When it comes to food, Indonesia is a heaven for delicious food. So it is no wonder that in every region there are many delicious regional specialties. Just like in Lombok, Lombok also has many delicious specialties. Do you know kelepon? Lombok has this special snack, called kelepon kecerit. Kelepon kecerit is a typical Lombok food made from sticky rice flour and filled with brown sugar. Its characteristic is its oval shape and when bitten, the brown sugar liquid will “squirt” or “kecerit” out, therefore it is called kelepon kecerit.

History of Kelepon Kecerit

Although there are no specific historical records stating the origins of Kelepon Kecerit in Lombok, klepon is generally believed to be a traditional cake that has existed for a long time and is spread across various regions in Indonesia, including Lombok.

Kelepon is thought to have originated from Java and has been an important part of Indonesian culinary culture for centuries.

The spread of kelepon to various regions in the archipelago and Southeast Asia occurred through trade routes and population migration. Each region has a different name and variation of klepon. For example, the Sambas people in West Kalimantan call it kelapon pancit, while among the Banjar people, klepon is known as kalalapun or kelelepon. In Lombok, klepon is called kelepon kecerit, where “kecerit” means “squirt” or burst when eaten, and has an oval shape that is different from the general round klepon.

The development of klepon has not stopped in the past. In modern times, klepon has undergone various innovations without losing its original essence.

Philosophy and Meaning of Kelepon

Reported from Merdeka.com, kelepon is more than just a snack, kelepon holds a deep meaning that reflects the local wisdom of the people around Java. Every component in kelepon, from the shape to the ingredients used, has a symbolism that teaches important life values. The imperfect round shape of kelepon symbolizes the journey of human life which is full of uncertainty. This reminds us of the importance of living every moment with wisdom. In addition, the uneven surface of kelepon illustrates that life does not always run smoothly and is often faced with various challenges that must be faced.

The natural green color, produced from pandan leaves or suji leaves, symbolizes life and fertility. This teaches us to always keep our hearts “alive” and do good. Inside the kelepon, the hidden brown sugar symbolizes kindness that may not be directly visible, but its benefits can be felt by others. In addition, the grated coconut that coats the kelepon also has a deep meaning. Just like a coconut that has various layers before reaching its soft flesh, human life must go through various stages and processes to reach maturity and wisdom.

The existence of klepon in Lombok, called Kelepon Kecerit, shows that there is a local adaptation of this cake, both in terms of name and shape.

You can also make Kelepon as a souvenir if you want to bring your friends who are outside Lombok. Although in many areas kelepon is abundant, but the uniqueness of its shape and taste can add to the taste of your relatives. You can find Kelepon in traditional markets in Lombok, because this food has many fans.