Ketupat Processing Traditions in Minangkabau: An Eco-Theological, Health, and Cultural Resilience Study
Abstract
This study examines the Ketupat tradition, a Minangkabau food wrapped in young coconut leaves, through the lenses of eco-theology, public health, and cultural resilience. Employing a qualitative methodology that integrates in-depth interviews with 25 informants (15 entrepreneurs, 5 cultural leaders, and 5 academics), participatory observation, and textual analysis with data analyzed thematically using NVivo software the research was conducted across key centers of Minangkabau diaspora life in Padang (West Sumatra, Indonesia), Yogyakarta (Indonesia), and Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia). The findings reveal three interrelated dimensions. First, the use of natural leaf wrappers embodies the Islamic eco-theological principle of khalifah fil-ardh (humans as stewards of the earth), expressed through faith-driven ecological awareness among tradition bearers. Second, coconut leaves provide tangible health benefits by eliminating risks of chemical migration from plastic and styrofoam packaging, reinforcing community-based food safety rooted in natural materials. Third, Ketupat-making sustains cultural identity and social cohesion within diaspora communities through intergenerational transmission and collective rituals. Overall, the study argues that traditional food practices grounded in natural materials represent a convergence of ecological wisdom, health protection, and spiritual values, underscoring the importance of integrating local wisdom into sustainable food policies and national food security strategies
Keyword: Ketupat ; Ketupat; Minangkabau; eco-theology; traditional food systems; public health; cultural resilience; food packaging
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abdul Raji, M. N., Ab. Karim, S., & Esa, J. H. (2024). Pengaruh Alam dan Budaya dalam Pembentukan Makanan Tradisional di Lembah Lenggong, Perak. Kajian Malaysia, 42(2), 261–285. https://doi.org/10.21315/km2024.42.2.12
Aswani, S., Lemahieu, A., & Sauer, W. H. H. (2018). Global trends of local ecological knowledge and future implications. PLOS ONE, 13(4), e0195440. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195440
Baidya, A., & Dev, M. (2025). A Comprehensive Review on Analyzing the Effectiveness of Different Leaves in Food Packaging: A Sustainable Alternative to Plastics. Swami Vivekananda University Press, (SE-Articles), 60–86. https://swamivivekanandauniversitypress.com/index.php/svup/article/view/283
Chatterjee, P., Chauhan, A. S., Joseph, J., & Kakkar, M. (2017). One Health/EcoHealth capacity building programs in South and South East Asia: a mixed method rapid systematic review. Human Resources for Health, 15(1), 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-017-0246-8
Destoumieux-Garzón, D., Mavingui, P., Boetsch, G., Boissier, J., Darriet, F., Duboz, P., Fritsch, C., Giraudoux, P., Le Roux, F., Morand, S., Paillard, C., Pontier, D., Sueur, C., & Voituron, Y. (2018). The One Health Concept: 10 Years Old and a Long Road Ahead. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Volume 5-. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00014
Ermanto, E., Triwira Dhika, V., Saddhono, K., Susanto, G., & Ardi, H. (2025). Rendang on the Menu: A Flavorful Approach to Teaching Indonesian Language and Culture. International Journal of Society, Culture and Language, 13(1), 308–327. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijscl.2025.2054355.3937
González Jácome, A. (2018). Maíz y alimentación. Historia breve de un largo viaje. Revista de Geografía Agrícola, (60), 9–69. https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rga.2017.59.007
Halden, R. U. (2010). Plastics and Health Risks. Annual Review of Public Health, 31(1), 179–194. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103714
Hartati, D., & Karim, A. (2023). Identitas Kuliner Nusantara Dalam Kumpulan Puisi Aku Lihat Bali Karya Mas Triadnyani Culinary Identity of the Archipelago in A Collection of Poetry I See Bali by Mas Triadnyani Dian Hartati dan Ahmad Abdul Karim Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang PENDAHU. Jenteran: Jurnal Kajian Sastra, 12(1), 24–36.
Hassel, C. A. (2014). Reconsidering nutrition science: critical reflection with a cultural lens. Nutrition Journal, 13(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-42
Heriyati, A., Afriyani, F., Romli, H., Pratiwi Putri, I., & Mulyati, M. (2024). Worksop Digital Marketing Promosi Penjualan Keripik Daun Kelor Hasil Industri Kreatif Mahasiswa Universitas Indo Global Mandiri. I-Com: Indonesian Community Journal, 4(3), 2021–2131. https://doi.org/10.33379/icom.v4i3.5243
Ibrahim, I., & Sillehu, S. (2022). Identifikasi Aktivitas Penggunaan Pestisida Kimia yang Berisiko pada Kesehatan Petani Hortikultura. JUMANTIK (Jurnal Ilmiah Penelitian Kesehatan), 7(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.30829/jumantik.v7i1.10332
Juhani, S., Maku, H., Edu, A. L., & Gunawan, V. A. (2025). Traditional Beliefs as an Ecotheological Force for Sustainability: Reinterpreting Mori Keraéng Amid the Climate Crisis. Jurnal Studi Agama Dan Masyarakat, 21(2), 67–76.
