By: Ali Syarief
Tea is more than just a drink. It is a mirror of civilization. Within a single cup, history flows, values are preserved, and the character of a people is revealed. In Japan, tea is not merely consumed—it is contemplated. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, particularly among the Javanese and Sundanese communities, tea holds unique characteristics shaped by colonial history and differing lifestyles.
Tea in Japanese Culture: Silence That Speaks to the Soul
For the Japanese, tea is a doorway into inner stillness. The tea ceremony (chanoyu), which has developed since the feudal era, is not merely a ritual of drinking. It is a meditative, spiritual, and aesthetic practice. Every movement in the ceremony—from scooping the matcha, boiling the water, to turning the teacup—teaches mindfulness, respect, simplicity, and sincerity.
Tea in Japan becomes a means to train the soul to be present in each moment. It is not about taste, but about presence in silence, about harmony between host and guest. From this practice comes the philosophy of ichigo ichie—”one time, one meeting”—every encounter is unique and will never happen again in the same way.
The Javanese: Tea Must Be Sweet
In contrast, on the island of Java, a cup of tea is never complete without sweetness. Bitter tea is almost unheard of. Among the Javanese, sweet tea represents warmth and hospitality. But behind this sweetness lies a deeper historical root.
During Dutch colonial rule, Java was turned into a sugar production hub. Sugar factories were massively built, especially in Central and East Java. This didn’t just affect the economy—it reshaped dietary culture. Sugar became a staple, and everything from tea to daily dishes had to be sweetened. Thus, sweet tea became a cultural identity.
In Javanese households, serving sweet tea is a form of welcoming respect. There is a belief that sweet offerings create sweet interactions. Offering sweet tea is like a silent prayer that the meeting will be pleasant and harmonious.
The Sundanese: Pure Tea with Character
Unlike their Javanese counterparts, the Sundanese people of West Java prefer tawer tea—unsweetened, pure. They enjoy the natural flavor of the tea itself. Why? Again, history speaks.
During colonial times, the Dutch developed tea plantations in the highlands of Priangan. Some of the finest teas grew in areas like Cianjur, Garut, and Bandung. With direct access to premium tea, the Sundanese grew accustomed to enjoying its natural flavors—light, fresh, and slightly bitter. Tea was not paired with sugar, but appreciated in its original essence.
The way Sundanese people drink tea also reflects their cultural character: ngahiji jeung alam—being one with nature. In the simplicity and purity of unsweetened tea, there is honesty, openness, and tranquility—values deeply rooted in Sundanese life.
Same Cup, Different Taste
Tea beautifully illustrates how one simple object can carry vastly different meanings across cultures. In Japan, tea is ritual and contemplation. Among the Javanese, sweet tea reflects colonial legacy and warm hospitality. For the Sundanese, pure tea honors authenticity and nature.
A cup of tea is never just about brewed leaves—it is about how a people experience life, value relationships, and connect with their past. Tea flows not just on tongues, but through generations—as a subtle but powerful reflection of civilization.
