In January 2026, the WikiMaknyus initiative unfolded in Manado, Indonesia, with a project lead and delegate from the Jakarta Wikimedia Community directly involved in its implementation. WikiMaknyus aims to document culinary diversity through Wikimedia projects and was initiated by Pitchrigi, NikolasKHF, Hzu Hzu and Sofi Solihah, with support from the Rapid Fund.
The project highlighted Indonesia’s diversity, as the team from Jakarta collaborated with enthusiastic local contributors from Manado. This collaboration underscored the nation’s principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, unity in diversity. With support from TorangEdit, participants exceeded contribution targets, particularly in the number of entries and pronunciation recordings, demonstrating a spirit of gotong royong.
WikiNgamprog, Connected by Technology, United by Collaboration
WikiMaknyus was paired with WikiNgamprog, a collaborative effort bringing together contributors from Jakarta and Manado. The focus was on developing content for Betawi Wikipedia and the Manado Malay Wikipedia Incubator. This activity marked an important step for Manado, as a formal Wikimedia community has not yet been established there. Participants experienced collaboration across regions and time zones for the first time.
Online, contributors from Jakarta created articles about Manado in Betawi Wikipedia, while those in Manado wrote about the Greater Jakarta area in the Manado language. This dynamic exchange of knowledge allowed participants to enrich Indonesia’s culinary knowledge base by bringing complementary perspectives to the table.
The initiative extended beyond Manado to Singapore, where culinary dishes such as Singaporean Laksa, Sirap Bandung, Chendol, Prata Bread, and Kaya Toast were documented. This cross-border effort affirmed the interconnectedness of culinary traditions across Southeast Asia.
The project revealed that Manadonese cuisine is characterized by its spiciness, a result of the region’s geography and high chili pepper production. The Minahasan community’s location in North Sulawesi, a region with abundant chili peppers, has integrated spice into daily life and cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WikiMaknyus?
WikiMaknyus is an initiative aimed at documenting culinary diversity through Wikimedia projects, initiated by Pitchrigi, NikolasKHF, Hzu Hzu, and Sofi Solihah, and supported by the Rapid Fund.
What is WikiNgamprog?
WikiNgamprog was a collaborative editing activity paired with WikiMaknyus, bringing together contributors from Jakarta and Manado to develop content for Betawi Wikipedia and the Manado Malay Wikipedia Incubator.
Where did the WikiMaknyus journey extend to beyond Manado?
The WikiMaknyus journey extended to Singapore, where local culinary dishes were documented.
As open knowledge continues to grow through encounters with places and people, how might collaborative projects like WikiMaknyus further bridge cultural divides and promote a more inclusive understanding of our world?
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