Nutrition Anthropology and Food Behaviour in Samin Community

Nutrition problem is one of the many health problems occur in Indonesia. One factor causing
of nutritional problems occurring in Indonesia is a cultural factor, especially a special culture
in society or community that can affect nutritional status. One of nutritional science related
to culture is Nutritional Anthropology. Nutritional Anthropology is a branch or specialization
of health anthropology, which is specializing in the food culture system and interests practical
assessment of nutritional issues. Samin Community is group of people who carry out the
teachings of Samin. The purpose of this study is to know the history, food behaviour of
group, and the food behaviour of individual on the Samin Community. This research uses
qualitative and type method research is descriptive. Subjects in this study were divided into
four category. The first subject is the elder of the Samin community, the second subject is
Klopoduwur Village device, the third subject is the general public having teenagers and
toddlers, and the fourth subject is health workers. The results obtained are the history of the
Samin community or also called Sedulur Sikep comes from Mbah Engkrek as elders Sedulur
Sikep figure and the name Samin is taken from the name Samin Surosentiko who brought
teaching of Samin in the past. The food behaviour of the Samin community group in relation
to the symbol of Samin community is Suranan that purpose to unite member of Sedulur
Sikep. The second culture is Deder and Ngrowot which is one of the rituals that must be
undertaken by member of Sedulur Sikep. Food behaviour as a symbol of the Samin
community is done on the moon Suro or Muharram. Samin people really appreciate with the
food and what the food presented should be spent. This is often misunderstood by people
outside the Samin community. The culture is still maintained as it exists supported by the
government. Food behaviour of individuals or families in the Samin community is a taboo
not to consume animal foods to pregnant and lactating mothers and young coconut should be
given to new babies born. However, the abstinence and recommendation begin to erode away
with the presence of facilities and health personnel in the community.

Keywords: Samin, history of Samin, Food behaviour