RRI.CO.ID, Gunungkidul – Ingkung Brekat Dalem, a tradition-based culinary enterprise, continues to assert its role as an economic driver for the residents of Kampung Emas, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta Province. Founded by Karyanto in 2013, the business has endured by staying true to traditional flavors and fostering the full involvement of the local community.

Karyanto explained that Ingkung Brekat Dalem is part of an integrated enterprise he manages alongside village residents. Beyond the ingkung (whole-cooked chicken) catering service, his business portfolio includes transportation services, the construction of traditional Joglo and Limasan houses, and tourism support services.

“My business is a mix. It ranges from catering to haulage services and custom orders for traditional houses,” he remarked on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The idea to establish the business stemmed from his years of experience assisting with agricultural and social activities in Kampung Emas. Through discussions with residents and village elders, a vision emerged to revive the Kenduri (traditional feast) tradition through gastronomy.

“The beginning was slow, one order a week, but fortunately, it has reached a stable rhythm now,” he added.

The name "Ingkung Brekat Dalem" is steeped in philosophical meaning. Brekat represents the inherited tradition of the ancestors' feast, while Dalem refers to the successor generation tasked with processing and sustaining that tradition. 

This concept is reflected in the menu, which is served as a complete village celebration set, featuring urap (steamed vegetables with coconut), sautéed tempeh, fried tofu and tempeh, fresh greens, sambal, and peyek (crackers), accompanied by Wedang Seruni (a traditional herbal drink).

The entire production process involves the local community, particularly the village women. The management follows a Gotong Royong (mutual cooperation) system with mutually agreed-upon profit sharing.

“I do not prioritize personal profit, what matters is that the women have work and the business remains operational,” remarked Karyanto.

The hallmark of Ingkung Brekat Dalem lies in its traditional cooking method. The free-range chicken is slow-cooked over firewood without the use of modern stoves, ensuring the spices are deeply absorbed and the authentic flavor is preserved. This commitment to authenticity previously earned the business first place in a regional culinary competition organized by the Tourism Agency.

Ingkung Brekat Dalem offers versatile dining packages ranging from IDR 175,000 (approximately USD 10.43) for small groups to IDR 225,000 (approximately USD 13.41) for larger parties of up to 11 people. These price variations are determined by the specific size of the chicken and the selection of side dishes included in each set.

The clientele extends far beyond Gunungkidul, reaching as far as Pacitan, Surabaya, Solo, and Cirebon. Most customers arrive in tour groups, stopping by before or after visiting nearby tourist destinations.

Karyanto admitted that while the pandemic affected order volumes, consistent consumer trust has kept the business afloat. Currently, they average 50–60 packages per month, with significant spikes during weekends and public holidays.

Looking ahead, Karyanto hopes for a smooth regeneration to ensure the business continues. He envisions Ingkung Brekat Dalem as more than just a culinary venture, but as a symbol of the self-sufficiency of Kampung Emas.

“As long as we are able, we will maintain this tradition. I am confident there will be a generation to carry it forward,” he concluded. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)

Source: https://rri.co.id/yogyakarta/umkm/2170336/ingkung-brekat-dalem-menjaga-tradisi-lewat-kuliner