Ethnobotanical study of Bir Pletok as a traditional health drink for Betawi ethnic (Indonesia)

Abstract

The Betawi ethnicity is an indigenous Indonesian ethnic group, most of whom live in Jakarta and its surroundings, have long used plants to make bir pletok. The bir pletok is a health drink developed from the local wisdom of the Betawi ethnic group by using various types of plants. The aims of the research are (1) to know the process of making Bir pletok; (2) to know the diversity of plants used as an ingredient in bir pletok. The method was carried out using an ethnobotanical approach through participatory surveys and observations. Respondents are ethnic Betawi who are married and know the process of making bir pletok. Some of the questions asked to respondents such as the plants used, the manufacturing process and the efficacy of bir pletok. The data analysis was qualitatively using descriptive statistics. The process to make bir pletok 6 stages are preparation of ingredients, cutting/slicing, brewing, filtering, storage and serving. A total of 9 species (10 local names) belonging 9 genera and 8 family to make bir pletok. The bioactivity of the main ingredient of Bir pletok has activity as an antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and has a relaxing effect.