WartaBulukumba.Com – In Bonto Matene and Bajiminasa, two villages in Rilau Ale District, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, there is always a sweet story layered with history, wrapped in delicious jipang cake. A traditional culinary work that is sweet and crunchy, like a memory of the past that collides with hopes for the future. Jipang cake, with palm sugar as its heart, is not just a snack, but a symbol of natural wealth and local wisdom in remote areas of Bulukumba.

In Jipang cakes, palm sugar is the main life in its creation. Palm sugar, with its distinctive sweet taste and unique texture, gives jipang a special character, making it more than just a cake, but also a cultural heritage. Also Read: You can make money! 10 creative environmentally friendly business ideas in South Sulawesi: Makassar, Bulukumba to Palopo Visit from Dana Mitra Tani (DMT) Chairman of Dana Mitra Tani Bulukumba, Sri Puswandi, with residents who make Japanese cakes. In these two villages, Jipang cake is not just a matter of taste, but also a pillar of the economy. For palm sugar farmers, this cake is a source of livelihood, bringing tradition together with modern market needs. Recently, Dana Mitra Tani (DMT) visited the Jipang cake production center. They looked closely at the manufacturing process and discussed possible collaborations. This visit opens a window of opportunity for business actors. Chairman of DMT, Sri Puswandi, spoke about the formation of sugar palm farmers’ cooperatives in the Balangtieng watershed. This step is not just about increasing production, but also about community development and sustainability. Also Read: Recommended on Jalan Poros Bulukumba-Sinjai: Warung Bakso Langen Sari in Balampesoang Sri Puswandi reveals the potential of sugar palm farmer cooperatives in changing the local economic landscape. “This cooperative is more than just an economic entity. It is a forum for sugar palm farmers to gather, share knowledge and develop best practices. We believe this will give them more strength in facing the market,” said Sri Puswandi to WartaBulukumba.Com on Tuesday, 6 February 2024.

Regarding Sri Puswandi’s hopes with the formation of this cooperative, there will be confirmation about the welfare of farmers and the preservation of culinary cultural heritage. Also Read: 10 creative digital business ideas in Bulukumba that can make a profit “Our hopes are big. First, we want to improve the welfare of farmers. With cooperatives, they can get better prices for their palm sugar. Second, this is about conservation. Palm sugar “not only raw materials, but also part of our cultural heritage. We want future generations to still be able to enjoy Jipang cakes like we do today,” he explained. The role of jipang cake, continued Sri Puswandi, is a symbol. This is a clear example of how traditional products can have great economic and cultural value. “Through this cake, we want to show that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand, providing economic benefits while preserving cultural heritage,” he said. Collaboration and Economic Development Collaboration between sugar palm farmers and economic entrepreneurs is seen as key. Not only does it improve welfare, but it also ensures that this culinary heritage continues to survive. The process of making Jipang cake is an art that requires precision. Starting from selecting quality palm sugar to perfect roasting techniques, every step is an effort to preserve tradition. GEF SGP Indonesia, the Environmental Business Development Foundation, and UNDP not only see Jipang cakes as a product, but also as a tool for empowerment. They provide technical support and business management training, showing that behind the Japanese cake, there is great hope for sustainable economic growth. Collaboration between farmers, business actors and supporting organizations creates an ecosystem where jipang cakes are not only food, but also a bridge to a more prosperous future.***

Source: Article entitled “Jipang cake production center in the north of Bulukumba: The sweetness of tradition and a pillar of the village community’s economy”, in full with the link: https://wartabulukumba.jiwan-rakyat.com/ekobis/pr-877684963/sentra-produk-kue-jipang -in-north-bulukumba-sweet-traditions-and-economic-pillars-of-village-community?page=all