Regitha Anna Mervia, Gerson Ralph Manuel Kho

The Taste, Ritual, and Cultural Essence Within a Bowl of Mie Rebus Belitung

Introduction

The taste, ritual, and cultural essence within a bowl of mie rebus belitung. Explore Mie Rebus Belitung, an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage. This dish from Bangka Belitung reflects local identity, history, and a blend of Chinese, Dutch, and local cultures through its unique ingredients and rituals.

Abstract

One of the provinces in Indonesia famous for its diverse local cuisine is the Bangka Belitung Province, particularly in Belitung Regency. One of the well-known local dishes from Belitung is Mie Rebus Belitung. Mie Rebus Belitung is a preparation of yellow noodles drenched in hot shrimp broth. This dish is even recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Besides being considered a filling meal, Mie Rebus Belitung also reflects the culture, identity, and history that form the local identity of Belitung. This research aims to examine the role of the local dish Mie Rebus Belitung in preserving the cultural identity in Belitung. The theories utilized in this research are the Cultural Heritage Theory and the Cultural Representation & Heritage Theory. The research methodology employed is qualitative research. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with cultural experts from Belitung and literature reviews. The result of this research is that Mie Rebus Belitung contains cultural symbolism with potatoes (Dutch), noodles (Chinese), and seafood (Local Belitung). The use of simpor leaves as the wrapping for Mie Rebus Belitung expresses creativity and local identity in Belitung. Mie Rebus Belitung is also a symbol of communication with values that will be conveyed to future generations, either as a standalone dish or packaged in ritual processes such as “makan bedulang” (ritual feasting). The conclusion of this research is that Mie Rebus Belitung is a culinary dish whose history is connected to the arrival of Chinese and Dutch residents in Belitung. The distinctive feature of this dish is the use of simpor leaves as its wrapper. By combining elements from these three cultures, Mie Rebus Belitung becomes a symbol of identity and the cultural richness of Belitung.

Review

This paper, "The Taste, Ritual, and Cultural Essence Within a Bowl of Mie Rebus Belitung," presents a compelling exploration of a specific local dish as a potent symbol of cultural identity. The authors adeptly position Mie Rebus Belitung not merely as a culinary item but as an Intangible Cultural Heritage that encapsulates the history, identity, and traditions of Belitung Regency. The research effectively sets out to examine the role of this dish in preserving cultural identity, a relevant and significant inquiry in the broader fields of cultural studies and anthropology. The clear articulation of the research aim, coupled with the application of robust theoretical frameworks such as Cultural Heritage Theory and Cultural Representation & Heritage Theory, provides a strong foundation for the investigation. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study gathered data through in-depth interviews with cultural experts and comprehensive literature reviews, ensuring a rich and nuanced understanding of the subject. The findings are particularly insightful, revealing the intricate cultural symbolism embedded within Mie Rebus Belitung. The authors skillfully dissect the dish’s components, linking potatoes to Dutch influence, noodles to Chinese heritage, and seafood to local Belitung identity, showcasing its syncretic origins. Furthermore, the paper highlights the innovative use of simpor leaves as a wrapper, underscoring local creativity and identity. Crucially, the research identifies Mie Rebus Belitung as a vital medium for intergenerational communication, with values conveyed through the dish itself and its integration into traditional ritual processes like "makan bedulang." While the abstract provides a strong overview of the dish's historical and symbolic significance, future research could potentially delve deeper into the *lived experience* of its consumption and the active *processes* of cultural preservation beyond its symbolic representation in rituals like "makan bedulang." Further ethnographic detail on how this communication unfolds and is received across generations would enrich the findings. Nonetheless, this study makes a significant contribution by meticulously documenting Mie Rebus Belitung as a tangible manifestation of Belitung's multicultural past and present. Its unique blend of historical influences and local ingenuity makes it a fascinating case study for understanding how culinary heritage serves as a powerful repository of cultural memory and identity. Overall, this paper offers valuable insights into the profound connection between food, history, and cultural identity, demonstrating the rich tapestry woven into a single bowl of Mie Rebus Belitung.

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