Indonesia – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in Indonesia?

CAM enjoys broad acceptance across Indonesia, supported by a long and varied heritage of traditional healing that encompasses jamu, acupuncture, and traditional massage, among many other practices. The range of options is especially extensive in major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and Yogyakarta, where locally developed therapies sit alongside internationally imported ones.

Jamu (traditional herbal medicine)
Jamu is an Indonesian form of herbal healing with roots stretching back to the eighth century, grounded in the philosophy that illness arises from an imbalance between hot and cold forces within the body, and that restoring equilibrium brings health. It relies primarily on plant-derived ingredients — roots, bark, flowers, seeds, leaves, and fruits — though animal products such as honey, royal jelly, milk, and native chicken eggs are also incorporated. Jamu stands as arguably the most culturally distinctive healthcare tradition in Indonesia, with no real equivalent found elsewhere in the world.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses the precise insertion of fine needles at designated points across the body to encourage energy flow and support the healing process. Its popularity has grown steadily in Indonesia, where it is increasingly offered alongside biomedical treatment in integrated clinical settings. The Indonesian Acupuncture Association, established in 1983, promotes the discipline nationally, sets practice standards, supports training programmes, and advocates for acupuncture’s recognition as a legitimate healthcare modality.

Traditional massage (Pijat)
Indonesian traditional massage — known as pijat — employs hands-on methods including pressing, kneading, and stretching to ease tension and foster wellbeing. It is readily accessible across the country, available at dedicated clinics, day spas, wellness centres, and informal roadside outlets alike. The Indonesian Massage Association provides professional representation and support to practitioners at a national level.

Other therapies
Since 1999, a clinic of complementary and alternative therapy has been established at Dr. Sutomo General Hospital, offering herbal therapy, aromatherapy massage, and acupuncture. Beyond these, therapies such as reflexology, cupping (bekam, with strong ties to Islamic tradition), meditation, yoga, Ayurveda, and chiropractic care are all accessible in urban centres, particularly in Bali, which has a highly developed wellness tourism industry. Osteopathy and naturopathy are present but comparatively rare; practitioners are primarily found in Jakarta and Bali, and are often foreign-trained. Homeopathy maintains a modest presence, chiefly through private clinics in the country’s larger cities.

Traditional health services in Indonesia have evolved along two broad lines — empirical forms whose safety and benefit are demonstrated through accumulated experience, and complementary forms whose effectiveness has been substantiated through scientific methods and biomedical research. In terms of therapeutic approach, these services are further divided into those based on practitioner skill and technique and those relying on herbal formulations.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Indonesia?

Indonesia maintains a formal legal architecture for CAM, though the rigor of oversight differs meaningfully depending on the therapy in question. The system functions broadly as a tiered model: herbal and natural medicine products are regulated at the product level by BPOM, while practitioners of traditional and complementary medicine must satisfy licensing obligations set by the Ministry of Health — though real-world enforcement can be inconsistent.

Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health and Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 have created expanded opportunities for the use and development of natural medicines within Indonesia’s national health service framework. These landmark instruments updated and superseded Indonesia’s earlier framework, which had been anchored primarily in Government Regulation No. 103 of 2014 on Traditional Health Services.

Under Ministerial Regulation, CAM is defined as non-conventional healthcare aimed at improving health outcomes — encompassing promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative goals — delivered through structured education meeting recognised quality, safety, and effectiveness benchmarks grounded in biomedical science. The implementation and oversight of traditional medicine in Indonesia is governed by a combination of Acts, Ministry of Health regulations, and Governor’s Regulations.

For practitioners, the Ministry of Health requires traditional health workers to obtain both a Traditional Health Worker Registration Certificate (STRTK) and a Traditional Health Worker Practice Permit (SIPTK). Minister of Health Regulation Number 15 of 2018 governs complementary traditional health services, while Minister of Health Regulation Number 37 of 2017 addresses the integration of traditional health services into formal health facilities.

