Taste of Coto Kuda, South Sulawesi Horse Soup - Just Menong

The opportunity to visit Jeneponto Regency, one of the regencies in South Sulawesi, was a unique experience while on duty. Alone, going to a place that previously only knew the area that stretched between Makassar and Bulukumba, South Sulawesi. A little desperate of course, but also interesting and full of challenges. 

Arriving at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi, the journey to Jeneponto is hassle-free. Like most cities outside Java, I only encountered traffic jams when I was in Makassar. The view on the right and left is only a wide expanse of plantations. Jeneponto Regency is about 90 km or 2.5 hours from Makassar City. Jeneponto has an area of ​​749.79 km2 with soil conditions (topography) in the northern part consisting of highlands with an altitude of 500 - 1400 m, in the middle 100 - 500 m and in the south 0 - 150 m above sea level. 

Staying at a hotel located right by the beach, there are not many places to visit in this city of about 300,000 inhabitants. My daily activities other than completing office matters are just walking in the fishing villages along the coast. The atmosphere is quite quiet. The waves and the sound of sea birds are my friends. The fishermen's settlement is not far from the hotel which is a short walk along the beach.

There is one dish that is typical of this city, namely processed horse meat such as horse coto. If in other areas cows are the largest source of animal protein, in this city horses and buffalo become the main meal when a party is held. Bolangers can easily find horse coto in various restaurants.
As the name implies, horse coto is a coto with the basic ingredients of horse meat. 

Coto itself is a typical Makassar soup dish. Coto Kuda typical of Jeneponto, South Sulawesi, was originally a special dish for the king or noble of Jeneponto. Coto Kuda is usually served with vegetable ketupat and onions. Horse meat fiber is larger and thicker when compared to beef fiber.

This quiet city can be an option to 'escape' from the hectic routine. Ngabolang without friends not far from the hotel area, Jeneponto presents the charm of Indonesia with the authenticity of its people, which again made me realize how beautiful and unique this country is.