UNAIR NEWS – The recent spike in rice prices has sparked discussions. Being an economic issue, the price hike also holds implications in cultural sociology. Rice, being one of the main food commodities in Indonesian society, holds symbolic meanings and cultural values.
The phenomenon reflects complex social dynamics in the community. Prof. Dr. Phil Toetik Koesbardiati DFM PA(k), Paleoanthropologist from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga shared her view. Dependency on the staple rice is seen as an indication, where the inability to consume rice is viewed as a symbol of economic incapability.
“Rice is the highest level in the hierarchy of staple carbohydrates. Thus, the types of usage and management also reflect social class,” she said.
Origin of staple foods distribution in Indonesia
The history of staple food domestication records that grain, such as wheat, sorghum, millet, and maize have been known since ancient times, with early cultivation carried out by the communities of Egypt and Mesoamerica. Meanwhile, rice, as the main source of carbohydrates, was domesticated in mainland Asia, especially in China, Thailand, and Vietnam around 10-11 thousand years ago.
The influence of Austronesian culture spread from East Asia, including Taiwan and the Philippines. From there, knowledge of rice cultivation spread throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Austronesian communities also brought the influence of other carbohydrate crops such as maize and other grains. Therefore, Indonesian society is already accustomed to various non-rice carbohydrate food sources such as sago and tubers.
Paleoanthropologist Prof. Dr. Phil Toetik Koesbardiati DFM PA(k), from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Airlangga.
Position of Rice
The historical consumption of rice in Indonesia reflects efforts towards rice self-sufficiency, often a focal point of long-term development. Despite occasional successes, achieving self-sufficiency has been short-lived. Rice also serves as a symbol of social relationships, evoking sympathy during times of mourning and acting as compensation within the context of state administration.
Dependence on rice creates discomfort when supplies diminish. Hence, panic over rice price hikes is understandable. Although awareness of utilizing alternative staples has been advocated, the inclination to utilize rice substitutes appears lacking.
“Therefore, it’s noteworthy when an ethnic group reiterates the concept of the paleo diet, adapting the eating patterns of ancient humans without relying on rice. This can be achieved through low-fat ingredient management, avoiding frying or lengthy cooking processes like grains and tubers,” she said.
Author: Mutiara Rachmi Karenina
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