For herbal and natural medicine products, the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) — also known as NADFC, or Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan — serves as the government authority responsible for overseeing therapeutic products, traditional medicines, cosmetics, health supplements, and food safety. BPOM issued Regulation No. 10 in 2024, focusing on labelling requirements for natural medicines, quasi-medicines, and health supplements, which entered into force on 1 January 2025.

The Indonesian government classifies medicinal plant preparations into three distinct tiers: jamu, standardised herbal medicines, and fitofarmaka (phytomedicines). This graduated framework means that basic jamu products face fewer evidentiary requirements than fitofarmaka, which must pass clinical trials before gaining approval. Indonesia’s regulatory reforms for traditional medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics between 2020 and 2024 resulted in 35 regulations enacted by BPOM within the National Medium-Term Development Plan.

Therapies including chiropractic, osteopathy, and naturopathy lack dedicated statutory frameworks of the kind seen in countries such as Australia, where chiropractic and osteopathy fall under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or the UK, where both are governed by dedicated statutory bodies. In Indonesia, these therapies are largely addressed under general health service regulations. Practitioners and patients are advised to confirm current requirements directly with the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) and BPOM, as the regulatory environment in this area continues to develop.

Despite Indonesia’s deep-rooted tradition of traditional medicine and widespread acceptance of CAM, one of the sector’s persistent challenges is the uneven level of regulation and standardisation across different therapies, which makes it harder for patients and healthcare providers to assess the safety and effectiveness of specific treatments.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in Indonesia?

Public health insurance coverage for CAM in Indonesia is narrow. In 2014, the government introduced a national health insurance scheme called Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), administered by the National Healthcare Security Agency BPJS Kesehatan, which was formed through the consolidation of earlier social health insurance programmes.

Since the introduction of BPJS Kesehatan, acupuncture has not been covered under the JKN programme, with BPJS Kesehatan citing Presidential Regulation No. 19 of 2016 as the basis for exclusion. This has remained a subject of ongoing legal and policy discussion. The situation had not been definitively resolved as of 2025, and readers should consult BPJS Kesehatan directly for the most current guidance.

One partial exception to this general exclusion involves fitofarmaka — clinically validated herbal medicines carrying BPOM approval. The Ministry of Health introduced Regulation No. 003 of 2010, which promotes the use of jamu, Obat Herbal Terstandar (OHT), and fitofarmaka within primary healthcare settings. Fitofarmaka products are increasingly positioned as viable treatments for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, and those meeting both BPOM and Ministry of Health standards may be eligible for inclusion in state-funded healthcare, though this remains a developing area of policy.

For private health insurance, the average cost of an individual international health insurance plan in Indonesia was USD $4,764 (around IDR 79,088,430) in 2024. The extent to which private plans cover CAM therapies differs substantially between insurers. Some international providers offer wellness or complementary therapy riders that may extend to acupuncture or traditional massage, but these represent optional additions rather than standard inclusions. Policy wording should always be reviewed carefully with your insurer before assuming any CAM treatment will be reimbursed. Indonesia does not have a provision comparable to Switzerland, where a defined set of CAM disciplines — including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine — is mandatorily reimbursable under the basic insurance scheme.

Expats employed in Indonesia can become eligible for the public BPJS Kesehatan scheme, contributing approximately 1% of their monthly salary, though coverage under this scheme is oriented towards conventional medical care. Expats who are not formally employed in Indonesia are ineligible for public health insurance and must arrange their own private coverage. Current premium figures and benefit details should always be confirmed directly with BPJS Kesehatan or your private insurer, as these are subject to revision.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Indonesia?

The cost of CAM in Indonesia covers a vast spectrum — from a few thousand rupiah for a cup of jamu at a roadside stall to premium rates at upscale integrative wellness facilities catering to international visitors. Fees vary significantly according to therapy type, the profile and qualifications of the provider, geographic location, and whether the setting is oriented towards local clientele or overseas visitors.

