Foreign tourists in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra (West Sumatra), participated in enjoying the Bajamba Dining event held by the local government to welcome the 232nd City Anniversary (HJK) on Tuesday.
The Bajamba meal was held in the courtyard of the Jam Gadang tourist attraction and was attended by a communication forum of regional leaders, regional apparatus work units (SKPD), community leaders, local residents and tourists visiting the area.
“I was around Jam Gadang when suddenly invited to blend in the crowd, it turned out there was a meal together,” said a tourist from England, Sally in Bukittinggi, Tuesday (12/20/2016), as reported by Antarasumbar.
“It’s my first experience, it’s really exciting to see everyone sitting together and eating together,” he said.
Similarly, another tourist from Malaysia, Zuraida who came to the area with her family. “It just so happened that we were on vacation to Bukittinggi and there was this event. It is very crowded and we are interested in being involved,” he said.
According to him, rendang cuisine, which is one of the menus in eating baamba, is the dish most liked by his family.
Meanwhile, Bukittinggi Mayor M Ramlan Nurmatias said the 232nd City Anniversary commemoration held by the local government should be enjoyed free of charge by all residents and tourists who are visiting the area.
“All residents should be happy to welcome the city’s birthday. Eating bajambaini is one form of celebration. We hope residents and tourists can enjoy,” he said.
Chairman of the Minangkabau Natural Customary Density Institute (LKAAM) Bukittinggi, Datuk Maruhun said eating bajamba contains the philosophy of eating together with certain rules and contains the meaning of creating kinship.
“This is a culture that has been passed down for generations so it must be maintained and preserved. Events like this need to be held regularly so that they remain and are known to the wider community,” he said.
Previously, Secretary of the local Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar), Emil Anwar said the uniqueness of the bajamba eating tradition could be a selling point in itself that would be a tourist attraction.
