Museum set to revive chewing betel habit

Museum set to revive chewing betel habit

JAKARTA (JP): The National Museum has launched a campaign to
preserve, or even revive, one of the nation's favorite pastimes
that has now become almost a dying art -- chewing betel.

The museum is sponsoring various exhibitions across Indonesia
presenting the wares that were traditionally used to prepare the
leaves, including gold-plated bowls used to spit on. It began in
Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi, this week, the Antara news
agency reported.

Experts said that betel chewing was once widely practiced by
almost all of Indonesia's ethnic groups. Besides, for pure
enjoyment, betel chewing, or penginangan was also a ritual at
various ceremonies and in welcoming guests.

This tradition is now dying because of the onslaught of
modernization, said Sri Soejatmi Satari, the Director of Museums
at the Ministry of Education and Culture.

She told reporters that betel chewing helps preserve oral and
dental health, but that people shun the practice because it
leaves their teeth and lips colored black.

Central Sulawesi Governor Abdul Azis Lamadjido said the
tradition of betel chewing was also a symbol of solidarity and
unity in various cultures of Indonesia.

He appealed for efforts to study the cultural value contained
in this tradition, saying that it may have some sacred messages
that are valuable for the present generation.

The campaign to preserve the tradition will reach its climax
in Jakarta this August with a colossal exhibition at the National
Museum, Antara reported. (emb)