• Jamu: Street vendors and neighbourhood jamu outlets typically charge IDR 5,000–20,000 (approximately USD $0.30–$1.25) per serving as of 2024. Commercially packaged jamu sold in pharmacies and supermarkets is comparably priced.
• Traditional massage (Pijat): A one-hour session at a local Indonesian massage outlet typically costs IDR 50,000–150,000 (approximately USD $3–$10) as of 2024. At spas and wellness centres — particularly those in Bali and Jakarta — fees may range from IDR 200,000–700,000 (approximately USD $12–$45) or higher per session.
• Acupuncture: A consultation and treatment session at a reputable clinic generally falls within IDR 150,000–500,000 (approximately USD $10–$32) as of 2024, depending on whether the practitioner is a medically qualified doctor with acupuncture credentials or a traditional practitioner. Clinics in tourist zones or international hospital settings may charge notably more.
• Chiropractic and osteopathy: Where accessible — chiefly in Jakarta and Bali — sessions at clinics serving an expatriate clientele typically run IDR 400,000–900,000 (approximately USD $25–$58) per appointment as of 2024.
• Reflexology and cupping (bekam): Both are widely available and generally affordable, with walk-in centres typically charging IDR 50,000–200,000 (approximately USD $3–$13) per session as of 2024.

These figures are indicative only. Prices shift frequently and vary considerably across providers and regions. Always confirm current fees directly with the practitioner, clinic, or relevant professional association before scheduling any treatment. Indonesia’s larger cities and islands tend to offer greater practitioner diversity and more competitive pricing, while remote areas may have very limited CAM options beyond local traditional healers.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Indonesia?

Identifying a well-qualified CAM practitioner in Indonesia demands more proactive effort than in countries where statutory registers are publicly searchable online, since Indonesia’s practitioner registration systems are still maturing and not every therapy has a centralised public directory.

1. Check licensing documentation: Under Ministry of Health regulations, formally recognised traditional and complementary health practitioners should hold a Traditional Health Worker Registration Certificate (STRTK) and a Practice Permit (SIPTK). Request sight of these documents before beginning any course of treatment.
2. Contact professional associations: Bodies such as the Jamu Research Center, the Indonesian Acupuncture Association, and the Indonesian Massage Association promote and support their respective disciplines, set membership standards, and can help identify qualified practitioners working in your area.
3. Ask at a reputable hospital or clinic: Private international hospitals in Jakarta and Bali sometimes operate integrative medicine departments or can direct patients to vetted CAM practitioners. Since 1999, complementary and alternative therapy clinics have functioned within major public hospitals, including Dr. Sutomo General Hospital, offering herbal therapy, aromatherapy massage, and acupuncture.
4. Use expat networks and community groups: Long-established expat communities in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and other cities often maintain informal referral networks of trusted practitioners experienced in working with international patients. Online forums and community groups can be a useful starting point, though credentials should always be independently verified.
5. Verify BPOM registration for herbal products: Before purchasing any herbal or natural medicine product, confirm it holds a current BPOM registration number. The BPOM product verification portal (cekbpom.pom.go.id) allows consumers to check registration status online.

Consumer protection considerations: Some jamu and unregulated traditional remedies have been found to contain undisclosed analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents — including corticosteroids and NSAIDs — added by unscrupulous sellers to boost perceived effectiveness without proper disclosure. Restricting purchases to BPOM-registered products from reputable pharmacies and established retailers substantially reduces this risk. Exercise caution with any practitioner who makes unsupported claims about treating serious conditions, sells unmarked or unregistered products, or actively discourages patients from maintaining their conventional medical care.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Indonesia?

Indonesia possesses one of the most varied and deeply embedded landscapes of traditional and indigenous healing in the world. Traditional medicine is both affordable and physically accessible, making it especially significant for communities in remote regions who rely on herbal and traditional treatments as a primary healthcare resource. With approximately 400 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups across the archipelago, Indonesia is home to an extraordinary diversity of traditional medical knowledge and practice.

Jamu is the most widely known and nationally recognised of these systems. Indonesia’s traditional healing heritage has been shaped over centuries by the influences of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, with herbal medicine — jamu — standing as the oldest and most enduring of these practices. In 2019, jamu was formally acknowledged as part of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture, and in December 2023, jamu wellness culture received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status — a recognition that speaks to both its cultural depth and its continuing relevance in modern Indonesian life.

