Museum set to revive chewing betel habit<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The National Museum has launched a campaign to
\npreserve, or even revive, one of the nation's favorite pastimes
\nthat has now become almost a dying art -- chewing betel.<\/p>\n
The museum is sponsoring various exhibitions across Indonesia
\npresenting the wares that were traditionally used to prepare the
\nleaves, including gold-plated bowls used to spit on. It began in
\nPalu, the capital of Central Sulawesi, this week, the Antara news
\nagency reported.<\/p>\n
Experts said that betel chewing was once widely practiced by
\nalmost all of Indonesia's ethnic groups. Besides, for pure
\nenjoyment, betel chewing, or penginangan was also a ritual at
\nvarious ceremonies and in welcoming guests.<\/p>\n
This tradition is now dying because of the onslaught of
\nmodernization, said Sri Soejatmi Satari, the Director of Museums
\nat the Ministry of Education and Culture.<\/p>\n
She told reporters that betel chewing helps preserve oral and
\ndental health, but that people shun the practice because it
\nleaves their teeth and lips colored black.<\/p>\n
Central Sulawesi Governor Abdul Azis Lamadjido said the
\ntradition of betel chewing was also a symbol of solidarity and
\nunity in various cultures of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
He appealed for efforts to study the cultural value contained
\nin this tradition, saying that it may have some sacred messages
\nthat are valuable for the present generation.<\/p>\n
The campaign to preserve the tradition will reach its climax
\nin Jakarta this August with a colossal exhibition at the National
\nMuseum, Antara reported. (emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/museum-set-to-revive-chewing-betel-habit-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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