Ethnobiological study of Tumpeng, traditional food in Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Septhia ND, Izdihar NS, Destiani NFL, Rindiani N, Izdihar RS, Setyawan AD. 2024. Ethnobiological study of tumpeng, traditional food in Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 7: 61-67. The Javanese ethnic group, which is the largest ethnic population in Indonesia, shows its cultural richness through a variety of traditional foods, one of which is tumpeng. This research aims to find out information about each ingredient in tumpeng, the meaning of tumpeng in various Javanese traditions or ceremonies, and the knowledge of the people in Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia regarding this tradition through ethnobotanical studies. The research method used was observation and interviews with the people of Surakarta City regarding the Tumpengan tradition. Of the 60 respondents from Baluwarti, Kauman, and Mojosongo Villages in Surakarta City, the majority, especially 42 people, showed a "somewhat understand" level of understanding of tumpeng. The locals mention at least 19 plants and 3 animals often used as ingredients in tumpeng, such as coconut, water spinach, spinach, yarlong beans, mung bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, as well as chicken meats and eggs, milkfish, and anchovies. Tumpeng and each food element on it has a deep symbolic meaning for the community which is related to the relationship between humans and God, humans and nature, and humans and humans. For example, side dish such as chicken symbolizes gratitude and peace given by God, and cone-shaped rice shows the hope that there must always be progress and improvement in every life.