beverage were to beverage with bitter taste. To overcome
this, jamu often consumed together with
sugar solution. Furthermore, jamu
nowadays produced with high technology
and hygienically packaged in industry with
several form such as liquid, powder, tablet,
capsule, etc. These new revolutions have
facilitate consumers to consume it. They
didn’t need to taste the bitterness of jamu
but the functionality still the same.
Eventhough, some other people still
choose to consume jamu in traditional way
by jamu vendor. They still believed that
jamu made by jamu vendor was much
fresher due to directly and daily made.
In fact, jamu was not only kind of local
and functional beverage in Indonesia.
There were many other examples such as
uwuh tea, pletok beer, coconut water, etc.
Those kind of beverages have a lot of
benefits but being forgotten due to
modernization. Each local beverages in
Indonesia have its own history and
functionality that actually can be used
further in order to increasing human
wealth. Therefore, the objectives of this
paper is to to reminding public that the
local beverages has an interesting
historical stories, functional aspects, and
modernization aspects that can be used as
a business opportunity
2. TEA-LIKE LOCAL BEVERAGE
(UWUH TEA)
Uwuh tea is a refresher beverage from
Bantul, South Jogjakarta. Uwuh tea is one
example from many histories of traditional
medicine. Uwuh tea was made from
creativity (Handita, 2009). In javanese
word, uwuh tea has the similar meaning
with wedang uwuh. “Uwuh” means
rubbish and “wedang” is like a hot drink.
But uwuh tea is not the real rubbish like
waste paper or waste vegetables. It’s only
name which represent that uwuh tea was
made from many kind of herbs such as
clove, lime, leave, secang, nutmeg, and
cinnamon. All put in a glass look like a
rubbish bin.
Picture 1.Ingredients of Uwuh Tea
Uwuh tea made by local people from a
local area named Imogiri, south Jogjakarta
city. It's kind a unique and traditional drink
from the ancient time. There are no
sources which explained about the creator
of the herbs. It's just like another popular
drinks like 'wedang ronde' (drink made by
roasted peanut), wedang jahe (drink made
by ginger) and many others. They believe
the uwuh tea was good for their health and stomachache, cold, accelerating blood
able for healing some diseases, like cough circulation, and healing grastritis problems
and fever. (Handita, 2009). Another important
component is secang (Caesalpina sappan),
According to research, uwuh tea like a knew as ingredient for curious many
doctor for some diseases. The biggest two diseases like blood cough and syphilis.
points why we should try uwuh tea are the Secang have similar ability like two
fact that uwuh tea can lower the value of components above. And the last one is
cholesterol and very rich of antioxidant sugar cube. Sugar cube gives sweet taste
compound. First ingredient, ginger is good but it's not reduced unique taste and aroma
for blood circulation. Ginger can stop from another component of uwuh tea
problem like frozen blood (anti-coagulant) (Anonym_b, 2012). Research done by
and it's better than onion and garlic do. Pharmacy Faculty of Gadjahmada
Ginger is able to reduce cholesterol university said that secang have ability to
absorbed in blood and heart. A research accelerate blood circulation, to ease
done by Japanese scientist showing the breathing, antioxidant and anti-cancer
ginger can reduce blood pressure also. The (Handita, 2009)
second ingredient is cinnamon. Cinnamon
has good antioxidant activity and makes it 3. COCONUT-BASED LOCAL
taste well. The combination between BEVERAGE
ginger and cinnamon are able to moving Coconut water is the juice in the interior or
up human immune because cinnamon has endosperm of young coconut. Its water is
greater antioxidant (Handita, 2009). one of the nature’s most refreshing drinks,
consumed worldwide for its nutritious and
Dr. Michael from Herbacure said that health benefiting properties. Coconut
many compounds contained inside uwuh water is trusted as Fat-free, cholesterol-
tea has a lot of function if described one by free, low-calorie, super-hydrating,
one. The main advantages is this beverage naturally rich in electrolytes. Coconut
can increase body immune and accelerate water contains a lot of unique chemicals
blood circulation well. The combination of such as sugars, vitamins, minerals,
cinnamon and clove makes body warm and electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids,
have an unique taste. Nutmeg leaves that cytokine, and phyto-hormones. In general,
rich in saponin, polifenol, and flavonid young and slightly immature coconuts
plays important roles in reducing pain, harvested when they are about 5-7 months
of age for the drink. In ancient time, our
people believed that consuming coconut
water will give great advantages to body.
