BADUY, LIVED WITHOUT TV, RADIO AND VEHICLE

Just about 70 miles Westsouth of capital city, Jakarta, administered in Lebak district, Banten province an isolated clan lived with harmony with nature, not influenced by outside worlds, modern technology  such us radio, TV set, Aircondition, gas, car, motorcycles, glass, plastics. Can't imagine if its happened just under nose of Central government of Indonesia.

The 7.200 Baduy people divided in two tribal groups, Inner Baduy (Baduy dalam) only 350 family members remain and  Outer Baduy (Baduy luar) lived in 5.200 hectares area. The Outer acted as a barriers to stop visitors to enter sacred inner circle, who lived in 3 Villages. No strangers permitted to spend the night in sacred Villages. Up until today no foreigners allowed enter the Inner Baduy villages.

They lived in harmony with natures in mountain rain forest. Clear rivers flowing where fish swim freely under the green environments, then to be captured by the net knitted by household hands, just for family consumption.

House materials cutting from bamboo or palm tress growing nearby the villages and built in grouping in one compound with the same height. No house taller than the others as a symbol of togetherness. The design is so simple, even without windows, furniture and other furnishings.

The bridges materials strengthened just buy ropes,  without using a nails.

Today Baduy tribe still control of their religion (mixing Hinduismn and Animism) and cultural practices have remain largely unchanged until recent time. Although Government forced them to changes their lives and built modern schools in their territory, they refused to cooperate. (They live here in the foothill of Kanekes mountain )

But interaction with outside worlds will affected their way of life gradually. Althought  prohibited by traditional law, some modern articles imported from outside Baduy territory are becoming commonplace in Baduy home such as thermos bottles, radios, even hand phones, except in Inner Baduy, a sacred place

                              3 Inner Baduy people

The Inner Baduy walking in small groups of 3-5 people by bare foots to meet local authorities or went to towns nearby to sell handicrafts and honey. They refused to take public transportation or Government cars. In daily life they wear only white and blue black clothes for Inner Baduy or blue black for Outer Baduy, handmade.  But recently Outer proudly wear sarongs favored by Sundanese neighbors.

Another important aspects that should pay serious attention by local authorities are rapidly growing tourist visits to this territory, that should manage properly to minimize negative impact to their cultures.

We could take express train from Jakarta Tanah Abang station to Rangkasbitung and then proceed to Ciboleger by public bus transportation. Or the cheapest one by public Bus from Cengkareng terminal station ahead to Rangkasbitung town.

Before enter the Villages, you must obtained a permit from Tourist office in Rangkasbitung, capital of  Lebak district, 50 kilometers away to the Villages. Then through 10 kilometers Village  road drive or take a public transportation to entry point in Ciboleger, Leuwidamar Sub district. Spend overnight at Police head house, pay some donation for food and drinks. Asked them to find a guide tour to accompany for 4- 6 hours walking distance.

Some occasion a committee set up a new travel group spend 3 days 2 nights. In August 2009 they charge Rp. 600.000,- equivalent US.$.60,-  per person including meal and staying at Village accommodation. Unfortunately, western not allowed enter "the  Inner Baduy". Asean citizen look alike Indonesian may come in. Be aware of the local law such as no photo taken, no radio etc.

Have a nice advent tour.