Pinang chewing is common among Papuans, young and old. (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)
Papuan social pastime: Chewing areca nuts-1
An areca palm (Areca Catechu L) showing the areca nuts before harvest. The origin of the palm is unclear with some believing it comes from Malaysia, and others the Philippines.
Papuan social pastime: Chewing areca nuts-2
A Rp 1,000 pinang packet contains two areca nuts, one betel fruit and a
packet of ground white shell. (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)
Papuan social pastime: Chewing areca nuts-3
Chewing pinang has been banned at Sentani airport in efforts to keep the
area clean. (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)
Papuan social pastime: Chewing areca nuts-4
Earning reasonable profits, women selling pinang often become the family's
primary source of income. (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)
Papuan social pastime: Chewing areca nuts-5
Bright red blotches on the streets are a telltale sign people have been chewing pinang in the area (and spitting out its distinctive red juices). (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)
