Unique Experience in Baduy: Exploring the Life and Traditions of the Indigenous Community

 

*All the photos I took were in Outer Baduy, as cameras and videos are not allowed in Inner Baduy

        On August 10-11, 2024, I went on an interesting trip to the Baduy Community, located in Banten Province, Indonesia. I chose to register on a travel trip to take this trip. The journey started by taking the Electric Rail Train (KRL) from Tanah Abang Station to Rangkas Bitung Station, and after arriving in Rangkas Bitung at 9 am, we continued our journey by elf bus to Baduy. From the Ciboleger route we started tracking and hiking on foot for 6 hours. Finally, after rainy weather and many stops, we arrived at Baduy Dalam around 7pm.

        Arriving at the village's house, we were immediately served dinner with tempe, tofu, fish, eggs, sayur asem vegetables. While enjoying dinner, we chatted with the family at home. The house consists of 2 families, 1 is a grandfather alone and the other is a husband and wife with 3 children. Not long after dinner and chatting, at 9 pm we went straight to bed because we were exhausted.

        The next day, we woke up at 6 am and were served breakfast with fried rice. After that, we toured the Inner Baduy area as directed by the trip leader team. Gifari, is the team leader of our trip. He has been to Baduy Dalam almost 20 times. He knows many stories and history about Baduy. Luckily, that morning we saw Baduy women gathering rice together, wearing typical work clothes such as tank tops (kemben). They are very beautiful and have clean skin. They also strongly adhere to the sense of mutual cooperation.

Tracking and hiking for 6 hours on foot

Two Groups in the Baduy Community

Inner Baduy and Outer Baduy:

Baduy society consists of two main groups: Inner Baduy and Outer Baduy. Both have very different characteristics and rules, reflecting the depth of culture and traditions they maintain.

Inner Baduy:

1. Daily Life and Rules:
• For those who are married, it is mandatory to have a saung (traditional house), rice barn and field. The cost of the wedding, which included food for the entire village for three days, was estimated at around 20 million rupiah.
• Inner Baduy women do not use sanitary napkins during menstruation. They also walk barefoot and wear traditional clothes without buttons and a white bow on their heads.
• Use of technology is very limited. Cameras, for example, are strictly prohibited. There is a strong belief that the use of cameras can bring disaster or trouble to individuals who violate this rule. Many cases show that breaking these rules can lead to adverse events, underscoring the trustworthiness of local communities. 
• They speak the Sunda Badui dialect.
• They lack electricity, toilets, and gadgets. They cook using fire and wood, not use cooking gas.
• They are also not permitted to marry outside their culture, their marriage system is arranged. If they choose to marry someone from Outer Baduy, they must relocate to Outer Baduy.

                 2. Calendar and Rituals:

• The Inner Baduy calendar is different from the general calendar. Their month of fasting falls between months 10 to 12 in their calendar. The names of the months in their calendar namely: 
  
  - Safar
  - kalima
  - kaenem
  - kapitu
  - kadalapan
  - kasalpuluh
  - hapitlemah
  - hapitkayu
  - kasa
  - karo
  - katiga 

• Worship rituals are carried out on certain days determined by the traditional head. Mutual worship and prayers performed with leaves are part of their practice.
  
• Their feast day called Kawalu.
• Their religious belief called Sunda Wiwitan.
• They have a town square, a town hall, and celebrate mass circumcisions.
  
  
  
  3. Social and Economic Structure:

• One house in Baduy is usually inhabited by a maximum of two families. If the number of families exceeds this limit, the population will move to a new village.
• Although their primary natural resource is rice, they do not sell it outside their community. They keeping it for their own consumption and as a food reserve. Their rice barn was built with a stone base to strengthen the building and avoid damage due to earthquakes.

Outer Baduy:

1. Modern Lifestyle:
• In contrast to the Inner Baduy, the Outer Baduy are more open to modern influences and are not bound by many strict rules. Their clothing tends to follow modern trends, reflecting a greater shift from tradition.
  
  
2. Daily Life and Interactions:
• Outer Baduy often interact with the outside world and are more accepting of guests from outside. They are more flexible in terms of technology use and do not have as many restrictions as the Inner Baduy.
  
  

rubbish bin at Outer Baduy

              

Valuable Lessons from Inner Baduy

Maintaining Cleanliness: At the Ciboleger gate, there is a message "Bring Back Trash Outside Baduy," which reminds visitors to maintain cleanliness and not leave trash anywhere.

Physical Endurance Test: Traveling to the Baduy traditional village requires extra stamina, with trekking for 6 hours along steep and uphill paths.

Life Without Technology: Baduy Society Lives very simply, without modern technology. Cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed, reflecting their commitment to simplicity and preserving customs.

Traditions and Survival Skills: The use of natural ingredients for cooking spices, bathing, and washing clothes shows their local wisdom in preserving the environment. Their toilets use simple bamboo showerheads.

Mutual Cooperation and Self Reliance: Cooperation and mutual aid are an integral part of their lives. They keep their distance from the flow of globalization to preserve their traditions and way of life.

Natural Knowledge: Baduy people have extensive knowledge about nature and use natural resources wisely, including weaving, gardening, and getting to know plants and animals. They do not have formal education.

Gratitude and Simplicity: The Baduy are known for their attitude of gratitude towards what they have. They live life with simplicity and joy, without being affected by small things.

this is young people from Baduy work as a Porter, who carries the goods/bags of guests who want to visit about 2 USD

Conclusion

A trip to Baduy provides a deep insight into the life and culture that is still maintained with great dedication. With their strict rules, preservation of customs, and simple way of life, the Baduy Dalam community offers valuable lessons on how to maintain traditions and preserve culture while remaining grateful and appreciative of life. This experience, although challenging, provided a deep appreciation for the richness of Indonesian culture. ✨