Telok Abang ( Red Egg )

 Red Egg (Telok Abang) is a toy for children in the form of miniature aircraft and ship which is made of cork/cardboard used with a red egg. Why was it named “ Telok Abang”? Because in every unit of this toy is made ​​of cork and painted with different colors, and also there is an egg that was painted with red color. Telok Abang is Palembang language. ‘Telok’ means egg and ‘Abang’ means red.

 

Telok Abang ( Red Egg )

Red egg is inserted in a miniature aircraft or ships

According to Djohan Hanafiah, a Historian. This tradition began when Palembang celebrated Independence of  Indonesia in 1949. Previously, Telok Abang used to celebrate Cap Go Meh, or The National Day of the colonial Dutch. But after independence, this tradition continued, with decorations of red and white flag. It means the spirit of nationalism.

Even according to this source, Telok Abang has been there since before independence in the 1930s, when often the holding of fairs on theoutskirts of Musi River (now a plaza BKB).

That is why many people sell Telok Abang in Palembang only when welcoming celebration August 17. In fact, Indonesia's Independence Day seemed incomplete if children do not play Telok Abang.

Variety of  Telok Abang

As a time goes by, the shape of Telok Abang began to change. It is not only in the shape of a plane or boat, but also it is made to be more interesting shape, such as scooter, helicopter, boat, dragon, rickshaws, cars, city buses, or The Ampera Bridge. So, many people will buy the interesting one.

 

Variety of Telok Abang

The Meaning of Telok Abang

  Beside the unique shape of this toy, implied a deep meaning about Indonesia's Independence. Parents used to say that Telok Abang is a symbol of resistance fighters in the independence to fight off colonizer. Although at that time they do not have armament, warships and modern aircraft, but their persistent fight to the death.
Therefore, they made ​​a miniature of aircraft and ships for the younger generation do not even know they still have armament to win and defend independence. Well, it must be contemplated for everyone.