Ketupat: a culinary heritage of Indonesia in Eid Al-Fitr tradition

Abstract

Indonesia is renowned for its cultural diversity and traditions, which are closely related to religious practices. Among these, the kupatan tradition, a significant Muslim custom, symbolizes gratitude and is prominently observed during major Islamic celebrations, such as Eid Al-Fitr. Ketupat is a typical culinary heritage of this tradition. It is a rice-based dish wrapped in diamond-shaped of young coconut leaves (janur), reflecting a deep cultural and religious connection. This review explores the cultural significance of ketupat from socio-cultural and philosophical perspectives, as well as its cooking methods, physicochemical transformation, shelf-life, and safety aspects. It also addresses the challenges and future prospects for ketupat, including the difficulty of integrating modern technology without losing its cultural essence and the specialized skills required for crafting janur containers. The review suggests that focusing on sustainable production practices, product innovation, efficient processing methods, and effective promotion and marketing strategies could significantly enhance the future outlook for ketupat. This study will provide a crucial basis for future research on ketupat, emphasizing its long-term food value.