People across all age groups make use of jamu, and while anyone may prepare it, the craft is historically and predominantly practised by adult women. Recipes are typically crafted from herbs and spices grown by the maker herself, with formulations tailored to individual customers based on their age, daily habits, and specific health needs.

Beyond jamu, several other traditional practices carry significant cultural weight:

• Bekam (cupping therapy): Firmly grounded in Islamic medical tradition and widely practised throughout Indonesia’s Muslim-majority population, bekam is regarded by many as a sunnah — a recommended practice within Islam — and is offered at numerous Islamic wellness clinics and centres.
• Urut (traditional Indonesian bone-setting and massage): Performed by traditional healers called dukun or sangkal putung, urut is particularly sought for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
• Balian (Balinese traditional healer): In Bali, balian are healers who draw on a blend of spiritual ritual, herbal knowledge, and the cosmological frameworks of Hindu-Balinese belief. They remain influential figures — particularly in rural communities — and are frequently consulted alongside or instead of biomedical practitioners.
• Tenaga dalam (inner energy healing): Found across various Javanese and other ethnic traditions, this practice involves directing spiritual or inner energy for therapeutic purposes and holds deep cultural significance in several communities.

Recognition of the importance of legal protection and formal regulation for traditional healers is understood as a means of safeguarding the constitutional right to health, while providing the traditional healing profession with clearer recognition and legal standing. From the early 1990s, the Indonesian Ministry of Health pursued a policy of modernising traditional medicines, and by 2000 a framework was being developed to incorporate traditional medicine into modern healthcare while preserving its distinctive character — embracing diagnosis through contemporary methods while retaining traditional therapeutic approaches.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, traditional healing approaches are frequently encountered as components of broader alternative or complementary health strategies, running parallel to conventional medical services and oriented towards fostering holistic wellbeing. For expats, learning to navigate this dual landscape thoughtfully and safely is essential.

Openness among conventional doctors: While biomedical healthcare has gained increasing prominence in Indonesia, jamu continues to enjoy wide popularity in both rural and urban settings. Attitudes among Indonesian conventional doctors towards CAM have historically been variable, though the landscape is shifting. The Ministry of Health has placed growing emphasis on training medical personnel in natural medicine, and the Association of Indonesian Traditional Medicine and Herbal Medicine Development Doctors (PDPOTJI) plays an active role in driving this integration forward.

Integrative clinics: Facilities that bring together conventional and traditional healthcare under one roof do exist, particularly within larger hospital networks. Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has championed clinical services incorporating natural medicine and is actively nurturing the development of health and wellness tourism built around natural products at facilities such as Dr. Sardjito Tawangmangu Hospital in Central Java. Private wellness clinics in Bali and Jakarta are also increasingly adopting blended approaches that combine biomedical and traditional elements.

Herb-drug interactions — a key safety consideration: Certain jamu and traditional medicine preparations have been found to contain elevated levels of analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents — including corticosteroids and NSAIDs — incorporated without appropriate disclosure on labelling. Obtaining a thorough patient history that includes consumption of jamu and traditional remedies is essential for identifying potential drug interactions or steroid-related complications early. It is vital to inform your conventional healthcare provider of any herbal or traditional treatments you are using, particularly if you have a chronic health condition or are taking prescribed medicines.

Product safety: BPOM monitors compliance with labelling requirements through regular inspections and product assessments; violations can result in financial penalties and product recalls. Using products that carry a valid BPOM registration number offers the greatest protection. The BPOM product verification tool allows consumers to confirm registration status before purchasing any herbal preparation.

Key official sources for guidance:

• Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) — for practitioner licensing requirements, health service regulations, and national health policy
• BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) — for herbal product registration, safety alerts, and labelling regulations
• BPJS Kesehatan — for the latest information on public health insurance coverage

Patients are best served by maintaining an open dialogue with all of their healthcare providers — both conventional and traditional — so that treatment decisions can be made collaboratively, with full awareness of any interactions or contraindications. Ensuring that any CAM practitioner you consult is appropriately licensed and credentialled is an important step in using these therapies safely.

