Hunting Plaited Coconut Leaves at Palmerah Market

Celebrating Eid ul Fitr is identical with eating ketupat (rice cooked in coconut leaves) served with other dishes such as papaya vegetables, chicken opor, rendang or curry and fried liver chili sauce.

We add the stock for a week before Eid

That is why the selling of coconut leaves and coconut mushrooms (basic ingredients for making ketupat) are seen flocking traditional markets in Jakarta. One of the markets is Palmerah Market, West Jakarta.

Many Ketupat Sellers Seen at Cengkareng Market Ahead of Eid

A week before Eid, coconut leaves sellers have taken their spots along the market on Jalan Palmerah Barat.

Based on Beritajakarta.id's observation, Tuesday (4/9), there were 25 sellers along the road.

Firmansyah (32), one of the sellers, admitted he is routinely selling coconut leaves together with his partners at this market every year.

"We add the stock for a week before Eid since the demand will increase," he said.

Today, he sells coconut leaves Rp 15,000 for one bunch containing 10 leaves. The price is more expensive compared to usual days by Rp 10,000 for 10 leaves.

"Mostly the buyers will come since morning to evening. Tonight I will go to my hometown with my partners," he added.

Nur Sarifah (52), resident of RT 02/12, Palmerah Urban Village, said she bought 40 leaves Rp 60,000 to make ketupat for tomorrow meals.

"I usually buy coconut leaves one day before Eid since I need it fresh," she stated.

Not only on Jalan Palmerah Barat, coconut leaves sellers were also seen on Jalan Bangun Nusa RW 02, Cengkareng Timur Urban Village, Cengkareng.

Tety (47), resident of RT 10/12, Cengkareng Timur Urban Village, admitted she bought 20 coconut leaves by Rp 30,000.

"The price is higher ahead of Eid. That's why I only bought 20 leaves," she admitted.