Nganter: A Typical Eid Tradition That Becomes The Antithesis Of Individualism Of The Jakarta People

Photo illustration of the parcel (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The month of Ramadan is a very special moment for the Betawi people. Some of them are using Ramadan to get blessings from the Lovers. Others make Ramadan a time to stay in touch with others from the beginning of the month until the arrival of Eid Al-Fitr.

One of the Betawi cultures that supports hospitality activities is none other than the "nganter" tradition. Literally, this tradition is defined as delivering something to others. This tradition can attract anyone to get involved. The image of the people of Jakarta as an individualist will collapse when they see this tradition so rooted that it has been passed down from generation to generation by the Betawi people.

To facilitate understanding, the nganter tradition can simply be seen from someone who deliberately exaggerates the portion of food when cooking. Automatically, the excess food becomes the basis for him to share with others as a form of respect. For example, between neighbors, children to parents, son-in-law to parents-in-law, and students to teachers.

On the other hand, those who receive the "queue" also feel they have a moral responsibility to immediately send a reply in the form of the food they make. As a result, here is the action of delivering food to one another, whose intensity will increase when the month of Ramadan arrives. In fact, it will be even more lively the day before Eid.

Abdul Chaer, in the book Betawi Tempo Doeloe (2015) explains, the tradition of nganter will be more vibrant on the day before Lebaran. This is because Betawi mothers are usually preoccupied with cooking special foods for Eid, namely ketupat, meat stews, vegetable sambel godok, or sayur laksa.

"After the food is cooked, the neighbors deliver the dishes they have made, so that everyone tastes the dishes their neighbors made. Likewise during Lebaran. People who visit other people's houses will certainly bring gegawan - in the form of pastries and so on - and he will too. will receive a reply from the person he visited. "

The picture related to dance is often shown in the classic soap opera Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (1994-2006). In one of the episodes, Si Doel's family who are doing the salvation start inviting people to visit his house.

On that basis, all guests who come are treated to a variety of foods and drinks. The rest, deliberately Mak Nyak - Si Doel's parents, played by Aminah Cendrakasih - exaggerates the food Mandra delivers to her future in-laws' house.

"Mandra, take a blessing for babenya si Munaroh," said Mak Nyak, who was greeted by Mandra's quick movements in waiting for food.

Presumably, that is the shrewdness of Si Doel Anak Sekolahan in inserting cultural content into its shows. At the time, the series was recognized as one of television's most vivid works. Especially for Betawi children. Played by big names, such as Benyamin Sueb, Mandra, Aminah Cendrakasih, Maudy Kusnaedi, to Cornelia Agatha, Si Doel Anak Sekolahan often show the nganter tradition that is still preserved today.

Social values and respect

Interestingly, through the nganter tradition, human nature as a social being has returned. Every nganter tradition is carried out, at least there is a content of interaction that can be enjoyed. Therefore, the social relationship becomes harmonious. "For example, someone who has just eaten (picked) fruit from the garden will deliver some of the fruit to a neighbor who knows that he owns the tree," said Abdul.

Because of the importance of the nganter tradition, sociologically, this tradition has high social value. The reason is none other than because through this tradition kinship and friendship are maintained. Not only that, the nuances of mutual cooperation were also shown indiscriminately. To the extent that, even cultural activists often label this activity as a noble form of respect for parents and teachers.

That said, the momentum of queuing is also often used as a showcase. Anteran is often a showcase for someone that he is good at cooking. That said, the prospective son-in-law showed off that ability to his future in-laws. However, this opinion was denied by a young Betawi figure, Masykur Isnan. He explained that this view is only folklore, aka folklore.

"This is a form of folklore that is developing. Because, if we examine it further, this is a manifestation of respect and unfortunately the son-in-law to the in-laws, ”he said when contacted by VOI, May 22.

Even so, the nganter tradition that developed today and in the past is completely different. In the past, if someone had the intention to hang out. So it is certain that they will go through a long process. Starting from cooking yourself, to packing food in special containers for delivery.

"So, in the past, this queue had a special value, both for those who wanted to give and those who received. However, if you look at the current conditions, there are many changes from this tradition. Now, everything can be done more quickly and practically thanks to technological advances that accommodate delivery services. Nothing wrong. However, about satisfaction will feel a little different, "he concluded.