Tempe or Tempeh, an Indonesian culinary gem, has transcended borders to become a global sensation. This fermented soybean product, renowned for its high protein content, has found favor not only among vegans and vegetarians but also among food enthusiasts worldwide.
Tempeh’s cultural significance is now being recognized on a global scale. In a landmark move, Tempeh was officially proposed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024.
This submission, made through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), marks a significant milestone in the preservation of our culinary heritage.
Currently, the submission is waiting to be discussed by the UNESCO Convention Secretariat. Tempeh culture is no wonder that it is officially proposed as Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Its long history affects the culinary richness of the archipelago.
Tempeh is one of Indonesia’s traditional foods, having originated from the kitchens of the Javanese people. The presence of Tempeh in Javanese food culture, especially in Yogyakarta and Surakarta, has been immortalized for centuries.
Regarding the proposal, Forum Tempe Indonesia (FTI), one of the initiator teams, hopes for all public support so that Tempe continues to be sustainable and increasingly globalized.
Indonesian Tempe Forum Trustee Made Astawan said Tempeh can now be found and consumed in 27 countries.
Tempeh’s fermentation process not only contributes to its unique taste but also results in various health benefits. These benefits have been widely acknowledged, both through the community’s diaspora and the results of numerous global studies.
“Moreover, the vegetarian or vegan trend is also gaining popularity along with the world’s increasing awareness of healthy food,” says Astawan.
Regarding its history, it is not known precisely how Tempeh was originally discovered. The only evidence of its presence is recorded in Serat Chentini.
The Javanese literary book states that Tempeh has become a dish of the Javanese people. Tempeh was also part of various community rituals in the 16th century.
Based on the above evidence, Forum Tempe Indonesia, together with related institutions, has initiated efforts to further introduce Tempeh to the world since 2014.
National Tempe Day
June 6 is celebrated as National Tempe Day. This date also coincides with Bung Karno’s birthday. It turns out that there is a link between the two.
The selection of June 6 as National Tempe Day is apparently not without reason. This date is the birthday of the Indonesian proclamator, Soekarno or Bung Karno.
There is a link between Bung Karno’s birthday and Tempeh. Chairman of FTI, Astawan, explained that Bung Karno was known for his speech “Do not be a nation of tempeh” to motivate the people not to be trampled by other nations.
Tempeh making was more traditional at that time, involving trampling soybeans with feet. So, the use of the nation tempe refers to not wanting to be a nation trampled by other countries.
Bung Karno also really liked this food. Astawan stated, “It is said that the two foods that were never absent from the palace dining table at that time were cassava leaf curry and fried tempeh.”
