The Tradition of Telok Abang Palembang

The Tradition of Telok Abang Palembang

There is something unique in Palembang. Besides commemorating the Independence Day of Republic Indonesia on August 17 by holding some traditional competition, Palembang has tradition that is not less unique. This tradition only found on Indonesia’s Independence Day. It is tradition of Telok Abang. Do you know about this tradition? Let me explain about it. I’m sure you are already know that Telok in Palembang means egg and Abang means red. From two words mentioned Telok Abang is a red boiled egg.

In the past, the eggs commonly used were duck eggs, but turned into chicken eggs. Because now duck eggs more difficult to fine and the price is more expensive. Initially Telok Abang were taken from duck or chicken eggs then boiled and given a kesumbo dye (ink was used to paint bags of rice and sugar). But because the ingredients are not safe to consume, now the sellers are replacing kesumbo dye with cake coloring or commonly known as abang kue.

The history of the origin Telok Abang as the typical Indonesian anniversary in Palembang city, apparently originated from the anniversary of the queen of Holland named queen Wilhelmina II, when Indonesia was still colonized by the Holland. At that time the people of Palembang city enlivened it by making red painted eggs known as Telok Abang, but since Palembang officially escape from the Holland colonial era, the tradition of Telok Abang was continue  every year of the Indonesian Anniversary.

On the commemorating of Indonesia’s Independence Day, Telok Abang is usually plugged into boats, airplanes and car made of wood or cork.  The shape of Telok Abang is getting more varied every year. If in the past it was only combined with ship and airplanes made of cork wood., so now the shape and colors have been made more such as miniature scooters, helicopters, boats, dragons, city buses, or ampera bridges and rickshaws. Along with the difficulty of raw materials, craftsmen use cork and cardboard paper.

Usually at the top of cork callus toys are placed on the egg. So it adds to increasingly lively and interesting atmosphere for children to buy it. Regarding the selling price is varies. Depending on the level of difficulty in making the ship, ranged between 25 until 100 thousand. In addition, the difference in price is also determined by the presence of Telok Abang. For example a ship on the top of it had Telok Abang valued starting from Rp25.000 per unit, while without an egg, only Rp20.000 per unit.

Thank you for reading this article, hopefully it can increase your knowledge about traditions that exist in Indonesia, especially in the Palembang, and if you have questions or suggestions for me please write in the comments column.. Bye bye..