Jambar Rice, the Symbol of Bengkulu Tradition

The tradition of inviting family and friends in a feast to welcome Ramadan has become inseparable part of culture of the people in Bengkulu. 

The feast has always included the distinctive dish of Bengkulu, the jambar kunyit rice. 

The dish is made of sticky rice cooked with turmeric that give a yellow color to the rice, and served with chihcken meat.
 
The appearance of the dish is said to symbolize many gists. In the past the jambar rice could be found in at least 12 types of Bengkulu custom activities for example to show gratitude to God, grief, and peace.

“Jambar rice is a custom symbol which always present in every important activity held by Bengkulu, and welcoming Ramadan is one of it,” said the Chairman of Bengkulu Indigenous Forum Effendi.

Effendi explained the values of life behind jambar rice making and serving. The sticky rice grains are sticking to each other after the cooking process with coconut milk. This symbolizes the effort to unite all people in Bengkulu who are consisting of multicultural background.

The dish is served with a whole chicken, which had previously roasted with yellow turmeric, placed on the rice. The roasted halved chicken and lied on its back symbolize modesty and gratitude to God. 

The position of the chicken’s head, wings, and legs is arranged so as to resemble human posture in praising God put forward polite attitude and culture to discuss.

Even the banana leaf that covers the rice resembles the color of prosperity. Effendi suggested people in Bengkulu to continue serving jambar rice on their feasting activities since it is the symbol of Bengkulu custom.

The jambar rice is served in one plate to be eaten together with family and friends.

Source : Tempo