Nasi Megono And Lopis Krapyak Designated As National Intangible Cultural Heritage

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) officially inaugurated two typical culinary delights from Pekalongan City, Central Java Nasi Megono and Lopis Krapyak as national-level Takbenda Cultural Heritage (WBTb).

This determination is an important acknowledgment of the rich taste and culinary traditions of the Pekalongan community which continues to be preserved across generations.

Head of the Pekalongan City Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports Agency (Dinparbudpora), Sabaryo Pramono, explained that this confession did not come instantly.

"The process has started since 2023. At that time it had not passed because there was a shortage of scientific studies, but after it was completed in 2024 and submitted again on October 8, 2025, our two proposals received national recognition," he said.

According to Sabaryo, determining as WBTb requires an in-depth study process. Every cultural work in the form of traditional foods, arts, and other cultural practices must meet a number of criteria, including the existence of conservationists or culinary maestros, video documentation, and development plans that ensure long-term sustainability.

One example of this preservation can be seen in Nasi Megono, the typical dish that became an icon of Batik City. This dishes made from young jackfruit is not only known because of its spicy taste, but also because it has a philosophy of togetherness and mutual cooperation in the tradition of eating the people of Pekalongan.

Sabaryo said that one of the important figures in maintaining the existence of Megono was the owner of Mas Duki Restaurant, who also innovated by presenting Megono Kaleng in collaboration with the Pekalongan City Government.

"Indigenous Megono usually only lasts from morning to evening. However, Megono Kaleng can be taken traveling and still lasts a long time, this is part of conservation innovation," he said.

In addition to being more practical, this innovation allows Megono to be enjoyed by tourists from outside the region and even become a typical Pekalongan souvenir that brings local flavors to various parts of Indonesia.

Sabaryo also added that Nasi Megono Pekalongan has its own uniqueness compared to the surrounding areas such as Pekalongan and Batang Regencies.

"However, from the results of the study, we have an advantage over the spices because we use additional kecombrang. It makes Megono's taste of Pekalongan City more distinctive and delicious," he said.

Likewise with Lopis Krapyak, sweet snacks that are usually present at the Syawalan celebration. Now, Lopis is not only presented at certain moments, but is also part of the culinary economy of the everyday community.

"This recognition is a big asset to develop and market our distinctive culinary. Now the Krapyak Lopis can not only be enjoyed during Syawalan, but has been sold a lot in this area," he said.

Through this determination, the two traditional culinary delights are not only a symbol of the cultural identity of the Pekalongan community, but also opens up new opportunities for the development of local culinary tourism.