Khawismaya, H. P. K., Dei, K. I., Setyowati, L., Wijayati, P. A., & Wijanarko, N. B. (2024). Merawat Tradisi Di Tengah Modernisasi: Desa Tenganan Pegringsingan–Bali. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Sejarah UHO, 9(2), 155–161.
Koentjaraningrat. (1990). Pengantar Ilmu Antropologi. Rineka Cipta.
Laelasari, E., Anwar, A., & Puspita, T. (2021). Perbandingan Risiko Kesehatan Penggunaan Aditif Ftalat Dan Non Ftalat Pada Bahan Plastik Kemasan Makanan. Jurnal Ekologi Kesehatan, 20(1), 21–35. https://doi.org/10.22435/jek.v20i1.3683
Lipoeto, N. I., Geok Lin, K., & Angeles-Agdeppa, I. (2013). Food consumption patterns and nutrition transition in South-East Asia. Public Health Nutrition, 16(9), 1637–1643. https://doi.org/DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012004569
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis. sage.
Mumford, E. L., Martinez, D. J., Tyance-Hassell, K., Cook, A., Hansen, G. R., Labonté, R., Mazet, J. A. K., Mumford, E. C., Rizzo, D. M., Togami, E., Vreedzaam, A., & Parrish-Sprowl, J. (2023). Evolution and expansion of the One Health approach to promote sustainable and resilient health and well-being: A call to action. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1056459
Naldo, J., Tarigan, A. A., & Warfete, U. (2023). Dialectic of Tradition’s Strength and Demand for Flexibility: A Study of Minang Families in Yogyakarta. JSW (Jurnal Sosiologi Walisongo), 7(1), 13–24. https://doi.org/10.21580/jsw.2023.7.1.14101
Nasr, S. H. (1994). Religion and The Order of Nature. Oxford University Press.
Naurasari, Z., Muhammad, B. G., Hamida, I. N., & Septy, D. A. (2025). “Dari Dapur Ke Dunia : Eksplorasi Peran Rendang Dalam Diplomasi Kuliner Indonesia .” 640–648.
Nguyen-Viet, H., Doria, S., Tung, D. X., Mallee, H., Wilcox, B. A., & Grace, D. (2015). Ecohealth research in Southeast Asia: past, present and the way forward. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 4(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-9957-4-5
Owusu-Kwarteng, J., Kehinde, B., Ohomeng-Boahen, G., Kojo Aduampong Mantey, J., Decardi-Nelson, T., & Agyei, D. (2024). The role of indigenous and traditional foods in achieving food security in Africa: A bibliometric snapshot and farm-to-fork perspective. CABI Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1079/cabireviews.2024.0022
Pavithra, M., Keshavachandra, K., & Sridhar, K. R. (2023). Ethnic Nutritional, Medicinal, and Packaging Values of Leaves. In Ethnic Knowledge and Perspectives of Medicinal Plants (pp. 481–517). Apple Academic Press.
Ramirez, L., & Soto, C. (2025). Global Society and Knowledge Review. Global Society and Knowledge Review, 3(9), 31–45.
Ranger, T., Hobsbawm, E., & Ranger, T. (1983). The invention of tradition in colonial Africa. Perspectives on Africa: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation, 450–451.
Refisrul. (2018). Lamang Dan Tradisi Malamang Pada Masyarakat Minangkabau. Jurnal Penelitian Sejarah Dan Budaya, 3(02), 772–796. https://doi.org/10.36424/jpsb.v3i02.2
Rocillo-Aquino, Z., Cervantes-Escoto, F., Leos-Rodríguez, J. A., Cruz-Delgado, D., & Espinoza-Ortega, A. (2021). What is a traditional food? Conceptual evolution from four dimensions. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 8(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-021-00113-4
Ruswanda, A. S. (2025). Mengkaji Konsep Ekoteologi Menurut Nasaruddin Umar. Jurnal Keislaman, 8(2), 532–545. https://doi.org/10.54298/jk.v8i2.667
Supandi, M. D., Khoiri, M. A., Al Azhmi, I. G., Munawar, A. M., & Nasution, A. (2025). Revisiting Deep Ecology through Qur’anic Exegesis: Comparative Perspectives from al-Sha‘rawi and Fazlun Khalid. ZAD Al-Mufassirin, 7(2), 306–326. https://doi.org/10.55759/zam.v7i2.332
Suryani, Dafriani, P., Patra, A., & Resmiati. (2024). Virgin Coconut Oil Dalam Perspektif Nutrisi Modern. (October).
Tejeswara Rao, D., V R, A., M Nair, A., & Prasad, G. (2025). Restoring Nature through Culture: Ecological Significance of India’s Sacred Plants. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5659410
United Nations Encironment Programme. (2021). Making Peace with Nature. Making Peace with Nature. https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/37946/UNEP_AR2021.pdf
United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). Planetary Action. In UNEP (Vol. 119, Number 5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00063-024-01190-4
Widiastuty, H., & Anwar, K. (2025). Ekoteologi Islam : Prinsip Konservasi Lingkungan dalam Al-Qur ’ an dan Hadits serta Implikasi Kebijakannya. Risalah, Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Studi Islam, 11(1), 465–480.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30829/contagion.v8i2.28872
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Azhari Akmal Tarigan, Jufri Naldo, Syahrial Arif Hutagalung, Uswatun Hasanah, Ismail Ismail
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