Nowadays, that belief has been proved by
many scientist that coconut water is very
rich in many nutritional compounds.

Coconut water is composed of many Picture 2.Coconut

naturally occurring bioactive
enzymes such as acid phosphatase, Table 1. Coconut Water (Fresh) Nutrition
catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, Value per 100 g
peroxidase, RNA-polymerases etc. In Principle
Energy 19 Kcal 1%
effect, these enzymes help in the digestion
Carbohydrate 3,71 g 3%
and metabolism. Its water is also a very Protein 0,72 g 1,5%
Total fat 0,20 g 1%
good source of B-complex vitamins such
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, Dietary Fiber 1,1 g 3%
Vitamin
and folates. These vitamins are essential in
Pholates 3 µg 0,75%
the sense that the human body requires Niacin 0,080 mg 0,5%
Pantothenic 0,043 mg <1%
them from external sources to replenish.
Acid 0,032 mg 2,5%
Coconut water contains a very good Pyridoxine 0,057 mg 4%
Riboflavin 0,030 mg 2,5%
amount of electrolyte potassium. 100 ml of
Thiamin 2,4 mg 4%
water has 250 mg of potassium and 105 Vitamin C 0 IU 0%
Vitamin A 0 mg 0%
mg of sodium. Together, these electrolytes
Vitamin E 0 mcg 0%
help replenish electrolyte deficiency in the Vitamin K
body due to diarrhea (loose stools). Electrolytes
Sodium 105 g 7%
Further, fresh coconut water has a small Potassium 250 g 5%
amount of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid); It Minerals
Calcium 24 mg 2,4%
provides about 2.4 mg or 4% of RDA. Copper 40 mcg 4,5%
Iron 0,29 mg 3,5%
Vitamin C is a water-soluble ant-oxidant.
Magnesium 25 mg 6%
(Sara, 2011). Manganese 0,142 mg 1,5%
Zinc 0,10 mg 1%
Source : USDA (2009)
Nowadays, coconut water is not the only
one coconut-based beverage that have
functionality. There are many other
examples such as coconut milk, cendol,
etc. They are now packaged well by
industries but have the same function with
coconut water. Coconut milk is a milky
white oil-in-water emulsion. It is obtained
from extraction of coconut flesh with or
without added water. It contains fat, water,
carbohydrate, protein, and ash with the
major components being water and fat
(Tansakul & Chaisawang, -). Pure coconut
milk naturally contains about 54%
moisture content, 35% fat and 11% solid
non fat (carbohydrate 6%, proteins 4% and
1% other solids). Besides, coconut milk
also contains a lot of vitamins (vitamin C,
B6, thiamin, niacin, folic acid, etc) and
minerals (calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron,
phosphor) (Enig, 2009).

Table 2.Vitamin and Mineral Contained in every 100gr Fresh Coconut Milk
Vitamins Value of Vitamins Minerals Value of Minerals
Vitamin C 2.8 mg Potassium 260 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 0.76 mg Phosphorou 100 mg
s
Folate (total) 16 mcg Magnesium 37 mg
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) 0.183 mg Calcium 16 mg
Vitamin B6 0.033 mg Sodium 15 mg
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 0.026 mg Selenium 6.2 mcg
Vitamin E 0.15 mg Iron 1.64 mg
Source : McClements (1999).
ice makes it suitable to drink in hot
One products from Indonesia which is weather, delicious and also refreshing. The
popular as one of fifty top delicious drinks dessert's basic ingredients consist of
of the worlds is cendol. Ice Cendol or "Es coconut milk, a worm-like jelly made from
Cendol" is is a traditional dessert rice flour with green food coloring (usually
originating from South East Asia which is derived from the pandan leaf), shaved ice
popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and palm sugar. Next to these basic recipe,
Vietnam, Philippines, and Southern other ingredients such as red beans,
Thailand. The blend of sweet palm sugar, glutinous rice, grass jelly, creamed corn,
fresh jackfruit, soft cendol and cold shaved might also included (Anonym_c, 2010).
Based on survey, there are some coconut based beverages from Indonesia which is famous
among the world that will be shown on table below.
