Batu Ampan Lombok

Indonesia – ID008A
Composition: Soft rock
Colour: Grey
Shape: Raw

Pleasant, neutral and soft. A slight aftertaste of cement.

The sample was obtained in 2016 during the research trip initiated by Pasirputih Foundation in Lombok, in collaboration with Muhammad Sibawaihi and Syamsul Hadi.

Batu Ampan is a volcanic rocky clay that can be found in the Dusun Bentek, Pemenang Barat Village, Pemenang District, North Lombok Regency in Indonesia. It is located in the place of the kingdom Lembah Sari, known as the lost kingdom.

According to the legend, the kingdom disappeared from the material world and still exists in a parallel reality. This was in response to the colonization attempt. Sometimes the locals are able to enter the white streets of the lost kingdom. The grave of the king Lumendung Sari is still visible to the common people. One has to enter the grave space with respect, barefoot only.

Batu Ampan is especially loved by pregnant women and can help against stomach problems. People also used to eat it after meals as a snack. Herman Johdi, inhabitant of Bentek, accompanied us to the place where he used to get the Batu Ampan himself when he was a child for the eating purpose.

Batu Ampan looks like a kind of stone formation. At the same time it is easy to break. Local geologist told us that Batu Ampan is a volcanic rock.

Sources:
● ‘Edible soil ‘Batu Ampan’ In Pemenang’, PasirPutih, by Masha Ru, 19/12/2016, Indonesia (English), accessed on 02/02/2022 www.masharu.nl/PasirPutih
● ‘Tanah’, by Muhammad Sibawaihi & masharu, 19/12/2016, Indonesia (English), accessed on 02/02/2022 museumofedible.earth
Photo by masharu