A gathering remembered · July 25, 2026 · Boston
Return to Self
A Saturday morning of jamu, conversation,
and being seen by one another.
Our hands spend so much of the day typing and scrolling. That morning, we used them to peel roots, grind spices, and make jamu together. We noticed the scents as we worked, learning from an Indonesian tradition of care passed down through generations. With warm broth and women around the table, there was time to slow down, talk, and pay attention to how we felt.
The welcome
Something was
about to begin.
We began with a hand-washing welcome inspired by the Javanese tradition of kembang setaman, using fragrant flower water. I wanted that welcome to feel like a moment she could step into — a chance to take a breath and know that this time was for her.
There was something beautiful about witnessing that small act of care. Before we started making anything, we had already begun the experience together.
Making jamu
Aprons on.
Hands at work.
We welcomed everyone to the table with warm chicken-feet broth, prepared by LURUH founder Jiji as an offering of nourishment for the women gathered. Over broth, we shared the story of jamu. Some women were smelling fresh kunyit (turmeric) and serai (lemongrass) for the first time, getting to know the ingredients before working with them.
With aprons on, we began peeling and grinding. Conversation continued as we worked, passing ingredients and sharing more broth.
Jamu tasting
A taste of
Indonesian care.
After peeling, grinding, and making jamu together, we sat down to taste. Kunyit asam was paired with rujak buah — fresh fruit with a sweet, savory, spicy sauce. Beras kencur was served with klepon, soft rice-flour sweets filled with palm sugar and rolled in grated coconut.
Everything was handmade with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Alongside the tasting, we took time to write and reflect with journaling prompts — a pause to notice how we felt and put our thoughts on paper.
The closing
Through another
woman’s eyes.
We ended with charcoal drawing. Women who had arrived not knowing each other sat facing one another and drew something about the person in front of them.
I first experienced an exercise like this in Bali. I remember how it felt to hear another woman describe something beautiful she noticed in me. Sometimes we become so used to ourselves, or so caught up in what we think is wrong, that we forget what someone else might see.
That was the feeling I hoped to share. A chance to look at someone with care, and to let yourself receive that care too.
Even when we had finished, the women kept talking. They did not want to leave. Watching them enjoy being together left me so happy, and reminded me why I want to keep doing this.
I hope there will be many more mornings of jamu — more women getting to know these roots, learning how to use them at home, and finding connection along the way.
Jiji
