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)