Frequently asked questions

Can I find CAM practitioners who speak languages other than Indonesian?

In the main expat centres — particularly Jakarta, Bali (including Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud), and Surabaya — a significant number of CAM practitioners, especially those affiliated with international spas, upscale wellness resorts, and private integrative clinics, are experienced in working with overseas clients and are able to communicate in English. This becomes considerably less common in smaller towns and rural areas. Expat community networks and referral lists from international hospitals are among the most practical resources for finding multilingual practitioners.

Is chiropractic treatment legal and available in Indonesia?

Chiropractic care is legal in Indonesia and is available, though primarily concentrated in Jakarta and Bali. There is no dedicated statutory chiropractic regulatory body in Indonesia equivalent to those in Australia or the UK, but practitioners working within registered healthcare facilities are subject to the Ministry of Health’s general health service regulations. Before proceeding with treatment, ask the practitioner to provide details of their qualifications and confirm any applicable Indonesian health facility licences.

How do I check a CAM practitioner’s credentials in Indonesia?

For practitioners registered under the traditional health worker framework, you may request to view their Traditional Health Worker Registration Certificate (STRTK) and Practice Permit (SIPTK), both of which are issued by the Ministry of Health. For herbal and natural medicine products, registration status can be confirmed through BPOM’s verification portal at cekbpom.pom.go.id. Professional bodies such as the Indonesian Acupuncture Association and the Indonesian Massage Association can also confirm whether a given practitioner holds active membership.

Is jamu safe to use as an expat?

Commercially produced jamu products that carry valid BPOM registration are generally regarded as safe when used according to instructions. The principal risk comes from unregistered or unlabelled preparations, which may harbour undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs. To minimise risk, purchase jamu exclusively from reputable pharmacies (apotek) or established retailers, choose products displaying a BPOM registration number, and always let your doctor know about any jamu you are taking — especially if you are managing ongoing health conditions or using prescription medicines.

Are there integrative medicine clinics in Indonesia where CAM and conventional treatment are offered together?

Yes. A number of public hospitals have established dedicated complementary therapy services — including the longstanding clinic at Dr. Sutomo General Hospital — and Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has actively promoted the embedding of natural medicine within formal health facility settings. Private integrative wellness clinics are especially numerous in Bali and Jakarta, where patients can access conventional medical consultations, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage within a single facility.

Does BPJS Kesehatan (public health insurance) cover any CAM treatments?

At present, the vast majority of CAM therapies — acupuncture included — are not included in the BPJS Kesehatan national insurance programme. Clinically validated herbal medicines (fitofarmaka) that have received BPOM approval may qualify for state healthcare provision under certain conditions, but this remains an evolving policy area. For the most current information on covered services, consult BPJS Kesehatan directly at bpjs-kesehatan.go.id, as benefit categories are revised periodically.

How is Balinese traditional healing (balian) regarded — is it regulated?

Balinese traditional healers (balian) are deeply woven into the fabric of Balinese Hindu culture and are consulted by many people for physical ailments, emotional difficulties, and spiritual concerns. They do not operate within a regulatory structure comparable to that governing licensed medical practitioners under Ministry of Health frameworks. While many balian are respected and trusted figures in their communities, the quality and safety of their practices varies considerably. Expats interested in balian traditions are encouraged to treat such encounters primarily as a cultural experience, while continuing to seek qualified conventional medical care for any formally diagnosed health conditions.

What red flags should I watch for when choosing a CAM provider in Indonesia?

Approach with caution any provider who claims to guarantee cures for serious illnesses, advises you to stop prescribed medications or avoid conventional medical care, offers unlabelled or unregistered herbal products, insists on substantial upfront payment for extended treatment programmes, or is unwilling or unable to show licensing documentation when requested. Because Indonesia does not yet maintain a comprehensive, publicly searchable practitioner register covering all CAM disciplines, personal referrals from trusted sources and verification through relevant professional associations remain the most dependable routes to finding reputable practitioners.