The Sultan and the Soup: A Javanese Cultural Response to COVID-19

Abstract

During the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Indonesia, a poster claimed to be a suggestion from the Sultan of Yogyakarta Hamengkubuwono X (HB X), who is also the governor of the Yogyakarta Special Area (DIY), to cook and eat sayur lodeh (soup) together to help repel the plague, was circulated through WhatsApp (WA) and Social Media. The Office of Public Relations and Protocol of DIY later refuted this message. This study investigated what sayur lodeh is, what messages were contained in the poster, and how the Javanese perceived these messages within the COVID-19 context. This study used qualitative content analysis as the research method. The researchers made inferences on the meaning inside the message from HB X using cultural perspectives. The data reveals 1) Sayur lodeh is a traditional Javanese dish that includes various nutritious vegetables that are stewed in coconut milk; 2) the order to cook sayur lodeh indicates the Javanese people's high trust in the Sultan in difficult times, the hopeful and constructive attitude to the adversities, the family support, and community’s unity to resolve difficulties, and God's belief in moving forward; 3) the Javanese cooked sayur lodeh immediately, as most of them believe that it might help them escape misfortune; this assurance has been passed down from generation to generation. This study demonstrates how culture plays an important role in cultural communities, such as the Javanese, who respect and listen to cultural leaders more than other authorities. People could also obey orders against rationale or the rule of government as they have powerful cultural convictions. This study encourages the participation of cultural figures in emergency or health crisis measures, and any interventions should consider the cultural context of the population

Antecedents of Public Trust in Government During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Mediation of Perceived Religious Values

“…To support the government's cause of combating the virus and protecting the people from the deadly disease, most religious leaders came to the forefront to spread awareness (Akrim et al, 2021). Moreover, to stop the spread of the pandemic, they made important announcements regarding limiting religious activities and the cancellation of many religious gatherings (Rahiem & Rahim, 2020).…”

“…Researchers also reported the differential level of people's responses during the pandemic in different regions (Evans & Hargittai, 2020). Such differential levels mean that different governments had to deal with their people differently to gain and maintain their trust level (Rahiem & Rahim, 2020). Hence, based on the social capital theory, perceived government response on Covid-19 plays an important role in creating a social capital based on integrating various tiers of government to enhance public trust in government.…”

A Time-Lag Study on Perceived Threat of COVID-19 in Hindu Religious Community: Moderating Role of Hindu Religious Coping

“…It has also been related to people's perception of stressfulness in their lives (Radcliffe & Lester, 2003). Research indicates that the more a person fears the negative outcome, the higher will be the stress level (Lee, 2012;Rahiem & Rahim, 2020). Therefore, according to the cognitive appraisal theory, which advocates that a person's perception of a stress-related situation depicts his/her emotions and behaviors accordingly based on the interpretation of the situation (Tsurumi et al, 2020); it is projected that the perceived threat of COVID-19 will increase the level of perceived stress and among individuals.…”

“…The most evident result of the COVID-19 is perceived stress related to its spread into people, communities, and countries (Greene & Park, 2021;Liu et al, 2021a). As COVID-19 is not restricted to boundaries of religion, race, status, facilities, or geographical location, it can affect anyone at any time unless precautionary measures are taken (Rahiem & Rahim, 2020). This leads to feelings of uncertainty and raises fear among people.…”

Interactive Effects of Stoicism and Religious Coping on Psychological Distress, Fatigue and Intercultural Communication: Muslim Health Workers in Bali

“…Fatigue is related to feelings of tiredness and low energy levels exhibited by the body to perform daily activities (Maman et al, 2020). It is associated with the body facing physical hardships to endure physical competitiveness to accomplish various tasks (Rahiem & Rahim, 2020). It occurs due to physical exertion beyond an individual's capability and capacity due to exposure to stress (Taylor et al, 2019).…”