\'Meugang\', A Tradition of the Sultan

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

Meat on display at Peunayong Market, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Wednesday (16/5/2018). Eating meat dishes ahead of Ramadhan festivity becomes a tradition for Acehnese residents. The tradition has taken place since the era of Sultan Iskandar Muda in the 16th century.

There is a unique tradition the Aceh people have in which they welcome Ramadhan, namely through meugang. This is a moment where family gathers to enjoy meat a day before the fasting month.

Meugang, or eating a meal with family members with various meats, is an Aceh tradition from the era of sultan Iskandar Muda.

Noviandi, 26, and Surry, 25, were willing to travel 360 kilometers to celebrate meugang with their family. The residents of northwest Aceh regency, who live in Banda Aceh, returned home on motorbike. “My mother repeatedly told me to go home. My mother is sad if a family member does not show up for meugang,” Noviandi said.

The highlight of meugang is lunch with family members. A variety of meat is cooked into rendang (meat in thick coconut milk), meat soup and a variety of Aceh dishes, such as sie reuboh, masak mi-rah and masak puteh.

For a mother, cooking meat for the family during meugang is proof of her love for the family. For a father, buying meat for meugang is a form of responsibility. The money used to buy meat had been saved up long before.

A newlywed man will be embarrassed if he does not buy meat for his mother-in-law. For more generous people, meugang is a moment to give alms, distributing meat to poor families.

Those who did not go home usually celebrate meugang with their community.

This tradition made the demand for meat increased drastically. In Banda Aceh, a day before Ramadhan on Wednesday (16/5/2018), for example, people went to the market to buy beef, buffalo and goat meat or chicken.

Temporary meat stalls were also seen on the roadside, with fresh meat hanging from wooden pillars. Similar sights were seen across Aceh region.

Meat prices increased from Rp 120,000 per kilogram to Rp 170,000 per kg, but it did not deter people from buying meat.

Sultan heritage

Meugang has been held since the era of the Aceh sultanate, led by sultan Iskandar Muda in the 17^th century. Aceh Rumoh Manuskrip head Tarmizi A Hamid said during the era of the Aceh Darussalam kingdom, that ahead of Ramadhan, sultan Iskandar Muda distributed meat, money and fabric to poor people so that they could welcome Ramadhan happily. The sultan wanted all people to welcome Ramadhan joyously, including by eating good food. Poor people who rarely eat meat could enjoy the cooking. “The reference for meugang is the Aceh Darussalam kingdom, as stipulated in Qanun Al Asyi,” said Tarmizi.

Qanun Al Asyi, or Qanun Meukuta Alam, is the constitution of the kingdom. The Qanun regulates all issues from governance, law, customs and people. Qanun is based on Islamic teaching.

According to Tarmizi, in Qanun Meukuta Alam Chapter II Article 47, it said ahead of meugang, keuchik (village heads) across Aceh would record the number of poor people, widowed, paralyzed persons, orphans and residents who were unable to earn income. Then, the kingdom officials would distribute food and fabric.

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

A meat trade serves customers at Peunayong Market, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Wednesday (16/5/2018). Eating meat dishes ahead of Ramadhan festivity becomes a tradition for Acehnese residents. The meugang tradition has taken place since the era of Sultan Iskandar Muda in the 16th century.

After sultan Iskandar Muda died, the tradition was continued by his successor. After the Aceh Darussalam kingdom collapsed following a long war against Dutch colonial rule, residents continue the tradition until today.

Meulaboh Teuku Umar University public health lecturer Yulizar Kasma said meat consumption was good for health because red meats, such as beef and goat meat, was a source of protein and minerals.

Meat consumption reportedly improves stamina during fasting. “Protein is a source of energy,” Yulizar said.

Aceh people rarely consume red meat, but during meugang, they consumed more than usual.

Economic engine

The tradition of meugang is an engine for the people’s economy. Syiah Kuala University economic lecturer Rustam Effendi said meugang also boosted economic growth, especially in the consumption sector. People spent their savings. The market is also festive.

Abdullah, 56, a cattle farmer in Lamsie village, Kuta Cot Glie district, Aceh Besar regency, sold his three cows for Rp 55 million, Rp 47 million and Rp 41 million each. The cattle was bought when they were 2 to 3 years old. After being taken care of for five years, the cattle are sold at the livestock market. Deducting his capital and feed, he earned Rp 73 million in net profit. The money is spent on calves.

This year, more than 20,000 cows, 13,000 buffalos and 30,000 goats were slaughtered to meet the demand for meat during meugang in Aceh. One can only imagine the money spent during the event.