Discovering Buah Merah (Papua), The "Red Gold" of the Central Highlands

Play to listen

Discovering Buah Merah (Papua),
The "Red Gold" of the Central Highlands


Papua is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its extraordinary traditional medicinal secrets. One of its most iconic treasures is Buah Merah (Scientific name: Pandanus conoideus). For the local indigenous communities, particularly in the highlands like Jayawijaya, this fruit is more than just food—it is a symbol of life and vitality.

1. Botanical Characteristics
Buah Merah belongs to the Pandanaceae (Pandanus) family. Unlike the common fragrant pandan leaves used in Southeast Asian cooking, the Buah Merah tree can grow up to 16 meters tall.
  • Shape: It has a cylindrical, elongated shape, reaching lengths of 60–100 cm.
  • Color: A deep, glossy maroon-red when ripe (though brown and yellow varieties also exist).
  • Texture: The outer skin is covered in small, rough bumps, while the interior contains an oily, nutrient-dense pulp.
2. Extraordinary Nutritional Content
What makes Buah Merah so special? The answer lies in its high concentration of active compounds. This fruit is one of nature’s richest sources of:
  • Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Exceptionally high levels that act as a potent antioxidant.
  • Beta-carotene (Pro-vitamin A): Supports eye health and boosts the immune system.
  • Oleic & Linoleic Acids: Healthy fats that promote cardiovascular health.
  • Minerals: Contains significant amounts of calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
3. Health Benefits
Traditionally and based on modern preliminary research, Buah Merah oil extract (often referred to as MBMP - Minyak Buah Merah Papua) is believed to help with:
  1. Boosting Immunity: Its antioxidant content helps the body combat free radicals.
  2. Eye Health: The high beta-carotene levels are excellent for retinal health and cell regeneration.
  3. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Some early studies suggest that compounds in Buah Merah may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, though further clinical trials are ongoing.
  4. Lowering Cholesterol: The unsaturated fatty acids help balance blood cholesterol levels.
4. Traditional vs. Modern Consumption
The indigenous people of Papua typically process Buah Merah in the following ways:
  • Roasting or Boiling: The fruit is cooked, and the flesh is separated from the core.
  • Oil Extraction: The fruit is pressed and filtered to produce a thick red oil, which is then used as a sauce for vegetables or consumed directly as medicine.
Today, Buah Merah is widely available in modern markets as encapsulated extracts or bottled oil, making it convenient to use as a daily supplement.

Data Sources & References:
  1. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) / BRIN: Research reports on the biodiversity of the Pandanus genus in Papua.
  2. Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia: Profiles on site-specific plantation commodities.
  3. Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Studies regarding the traditional use and pharmacology of Pandanus conoideus.
  4. "Minyak Buah Merah" by Drs. I Made Budi, M.S.: The primary researcher credited with popularizing the benefits of Buah Merah nationally and internationally.
ManfaatBuah