Today is Indonesia's Independence Day - Learn a bit of our culture!
Every August 17, Indonesians celebrate our independence day. Usually, there are celebrations everywhere, students and teachers do fun competitions at schools, and each region has entertainment events for the people. Schools, government buildings, homes will be filled with red and white flag decorations. However, this year is going to be celebrated differently due to COVID19. It seems that there will be no excitement like that.
These are what we like to do to celebrate independence day:
As an Indonesian citizen who lives far away from my hometown, I can only cook Indonesian food as a remedy for my homesick with typical celebratory foods like nasi tumpeng. Nasi means rice.
I am thankful that in Arizona we can still find ingredients we need to make our staple food. Although sometimes we cannot find complete ingredients but I can still buy some stuff online from other Indonesian people in different states who often get yummy package from their families back home.
I also join Indonesian gardening group on Facebook where we share seeds and the bounty from our garden as well. So, I told my Mom, I will be fine here. There is no need to worry about getting Indonesian food. 🙂
Tumpeng is Indonesian typical dish, especially in Java Island (FYI Indonesia is an archipelago country that has over 13K islands), during rituals or important celebration. Tumpeng has also been present since the days of the Hindu kingdom in Indonesia. Nasi tumpeng is known for the variety of side dishes served around cone-shaped yellow rice.
The yellow rice or nasi kuning is flavored with coconut milk and get’s its beautiful hue from the turmeric. Sometimes the yellow rice in tumpeng can be replaced by plain white rice or what we called nasi uduk.
The food that are made around nasi tumpeng are not regular complements. All parts of the tumpeng have a deep philosophy and meaning.
1. The yellow cone colored rice symbolizes a bright life, prosperity, and wealth.
Since the yellow rice is the main part of the dish, I will obviously make this one. 🙂
2. Chicken which is usually accompanied by fried serundeng is an analogy of submitting to the Creator.
Fried chicken is easy to make. So, I will have this on the menu as well.
3. Although rarely seen, catfish in tumpeng is a symbol of fortitude and tenacity in life.
I can't find this kind of fish here in Arizona, so I will skip cooking this one today.
4. Fried anchovies in flour, then sauteed with spices. This small fish carries the meaning of harmony between humans.
This one is spicy. Since my husband does not eat spicy food, I will skip this one as well. I can easily find the ingredients at our local Asian store. If I want to eat it next time, I will make it. 🙂
5. Hard-boiled eggs are also an important element in tumpeng. It carries a meaning that all of our actions need to be planned.
Surely we can relate when it comes to building a website here for our online business. We need to find our niche, make plans for our blog posts, social media engagement, etc.
6. Orek tempe symbolizes mutual respect.
Tempe is made of fermented soy beans. I can make this myself as long as I can get organic soy beans. I brought the special yeast to make tempe from Indonesia. I was lucky I got to visit Indonesia before COVID19 started and got back to the U.S. just before it went bad.
7. Long beans should be served whole and in a circle as a symbol of hope for a long life.
8. Sayur urap is like vegetables salad consisting of kale as a symbol of belief in life, spinach as a symbol of peace, and bean sprouts a symbol of fertility. Urap is usually served with grated coconut with some spices.
Urap is my favorite part in tumpeng. I'll make this for sure. 🙂
9. Sambal tofu, potatoes, and tempe that are seasoned with spicy ingredients symbolize our togetherness in the community.
This dish is one of my favorites. Instead of tempe, I usually cook it with chicken livers and gizzards (excuse me...I am sorry if this sounds gross).
10. Sometimes rempeyek or peanut brittle is also present in tumpeng rice as a symbol of togetherness as well.
This one is my Dad's favorite. The last time I made it when I was pregnant with Amelia a little over 2 years ago. I hope I can still get the right consistency of the batter lol...
So, that's it, Folks. I would like to share a bit of my culture to you all today.
I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for stopping by and reading this post. I appreciate it.
Have a great week filled with productive days.
Stay safe, happy, and healthy!
To Our Success,
Recent Comments
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I was once in Indonesia for about a month, so long ago that I'm not immediately remembering exactly when it was. I remember learning to make nasi goreng and later doing a version of that after I got home. I also remember a delicious tea. Your dishes look heavenly. Yum!
Hi Rosana,
How great it is to know that you've been to Indonesia and have learned how to make nasi goreng. That's my husband's favorite Indonesian food.
I wonder what tea did you have. Were you in Java Island or Bali Island when you had the delicious tea?
Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it. 🙂
Have a great week.
To Our Success,
Ferra
Ah OK. That would make sense because in Java you can find great teas for sure. Bali is famous for the civet coffee. :)
This is my 4th time celebrating independence day in Indonesia. Unfortunately due to the Corona Virus we are not playing the games in the Kampung I live. There is still a lot of food being eaten tho. LOL
I am proud to be here with my wife and showing support to Indonesia and it's people. Thank you for writing this post on Indonesia and showing others how it's done here.
Have a great day and much success to you!
Aaron G.
Actions Lead To Results
Hi Aaron,
Wow, good for you. I envy you. Even though there is no lomba-lomba in the kampung you live, you still eat yummy Indonesian food every day. Over here, I have to make it myself. There are no warungs unfortunately lol... I won't make nasi kuning if I were in Indonesia, buying it is easier and quicker lol (talking about how lazy and spiled I am if I am back home).
Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it. 🙂
Have a great week. I am glad to hear that you're proud of being there with your wife.
To Our Success,
Ferra
Happy Independence Day. That food looks delicious and someday I hope to try cultural dishes from many countries around the world. I love how your food has significant meanings or references to life. Here in Canada, our Canada Day(July 1), was also very different this year but we made the most of it within our small bubble of family and friends we were allowed. As humans we are able to adapt to changes easily if we maintain a positive attitude. Best wishes to you and your family.
Hi Rick,
Yes, you're right. We, humans, are actually good at adapting to our circumstances, especially when it is related to our survival.
I see from my family and friends pictures on Facebook that teachers still decorate schools even though students stay home to study, families and friends can still gather in a small celebration, etc.
As for the Indonesian community in Arizona, we won't be able to have our gathering this year, but hopefully, we'll still have our Indonesian food bazaar in Fall (though I doubt it).
Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it. 🙂
Have a great week.
To Our Success,
Ferra
Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it. 🙂
Have a great week.
To Our Success,
Ferra
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Years ago I belonged to a cultural club and learned of various food and customs we may never have the opportunity to try. Thanks for sharing with us your awesome food you celebrate during your Independence day.
Wish you much health and success this week and beyond.
Take care,
bill
Wow, that sounds great, Bill. I love joining cultural club.
Here in Arizona, I join Phoenix International Folk Dancing group. I have learned many different folk dancing from all over the world. I love is so much. Too bad we can only do it virtually at the moment due to the pandemic. It's been months. I miss it!
Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it. 🙂
Wish you much health and success this week and beyond.
To Our Success,
Ferra