Pasar Beriman Tomohon

Cultural Roots and the Philosophy of the Name "Beriman"

The name "Beriman" is an acronym for Bersih (Clean), Elok (Beautiful), Rapi (Tidy), Indah (Lovely), Aman (Safe), and Nyaman (Comfortable). However, far beyond this acronym, the market holds firm to the philosophy of Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou (humans live to humanize others). Here, Minahasa culture is reflected in egalitarian and open social interactions. The market acts as a gateway to the world-renowned extreme culinary tradition, but fundamentally, it is a living museum for the food and social systems of the North Sulawesi mountain communities.

Extreme Culinary Diplomacy as Cultural Identity

One of the most prominent cultural aspects at Pasar Beriman Tomohon is its culinary tradition. For the Minahasa people, consuming various types of meat is not merely about sustenance but is part of a long history of adaptation with nature. This market serves as a showcase for ingredients rarely found elsewhere, such as bat meat (paniki), python, and wild boar.

The cultural program that indirectly runs here is education on traditional meat processing techniques. Tourists and younger generations can witness firsthand how Minahasa's signature spices—such as the generous use of ginger, lemongrass, chili, and lime leaves—are used to balance the aroma of game meats. This is a form of intangible heritage in the art of gastronomy, passed down through generations via direct practice in the market area.

The Market as a Stage for Traditional Arts

Although its primary function is trade, Pasar Beriman often becomes a starting point or a hub of activity for various traditional art performances in Tomohon. On certain occasions, the area around the market becomes a stage for the Kabasaran dance. Dancers, clad in vibrant red costumes with swords and shields, perform energetic movements symbolizing the bravery of Minahasa warriors in the past.

Additionally, Bamboo Music and Kolintang often resonate around the market area when welcoming guests or during local festivals. The presence of traditional musical instrument craftsmen who frequently shop for materials in this market creates a mutually supportive cultural ecosystem. The market becomes a meeting place for artists to discuss the availability of raw materials and performance schedules in surrounding villages.

Educational Programs and Community Involvement

Pasar Beriman Tomohon plays an educational role through interactions between senior traders and the younger generation. There is an informal apprenticeship system where knowledge about distinguishing the quality of spices, traditional meat cutting techniques, and bargaining in the local language (Tomohon language) is passed down.

The Tomohon City Government also frequently involves this market in the "Market-Based Cultural Tourism" program. In this program, schoolchildren are often taken on field trips to learn about the biodiversity sold in the market and to understand the social structure of the Minahasa community. This is important for instilling pride in local cultural richness from an early age, so the market is not seen as a slum but as a highly valuable cultural asset.

Prominent Festivals and Cultural Events

Pasar Beriman reaches its peak cultural activity during the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF). During this festival, the market becomes the central supply point for chrysanthemums and lilies, which are icons of the city. The presence of these flowers transforms the market into an aesthetically pleasing expanse of colors, showcasing the gentle side of Tomohon's agrarian culture.

Besides TIFF, the "Pengucapan Syukur" (Minahasa Thanksgiving) is a time when Pasar Beriman truly demonstrates its central role. All residents from various parts of Minahasa will flock to this market to find the best food ingredients. During this period, the market transforms into a communal space filled with the spirit of mutual cooperation and generosity, reflecting deep religious and social values.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and the Challenges of Modernity

As a cultural center, Pasar Beriman faces significant challenges in terms of health standardization and wildlife conservation. However, this is where its cultural dynamism lies. Currently, there is an ongoing dialogue between traditional leaders, the government, and traders regarding the preservation of certain species. This transition process is part of cultural evolution—how a tradition adapts to global awareness without losing its original identity.

Preservation efforts are also carried out through visual and narrative documentation by local cultural figures. The market is often an object of study for anthropology and sociology researchers, both domestic and international, who wish to delve into consumption patterns and the structure of traditional markets in Eastern Indonesia.

Role in Local Cultural Development

Pasar Beriman Tomohon functions as an incubator for culture-based creative economies. Handicraft products such as bamboo weaving, wooden trays, and traditional processed foods like walnut dodol and roasted nuts are produced by local home industries and marketed here. By providing space for these products, the market directly supports the livelihoods of craftsmen and preservers of traditional cuisine.

Furthermore, the market strengthens social bonds among sub-ethnic groups in Minahasa. Here, different dialects meet, exchange information, and reinforce the sense of brotherhood (Tou Minahasa). The market acts as a counterbalance amidst the onslaught of modernization and online shopping centers, by offering the warmth of human interaction that cannot be replaced by technology.

Conclusion

Pasar Beriman Tomohon is tangible proof that a cultural center does not always have to be a silent theater or museum. It can be a noisy, aromatic, and colorful space where life is celebrated every day. Through the trade, art, and educational activities that take place within it, Pasar Beriman continues to solidify its position as the keeper of the Minahasa cultural flame. It is a reflection of the resilience, diversity, and hospitality of the Tomohon people who remain grounded amidst the currents of time, making every corner of this market a page of history continuously written by the feet that tread upon Minahasa soil.