Papeda was designated as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015. And, there are still others that have been designated as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. At that time, 121 Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage designations from all provinces. Among them are Coto Makassar from South Sulawesi, Dayak/Sintang Ikat Weaving from West Kalimantan, Koteka from Papua, Lempah Kuning from Bangka Belitung, and Gambang Kromong from DKI Jakarta.
Papeda may already be known to some Indonesians. However, for some others, this food may feel strange. Papeda is a typical food of the people of Papua, Maluku, and several areas in Sulawesi. Made from the basic ingredient of sago, this food has a texture resembling clear white glue or gel.
The bland taste will be even more delicious if papeda is served with tuna seasoned with turmeric or yellow sauce. Interestingly, papeda is often enjoyed with vegetables from Melinjo leaves (Gnetum Gnemon).
Papeda is often served at important events
As a traditional food, papeda has a historical history. Historically, papeda is widely known among the Sentani and Abrab tribes communities in Lake Sentani and Arso, as well as Manokwari.
Papeda porridge is often served during traditional Papuan ceremonies, Watani Kame. The ceremony is carried out as a sign of the end of a person’s cycle of death. Papeda will later distributed to the family members who helped with the ceremony.
In Inanwatan, Papeda along with pork is also a special food that must be served at the birth ceremony of the first child. In that area, Papeda is also eaten by women during the tattooing process as a pain reliever.
The Nuaulu tribe on Seram Island eat Papeda which is known as sonar monne. Like in Papua, Papeda is also served in rituals, such as when celebrating a girl’s puberty.
The Nuaulu Tribe and Huaulu Tribe also prohibit menstruating women from cooking Papeda. This is because according to them, the process of boiling sago into Papeda is considered taboo.
Interestingly, this chewy food is often served at important events in Papua, Maluku, and surrounding areas. And, the people there take this Papeda as their staple food.
–sh
