A Heritage Passed Down: The Tradition of Enjoying Teh Poci in Tegal is More Than Just a Habit

The tradition of enjoying teh poci for the people of Tegal and its surrounding areas in Central Java is not merely a habit. It also contains values of togetherness, kinship, respect for guests, and serves as a medium for social interaction that has been passed down through generations. This was conveyed by Pantura cultural observer Atmo Tan Sidik during a live-streamed discussion titled ‘Tradisi Maca Karo Moci dan Moci Karo Maca’ (The Tradition of Reading with Teh Poci and Drinking Teh Poci While Reading) at the Tegal City DPRD Building on Thursday (23/7). Atmo Tan Sidik stated that this tradition is one of the cultural riches of Tegal City and its surrounding areas, which include the City/Regency of Tegal and Brebes. ‘This tradition or culture must continue to be introduced to the public, especially the younger generation, so that it is not eroded by the times and modern culture,’ said Atmo Tan Sidik. Deputy Chair of Commission I of the Tegal City DPRD, Erni Ratnani, believes that the preservation of regional culture requires support from all parties. The DPRD aims to provide an educational space that is easily accessible to the public while also serving as a medium to introduce various local cultural potentials. ‘Based on the Tegal City DPRD Secretariat Letter Number 400.6/399 dated 22 July 2026, this podcast was organised as part of efforts to strengthen cultural education for the community,’ said Erni. Head of the Tegal City Archives and Library Office, Andri Yudi Setiawan, explained the importance of documentation and cultural preservation as part of the region’s identity. ‘Local traditions passed down from generation to generation need to be continuously recorded, published, and introduced to the public so they are not lost to the changing times,’ Andri explained. Through the interactive dialogue, the speakers also encouraged the public not only to recognise local culture as a relic of the past, but also to make it a part of daily life that remains relevant in the digital era.