Borobudur Temple Reliefs Reveal Ancient Culinary in Java

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian Gastronomy Community (IDC) reveals ancient food discoveries in the reliefs of Borobudur Temple. Indonesian gastronomy discussed this during a virtual discussion with the theme "Gastronosia: From Borobudur for Indonesia" at the National Museum which was held on 29 June-2 July 2022.

"We want to introduce Indonesian gastronomy starting from the 8th century, which we reconstructed in the temple reliefs to be known by the wider community," said Chairman of the Indonesian Gastronomy Community, Ria Musiawan to ANTARA at the National Museum, Jakarta, Friday, July 1, 2022.

Musiawan mentioned some of the foods found such Twak, Kinca, and Legen--a type of drink, and Rumbah Hadangan Prana in the form of dishes with the main ingredient of buffalo meat. Then, Klaka Wagalan from fish and Harang Harang Kyasan from eel are food served at the banquet of the ancient Mataram kings.

Musiawan said that the main ingredient was not beef, because cows were sacred animals, so buffalo meat was used to meet protein needs. While the use of fish and eels because Borobudur at that time was surrounded by ancient lakes.

The discovery of food and beverage ingredients was based on research on the relief inscriptions of Borobudur Temple since 2017. "Not only were there narratives about music, dance, and fashion but the latest was gastronomy," she said.

The exhibition which will take place in four cities is an attempt by IDC to introduce to the public the richness of Indonesian gastronomy that has existed since centuries ago. During the exhibition, there was also a talk show discussing gastronomy and the food business with business people and experts in their fields.