Table 3.Top 50 delicious drinks of the world
1. Water, Global 26. Irish car bomb, United States
2. Coca-cola, United States 27. Thai iced tea, Thailand
3. Coffee, Ethiopia 28. Chocolate milkshake, United States
4. Beer, Global 29. Caipirinha, Brazil
5. Tea, Global 30. Sparkling water, Global
6. Air Mata Kucing, Malaysia 31. Tequila, Mexico
7. Orange Juice, United States 32. Baileys Original Irish Cream, Ireland
8. Red Wine, Global 33. Carrot juice, Global
9. Gin and Tonic, England 34. Champagne, France
10. Hot Chocolate with marshmallow, United States 35. Yerba Mate, South America
11. Sangria, Spanish 36. Martini, United States
12. Watermelon cucumber punch, global 37. Cider, England
13. Kool Aid, United States 38. Mojito, Cuba
14. Pastis, France 39. Scotch whisky, Scotland
15. Sake, Japan 40. Coconut water, Global
16. Anything from a hotel mini bar, global 41. Raksi, Nepal
17. Lemonade, Egypt 42. Shikuwasa juice, Japan
18. White Wine, Global 43. Fanta, Germany
19. Es Kelapa Muda, Indonesia 44. Sujeonggwa, Korea
20. Sex on The Beach, United States 45. Cendol, Indonesia
21. Eggnog, England 46. Pina Colada, Puerto Rico
22. Gatorade, United States 47. Guinness, Ireland
23. Milk, Global 48. Yakult, Japan
24. Raki, Turkey 49. Red Bull, Austria
25. Bubble tea, Taiwan 50. Mango Lassi, India
Source : CNN (2011)

4. HERB-BASED LOCAL BEVERAGE

Herbs described as tropical plants that other would be unique. That’s local
grown well in Indonesia. Herbs could be beverage normally made from combination
part of plant such as flower, fruit, bark, of several kind of herbs. Naturally, there
tuber, leave, and rhizome or whole part of are some active compunds contained in
plant. Kind of herbs that widely cultivated herbs itself which have important role in
in Indonesia for example ginger, turmeric, health of human being for example
curcuma, clove, pepper, cinnamon, antioxidant, antibacteria, antifungi,
lemongrass and there are more other antiyeast, anticancer, antibiotic (Astawan,
examples. Each herbs have its own -)
specific taste, colour, aroma, and
appearance so the combination of each
There are many variety of beverage in
javanese tradition such as wedang jahe,
wedang ronde, wedang secang,
Generally, those kind of wedang has made
from ginger extract for the soup. The
advantages of those beverages were to
warm body, heal cough,
immunomodulator (Handita, 2009). Ginger
is a very important and highly valuable
crop in Indonesia perhaps because ginger
and its derivations (e.g. ginger oil, ginger
powder, ginger syrup or juice and ginger
flakes) have a lot of applications which
include confectionaries, pharmaceuticals
and beverages production. Ginger is
composed of water, protein, fat, starch,
fiber, ash, volatile oil and resinous matter.
Some biologically active components are:
asparaginase, borneol, chavicol, citral,
cumene, cymene, geraniol, gingerdiorie,
gingerol, limonene, myrecene,
piriene, shogal and zingerone
(Abdulkareem et al., 2010)
Studies have shown that ginger has
pronounced anti-oxidant activity, reduces
inflammation and help in arresting narcotic
addiction. Ginger significantly inhibits the
growth of both gram-positive and gram-
negative bacteria. It is a stimulant, when
chewed it increases the flow of saliva.
When swallowed it acts as a stimulating
tonic, increases the secretion of gastric
juice, excites alimentary muscular system
and dispels gases accumulated in stomach
and bowels. Spicy aromatic ginger is
etc. advantageous to human body; it is
effective for indigestion and also helps in
preventing the systems of motion sickness
(Abdulkareem et al., 2010)
and
Beside wedang, another herb-based
beverage with an unique history is pletok
beer. Pletok Beer is traditional beverage
from Betawi, Indonesia. Altough its named
“beer” but didn’t make people drunk. It
was said that when Dutch Colonial Era,
these beer was made from pepper, ginger,
and secang. Word beer (Bir in Indonesia)
comes from bi’run that means springs,
while pletok means made from bamboo,
placed inside teapot, and continuously
shaken until sounds “pletok”. Nowadays,
pletok beer made from herbs such as
neral, ginger, pandan leave, and lemongrass then
boiled. It was optional in addition of
secang to increase colour. Making of
pletok beer spent about 1-2 hours.
