Toples Tropis - Slondok is a distinctive snack from Magelang made from cassava. It has a ring-like shape and a crispy, savory taste, often enjoyed as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.
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Slondok, a Unique Magelang Snack in Danger of Extinction |
The process of making slondok is quite lengthy and time-consuming. Cassava is boiled until partially cooked, then allowed to cool. Afterward, it's ground and mixed with seasonings. The cassava dough is then shaped into small rounds and dried under the sun until crisp. Finally, the dried slondok is deep-fried to perfection.
Slondok has been a long-standing snack in Magelang. However, its existence is now under threat due to the dwindling number of slondok artisans. The main reasons for this decline are:
1. Lack of interest among the younger generation to produce slondok. The laborious and time-consuming process discourages many from learning how to make it.
2. Competition from modern snacks. The market is flooded with contemporary snacks, overshadowing the popularity of slondok.
3. Unstable cassava prices. Fluctuating cassava prices make it difficult for slondok artisans to secure a stable supply.
Despite the threat of extinction, a few slondok artisans continue their craft, hoping to preserve this culinary heritage of Magelang.
One such artisan is Srinem, who has been making slondok since 2015. She acknowledges the challenges of its production but remains committed to preserving this iconic Magelang snack.
Srinem hopes that more people will be willing to learn the art of making slondok and that the government can provide support to slondok producers.
Slondok is a culinary heritage of Magelang that must be preserved. Hopefully, with this news, more people will become acquainted with slondok and be eager to learn its craft, ensuring it doesn't vanish and can continue to be enjoyed by the Indonesian community.
Srinem also hopes for younger generations to take an interest in learning to make slondok and wishes for government assistance to support slondok artisans.
Srinem sells her slondok at traditional markets, souvenir shops in Magelang, and online. She hopes that her slondok can gain widespread acceptance and avoid extinction.
**Efforts to Preserve Slondok**
In response to the threat of slondok's extinction, several efforts are being made to preserve it, including:
1. Providing training to the younger generation on how to make slondok.
2. Modernizing the marketing of slondok, such as selling it online.
3. Promoting slondok as a distinctive Magelang souvenir.
With these efforts in place, it is hoped that slondok will remain a cherished Magelang snack enjoyed by many.
