Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Papua, one of Indonesia’s largest islands in the east, is known for its rich tapestry of traditional ceremonies, one of which is the famous stone cooking (bakar batu) ritual. Deeply rooted in local custom, this ritual is a revered expression of gratitude to God and serves as a communal celebration.
The stone cooking ceremony is traditionally held to mark joyous occasions, such as births, weddings, the appointment of tribal leaders, and even preparations for war. During this ritual, community members gather to cook and share a meal, fostering unity and shared purpose.
Originating with the Dani people from Baliem Valley, Papua, the ceremony derives its name from the cooking method itself: stones are heated in a fire, then placed in a pit, where they cook an assortment of foods arranged over them. Foods like meat, root vegetables, and leafy greens are layered on top, allowing them to cook slowly under the intense heat of the stones. This method infuses the food with rich, earthy flavors while embodying a deep sense of community.
Beyond just cooking, stone cooking represents a profound expression of thanksgiving and solidarity. It serves as an essential gathering for families, celebrating good news, preparing for or commemorating battles, or even mediating peace between groups. It is also used to gather people for significant events like land clearing, births, funerals, hunts, home-building, and weddings. Central to this ritual is the Papuan community’s emphasis on simplicity and shared values—equality, justice, unity, honesty, and sincerity—all of which contribute to communal harmony and peace.
The stone cooking ritual involves three stages: preparation, the roasting of the meat, and a shared meal.
- Preparation Stage
During this stage, community members collect firewood and stones to heat for cooking. Large stones are arranged on a foundation of firewood and burned until they become intensely hot. Meanwhile, men dig a pit, with its size determined by the amount of food to be cooked. The bottom of the pit is then lined with reeds and banana leaves, and the hot stones are arranged on top using special sticks called apando.
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Each tribe presents a pig for the feast. In a traditional ritual, tribal leaders take turns shooting the pig with arrows. It is believed that if the pig dies instantly, the ritual will proceed successfully. Conversely, if the pig doesn’t die immediately, it’s seen as a sign that the ceremony may encounter difficulties.
- Roasting Stage
In this second stage, the pig is prepared by removing inedible parts before it’s placed atop the leaves and stones in the pit. Additional layers of thick grasses, sweet potatoes, and leafy vegetables, like cassava leaves, pumpkin, and papaya leaves, are placed on top. The meal is then covered with more hot stones and left to cook for 60 to 90 minutes. Once ready, the layers are carefully removed, and the food is arranged for serving.
- Communal Feast
With the food prepared, the community gathers to share the meal. The tribal leader is served first, receiving a portion of pork and sweet potatoes. Once he has taken his share, other community members receive their portions, signifying shared respect and camaraderie.
Today, stone cooking ritual remains a cherished tradition for fostering bonds and togetherness. While the ritual has historically centered around roasting pork, some communities now incorporate chicken as an alternative, reflecting their respect for those with different dietary preferences.
The stone cooking ritual not only sustains Papuan heritage but also embodies their spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect, providing a platform for both celebration and connection across communities.
(Raidi/Agung)
