LURUH | Return to Self | An Indonesian Jamu Ritual

Experience Indonesia's centuries-old herbal tradition through handcrafted jamu, ritual, storytelling, and seasonal tasting.
About this Event

There are traditions that are passed down through books.

And there are traditions that are passed down through hands.

For generations, Indonesian women have prepared jamu—a nourishing herbal drink made from fresh roots, spices, and botanicals. Long before wellness became a trend, jamu was part of everyday life: prepared before sunrise, shared between families, and lovingly passed from mothers to daughters.

At LURUH, we're honored to bring this living tradition to Boston.

Return to Self is an intimate gathering designed for just ten women—a morning of slowing down, creating with your hands, and reconnecting through one of Indonesia's oldest wellness rituals.

Together, we'll explore the stories behind fresh turmeric, kencur, tamarind, and other traditional ingredients while learning how generations have used them to nourish the body. Guided by LURUH founder Jiji you'll prepare two traditional jamu recipes completely by hand using time-honored techniques.

But this morning is about more than making a drink.

It's about gathering.

It's about conversation.

It's about remembering that caring for ourselves can be simple, intentional, and shared.

We'll conclude around a beautifully curated Indonesian tasting table featuring seasonal pairings, including rujak and klepon, before taking time for quiet reflection.

You'll leave with your own handcrafted jamu, recipes to continue the practice at home, and perhaps something even more meaningful—a slower rhythm to return to long after the morning ends.

Rooted in Indonesia. Shared in Boston.

Agenda

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
A Javanese Welcome Ritual
Host: Jiji

Info: Begin your morning with a traditional flower-water hand cleansing using a clay kendi, inspired by Javanese welcoming rituals. Receive a fresh melati (jasmine) blossom and settle into the space before we gather around the table.

🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:40 AM
The Story of Jamu

Info: Discover the history of Indonesia's centuries-old herbal tradition. Explore fresh roots, spices, and botanicals while learning how generations of women have used jamu to nourish everyday life.

🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:15 AM
Crafting Jamu by Hand
Host: Jiji

Info: Using fresh turmeric, kencur, tamarind, rice, and traditional tools, you'll prepare two classic jamu recipes—kunyit asam and beras kencur—completely by hand.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
The Tasting Table

Info: Move to our communal table to enjoy a thoughtfully curated Indonesian tasting featuring seasonal pairings, rujak, klepon, and your freshly prepared jamu.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Eling — Return to Self

Info: Move outdoors overlooking Boston Harbor for a guided reflection inspired by the Javanese practice of eling—remembering and returning to yourself. Journal, pause, and simply be.

🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
Bunga Untukmu

Info: A quiet closing ritual where each guest creates and shares a flower for another woman in the circle—a simple practice of witnessing and appreciation.

🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Take LURUH Home

Info: Fill your linen pouch with jamu ingredients, collect your handcrafted bottles, recipe cards, and keepsakes, and leave with everything you need to continue the ritual at home.