Function of pletok beer for human being
were to accelerate blood circulation, to
overcome stomach pain and to overcome
arthritis (Waluyani, 2012)
Picture 3.Pletok beer
5. COFFEE-BASED LOCAL decreasing blood cholesterol. Chlorogenic
BEVERAGE acid also regulates the movement of bile,
thereby reducing bile stagnation, which is
Coffee can actually provide many health
thought to reduce the effect of liver and
benefits when consumed moderately. An
kidney disease. Bile stagnation causes
average amount of coffee is considered to
adverse effects in the liver, kidneys and
be 3 eight-ounce cups consumed daily.
gallbladder and can cause cancer and stone
More than 10 eight-ounce cups is
formation.
considered to be “excessive.” The nutrition
of coffee can provide many health benefits
3. Caffeine
from mental alertness to a healthy immune
As stated above, for maximum benefits,
system.
coffee should be consumed in moderation.
1. Plant Phenols
A moderate amount of caffeine can
Plant phenols are powerful antioxidants
increase mental clarity and focus. It has
found in coffee. Plant phenols in coffee are
also been suggested that caffeine improves
similar to the antioxidants found in berries
cognitive function and could prevent the
and include flavonoids and lignans.
development of Parkinson’s disease and
Researchers believe that plant phenols can
Alzheimer’s disease. Caffeine might not be
protect the body from cellular damage and
healthy for some people who have heart
diseases involving the cardiovascular
conditions because caffeine can increase
system and cancer. Plant phenols are also
the heart rate and blood pressure. The
involved in the breakdown of lipids and
caffeine in coffee could also be
carbohydrates in the body.
contraindicated with certain medications,
such as stimulants or diuretics.  
2. Chlorogenic Acid
Coffee is the main source of chlorogenic
4. Tocopherols
acid in the American diet. Coffee can
Tocopherols in coffee contain vitamin E.
contain anywhere from .5mg to 1mg of
Tocopherols in coffee act similarly to plant
chlorogenic acid per 8-ounce cup.
phenols. Tocopherols act like antioxidants
Chlorogenic acid prevents the growth of
and assist in the synthesis of carbohydrates
tumors and slows the growth of existing
and lipids. Tocopherols also protect cells
tumors. Chlorogenic acid is also believed
against damage and destroy free radicals in
to contribute to a healthy cardiovascular
your body. Tocopherols found in coffee
system by reducing triglyceride levels and
are particularly important for ocular health
and your skin. Tocopherols can also inhibit
the growth of gallbladder and kidney
stones and may protect you against
colorectal cancer.
The moderate consumption of coffee can
provide many health benefits including
cancer prevention and increased cognitive
function. The nutrition in coffee has also
been demonstrated to improve
performance in endurance sports. It should
be noted that coffee is intended to
complement a healthy diet, not replace the
antioxidants and other nutrients found in
fruits and vegetables.
There is local coffee in Indonesia and
people said this coffee is the most
expensive coffee, Luwak coffee. For
centuries, the volcanic island of Sumatra
has been world renowned for producing
exceptionally smooth coffee with low
acidity. In addition, authentic Luwak
coffee only comes from Sumatra, where
the Luwak, or Civet cat, called a
Paradoxurus, lives. Native to the island,
Luwaks select only the highest quality,
ripest Arabica coffee cherries and leave the
rest, thereby naturally producing the best
coffee available. The cherries are digested
by the Luwak, while the beans inside pass
through its digestive tract. The civet
digests the soft outer part of the coffee
cherry, but does not digest the inner beans
and excretes them. Apparently the internal
digestion ends up adds a unique flavor to
the beans, removing the bitter flavor, and
then beans are then picked up by locals
and sold. Luwak coffee is the most
expensive coffee according to guiness
book of world record, which sells for
approximately £215 ($300) per pound
(0.45 kg). (Anonim, 2011)
In General, the flavor and aroma of Luwak
coffee had its own characteristics. In
addition to inheriting the usual coffee
aroma, the scent of kopi luwak are firmer
complete with addition of fragrance flora.
There are two varieties of coffee; Robusta
and Arabica. Robusta is more earthly and
the Arabica has a full flavour (floral,
spicy). After the process of Luwak, robusta
which usually bitter and caffeinated will
turn out to be a mild floral scent with
vanilla mix and not bitter. At the time of
the drink, scent of the coffee taste greatly,
creamy and thick, and the coffee will feels
smooth. For consumers who do not like
the coffee acids, could try luwak robusta
coffee, and for those who like scents that
are varied and slightly acidic, can try
Arabica luwak coffee.
