This painting marks the debut of the torch ginger series by the artist. In “Pink Torch Ginger,” the artist endeavors to capture the enchanting allure of the torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) blossoms, tinged with a pinkish hue, sourced from the plant collection at the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Employing watercolour on paper, the artist seeks to convey the exquisite beauty of these flowers.

The composition of the painting is elegantly simple, showcasing three stages of torch ginger blossoms: fully bloomed, partially bloomed, and budding. It also highlights gentle lighting and reveals the glossy texture of the floral bracts.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the torch ginger holds practical and cultural significance in the traditions of local communities in Indonesia. Primarily utilized as a culinary ingredient, torch ginger imparts a distinctive flavor and aroma—a hint of tanginess akin to lemon, a subtle spiciness reminiscent of ginger, and a fragrant lemongrass scent. In West Java, torch ginger flower buds are often consumed raw as a side dish or boiled and eaten with chili paste. In Bali, the flower is a key ingredient in sambal matah. In South Sulawesi, torch ginger is frequently used as a seasoning for yellow fish curry.

The benefits of torch ginger extend beyond the culinary realm. Its pseudo stem and leaf sheaths can be processed into soap and remedies for skin ailments and measles. Its rhizomes yield a yellow dye. Historically, the fused leaf sheaths forming the pseudo stem were also utilized for weaving.

Through this painting, the artist aims to inspire appreciation for the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity of tropical nature, particularly the torch ginger plant, alongside the cultural and functional values intertwined with the lives of Indonesian communities.