TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In Solo, Central Java, food and drinks could break the boundaries between social status in society. In wedangan (traditional coffee shop), for example, people of all social status are sitting side by side to enjoy the food and drinks.

“People who come in luxury cars are sitting side by side with those who come with ontel (old bicycle),” said Mufti Raharjo a cutural obeserver.

It means, according to Mufti, “Culinary experience could erase boundaries between social classes.”

This kind of view is far different from the view of the past. According to historian Heri Priyatmoko who study the history of Solo, food was the symbol of social status that differentiate high class citizen to the peasants.

Heri rendered the information from the story of Soekotjo, a high class citizen who worked as a teacher in Mangkunegaraan palace. Soekotjo used to feed his children with high-class foods to show his social status. Uniquely, Soekotjo’s son was almost born in Malang restaurant in front of Gede Market.

Nowadays, the food and drinks in solo is also succeed in shifting away luxury of foreign dishes. What used to be considered as luxury dishes have now sold by street food vendors.

“Lower-class citizens can now enjoy it,” said Mufti.

TIM EDSUS