Luwak coffee is increasingly well known
by local coffee lovers and the world,
because of its unique origin and the
supplies are very limited. The annual
coffee production is uncertain, depending
on the nature, civet population and market
demand. Luwak coffee is getting interest
from year to year, due to the help of the
print media or TV who has been covering
the special about coffee that is unique and
legendary. According to the reports from
the media and various sources, Luwak
coffee production is in the range of 500 kg,
and this capacity is greater than Vietman
Weasel coffee Alamid PuTTY Knife and
the Philippines. From the data obtained,
the annual national production of Luwak
coffee tends to increase. Because of the
potential of specialty coffee is still great,
Luwak began cultivated by farmers in the
area of coffee plantations, especially in
Sumatra.
6. FUTURE BUSINESS PROSPECTS
OF LOCAL BEVERAGE
There are several business opportunities in
Indonesia based on local beverage.
Particularly with the existence of
functional and healthy beverage. In the
past, it produced traditionally. But, today it
can be mass produce using brand new
technology therefore its production and
presentation already modern (can be
compressed into powder/instant product,
can be serve using sachet, sold using
franchise system, etc.), without decrease or
erase its functional benefits and traditional
value. Tong Tji and wedang uwuh are
some examples of local beverage which
going in modern era without erase its
traditional value, becasue they still keep
their products appearance as we can see on
the picture below. Another example is
coconut based beverage. In ancient time,
people consumed it with a whole fruits but
nowadays, people can find it easier in
supermarket with a new and interesting
packaging which is much easier to
consume.
7. CONCLUSION
Indonesia is very rich in variety. One real
example is the variety of its herbal food
and beverage on each region in Indonesia.
This beverage variety totally depend on
herbs potential. In ancient time, local
beverage trusted as healing agent of some
disease and nowadays local beverage has
been proved that contained a lot of active
compound. One example is jamu that very
popular in Indonesia. Beside jamu, there
are many other example beverages. Those
beverages now being ignored because of
modernization. So we should keep
maintaining it to keep the wealthy of
Indonesia.
8. REFERENCES
Abdulkareem et al. (2010). Development
and Characterization of a Carbonated
Ginger Drink. Leonardo Journal of
Sciences ISSN 1583-0233
Anonym_a. (2012). Khasiat Kunyit Asam.
http://manfaat.org/khasiat-kunyit- http://
asam#.UJhRp67hcwg. Acessed on guinnessworldrecords.chillisauce.co.uk/
November, 6 2012 at 11:23
th
guinness-world-records/national-coffee-
week/
Anonym_b. (2012). Wedang Uwuh, A
Secret Recipe of Javanese Herbs. Kasmito, T. (2011).
www.tourjogja.com. Acessed on http://www.foodreview.biz/preview.php?
November, 18 2012 at 14:29
th
view2&id=528#.UKxJaVIni_I

http://www.primeluwakcoffee.com/
content.php?page=History%20Of
Anonym_c. (2010). Indonesian Sweet
%20Luwak%20Coffee
Cold Drink.
Www.singaporelocalfavourites.com/2010/
McClements, D.J., 1999. Food Emulsions:
08/chendol-es-cendol-ice-cendol-
Principles, practices and Techniques. CRC
recipe.html. Accessed on November 21th,
Press, Florida, pp: 378.
2012 at 13:05
Sara, Yin. (2011). Coconut Water
Astawan, Made. (-). Wedang Jahe Bisa
Nutrition Facts. www.nutrition-and-
Bikin Greng. Ahli Teknologi Pangan dan
you.com. Acessed on November, 18th 2012
Gizi. http://cybermed.cbn.net.id. Acessed
at 22:31
on November, 16th 2012 at 22:42
Tansakul, Ampawan. Chaisawang,
CNN. (2011). World’s 50 Most Delicious
Pawinee. (-). Thermophysical properties of
Drinks.
coconut milk. Journal of Food Science, 54,
http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/drink/w
663–668.
orlds-50-most-delicious-drinks-883542.
Acessed on November 21th, 2012 at 12:37
USDA. (2009). World Statistics.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usda
Enig. (2009). Fungsionalitas Santan-
home?
Kulinologi Indonesia.
navid=FOOD_NUTRITION&navtype=SU
www.kulinologi.biz/index1.php?
. Acessed on November, 21th 2012 at 12:16
view&id=940. Accessed on January 6th,
2012 at 10:12
Waluyani, D.O. (2012). Bir Pletok,
Minuman Penghangat Badan Khas Betawi.
Handita, L.K. (2009). Wedang Uwuh,
www.detikfood.com. Acessed on
Sampah yang Menyehatkan.
November, 6th 2012 at 11:23
www.kompas.kom/kesehatan. Acessed on
November, 20th 2012 at 07:48