I was told by my friend who has been working in Essential Oils trade for decades.
He said that during colonialization era, the Ducth bring Patchouli from Philiphines to Aceh, nothern area of Sumatra island (the one being hit by tsunami in Jan 2005). Turns out that it grew very good in Aceh. So the Dutch create a company named Netherland Indische Landscape Aceh Mascapai (may not spelled correctly), or in short NILAM. That is why afterwards, Indonesian people call Patchouli as NILAM.

So far, I can't find any references that can verify this story about NILAM. However it seems quite true.
Sadly, most of Indonesian young generation currently don't know about NILAM, while Indonesia is still a major supplier of Patchouli Oil.

Nilam (Patchouli) has a good aromatherapy properties such as relaxing, stimulate cells regeneration, anti-inflammation, antiseptic, etc. It was popular in the US during 60s era, though some people does not like the earthy scent.

Personally, I love its scent. So I believe, with proper publication, people, especially young generations would be able to recognize it's great properties and some may fall in luv with it.