Papalele: Symbol of women's resilience, now Maluku's cultural heritage

  Wearing neatly wrapped batik sarongs around their waists and carrying baskets of food and herbs atop their heads, these women walk through village paths and city streets.

They are known as papalele — a symbol of economic independence and resilience among Maluku women — now officially recognized as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture.

In Ambon City, papalele are a familiar sight in the early morning. These women sell fresh fish, vegetables, garden produce, and traditional cakes. On foot or by public transport, they connect rural producers with urban buyers.

The papalele tradition goes beyond trade. It reflects the social and cultural structure of Maluku society, preserved for centuries.

Amid modern change and the rise of digital transactions, papalele continue to thrive — not only as part of the grassroots economy but as bearers of cultural identity.

Recognizing a tradition

Head of Ambon City's Tourism and Culture Office, Christian Tukloy, said papalele are now viewed not merely as informal traders but as cultural figures who embody the philosophy of Maluku life.

"Papalele represent the independence of Maluku women. They are not just traders, but cultural and economic agents for their families," he said.

He explained that Ambon City proposed papalele for cultural heritage recognition to preserve their values of hard work, solidarity, and social responsibility.

"We want them to continue to exist while also adapting to the modern era," he added.

Story of Sientje

One active papalele today is Sientje (52), a resident of Hative Besar Village, who has been selling produce since the age of 20. Every morning, she offers bananas, taro, and vegetables in several areas of Ambon.

Despite more people shopping in modern markets or online, she still has loyal customers. Many young buyers even prefer purchasing from papalele to support local culture.

"Now many young people say they want to support papalele women. I am happy because it means the culture is still alive,” she said.

More than 500 active papalele currently operate in Mardika Market, Ambon City. Most sell fish and garden produce, while others now offer traditional cakes such as sago-based bagea, suami (grated cassava cake), and sagu lempeng for tourists.

More than trade

In daily life, papalele are not only economic providers for their families but also symbols of solidarity and women's strength.

Their system forms a microeconomy built on trust — where transactions involve not just goods, but also honesty and mutual respect between sellers and buyers.

These values serve as a form of character education deeply rooted in Maluku life, irreplaceable by formal schooling.

Once a grassroots economic activity, papalele has now evolved into a cultural tourism attraction. Today, they sell not only fish, sago, and spices but also demonstrate perseverance, honesty, and solidarity.

Local governments and tourism actors are developing papalele as a "living attraction," offering visitors an authentic experience of traditional markets, local spices, and the stories of Maluku women — a symbol of economic strength and cultural endurance.

The next generation

One of the younger papalele is Martha (29) from Negeri Amahusu Village. After helping her mother for years, she now runs her own business, blending traditional practices with digital tools.

"I still go door to door, but I also use Instagram for promotion. Many people from outside Ambon now order bagea and sago through that," she explained.

For Martha, being a papalele is not outdated — it is a way to preserve identity. She hopes more Maluku youth will embrace the tradition and find new economic opportunities in it.

Keeping culture alive

The designation of papalele as Intangible Cultural Heritage marks a major milestone in preserving local culture.

However, Tukloy noted that recognition is only the first step. The next challenge is ensuring generational continuity, welfare, and adaptation in the digital age.

Papalele are not stories of the past — they are a living, evolving tradition. Behind every basket carried lies a story of struggle, love, and pride among Maluku women.

From the alleys of Ambon City to the shores of Seram and the Lease Islands, their footsteps echo every morning. They do not merely sell produce — they cultivate the belief that culture itself can sustain prosperity.