Pala, or nutmeg in Indonesia, has been famous since the Dutch colonial era. One of the quality varieties is Pala Fakfak. It turns out that this fruit is not just the target of the colonizers. This fruit is also a source of livelihood for the Papuan people.
Pala History Facts
There are many things that the general public doesn’t know about Pala. However, there are many benefits of Pala that can take. In addition, there is also a fascinating Pala Fakfak history to know.
1. Tree of Life
Culturally, the Pala tree in Fakfak is considered like a mother by the local community because the tree is supposed to give life. They believe the Pala tree will not bear fruit if not correctly handled.
One way to protect it is to impose customary sanctions if someone cuts down a Pala tree. The people of Fakfak also feel that Pala has become part of their identity. Pala is also a symbol of Fakfak Regency.
2. Barter Tool in Ancient Times
Before Indonesia’s independence, foreign nations saw Pala as a commodity with high economic value. In the past, the coastal Fakfak community and several other countries had established trade relations.
Other nations who came to Papua to carry out evangelistic missions told the Fakfak community about the economic value of Pala seeds. If they didn’t tell them, the Pala would be allowed to grow without picking the fruit.
3. Economic Value
Pala has a relatively high economic value. Even Pala is considered as a “bank” for the people of Fakfak. Pala trees can be sold or pawned to collectors for essential needs, such as celebrations or children’s schools.
Pala harvest season is twice a year plus one additional harvest season. Because it cannot be harvested daily, selling Pala or pawning Pala trees cannot be used as the primary source of livelihood for the people of Fakfak.
4. Environmental Guard from Disaster
The Pala tree is not a troublesome plant because it can thrive and bear lots of fruit without needing fertilizers and special care. Tree types, soil contours, environment and climate, are mutually supportive in the growth of Pala trees.
The diameter of the Papuan Pala tree trunk is not large, but it has solid roots. These roots play an essential role in preventing floods and landslides.
5. Part of Culture
Pala is also inseparable from the culture of the Papuan people, especially the people of Fakfak. For example, when going to harvest Pala, the community performs a ritual. They tie the Pala tree with a white cloth every time they gather.
Only one tree is tied with a white cloth representing a Pala forest. They also make a kind of tray made of woven pandan leaves to serve four cups of coffee.
A ritual also carried out before harvest is for residents to clean the area around the tree from weeds so that the disk or circle around the tree is clean. The knife used to harvest Pala is also celebrated.
Pala Products
Pala tree trunks, commonly called kino, are often used as firewood. In addition, the bark and leaves of the plant can produce essential oils. This oil is one of the essential ingredients in the beverage and cosmetic industry.
Pala is often used as an ingredient in desserts such as apple pie or pumpkin pie, as well as in alfredo and bechamel sauces. While drinks such as eggnog, chai, and spiced wine also often use Pala.
Pala is believed to be very good for treating digestive disorders such as vomiting. Meanwhile, the meat can be processed into various foods and soft drinks such as pickles, candied Pala Fakfak , jam, and even Pala Fakfak syrup.
Pala Fakfak turns out to provide many benefits. Besides being famous for a long time by other nations, this fruit also supports the local community.
