Jenang: Food Production System Based on Myths in Java, Indonesia

Traditional foods made from local ingredients remain in the limelight, based on superiority or uniqueness. This study therefore describes the preparation of Jenang as a traditional food, based on mythical concept, thus, becoming Indonesia’s favorite food. The study was conducted in a natural environment (natural setting), using a qualitative method, with an ethnographic approach. In ethnographic research, researchers visit a place where people or groups ‘being studied’ live to ‘experience together’ the daily routines and habits, and consequently, understand social life and culture from the people’s point of view. Researchers’ collect data through the senses of sight, hearing, and taste, as well as interviews and observations, in order to formulate problems and discover solutions. According to the results, Jenang is indeed Indonesia’s favorite food because myths play an important role in building the production systems. These roles include, source of inspiration, communication strategy in maintaining Jenang authenticity and quality, and a strategy in increasing popularity. This is affiliated with philosophical myths and symbols believed by the Javanese, as a communication strategy for building vertical relationships with the Creator, and for building horizontal relationships with fellow creatures. These vertical relations are in the sense of gratitude to God Almighty, while the horizontal counterpart are a symbol of unity among fellow humans, to foster a spirit of togetherness in the Javanese society, and as an apology to nature, for negative actions.