According to Agus Aris Munandar, a cultural expert from the University of Indonesia, the tradition of giving gifts or hampers has been part of Indonesian culture for a long time. Munandar notes that this practice originated from the making of offerings to Adikodrati, the prehistoric belief in supernatural powers. In prehistoric Indonesian society, people’s beliefs were centered around supernatural beings, which they believed to be the determiners of the course of life. Because of this, prehistoric society in Indonesia developed a respectful and religious culture, which manifested in the habit of giving to society in the form of money for religious activities, donations for religious ceremonies, and alms. Over time, the concept of giving to society developed towards the social side in the form of mandatory tribute or tax used for common interests, potlatch or a gift-giving feast, awards, and souvenirs. Nowadays, the tradition of sending gift packages has become inseparable from Indonesian culture, especially before religious holidays like Eid. These gift packages, also known as hampers, usually contain a variety of attractively packaged foods or household items and are sent to family members, business colleagues, or friends. The exchanging of hampers is a vital part of Indonesian social functions, and is a sign of strengthening solidarity, brotherhood, and friendship, Munandar notes. Additionally, hampers include greeting cards to lend a personal touch to the gift. In summary, the tradition of giving gifts or hampers in Indonesia is a deeply-rooted cultural practice that has evolved over time to become an important way to strengthen social ties and relationships.
