Baduy Traditional Village Tourism

Social Structure and Cultural Territorial Division

The uniqueness of Baduy Traditional Village lies in its territorial division, which reflects a hierarchy of adherence to customs. The village is divided into two main parts: Baduy Dalam (Inner Baduy or Tangtu), consisting of Kampung Cibeo, Cikertawarna, and Cikeusik, and Baduy Luar (Outer Baduy or Panamping).

Baduy Dalam is the core of this cultural center, where customary rules or Pikukuh are strictly enforced. Here, the use of electronic devices, footwear, and vehicles is strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, Baduy Luar functions as a buffer, more open to external interaction but still firmly holding onto its regional identity. The interaction between these two areas creates a dynamic yet controlled cultural ecosystem.

Cultural Activities and Traditional Educational Programs

The main program at Baduy Traditional Village is "Live-in Education," where visitors are invited to follow the daily rhythm of the local community's life. This program is not just about staying overnight, but rather an open curriculum on self-reliance and sustainability.

Visitors can participate in Nganyam (weaving koja bags from wood fiber) and Nenun (weaving distinctive Baduy fabrics). These activities are not just about manual skills but also contain the philosophy of patience and meticulousness. Additionally, there is an educational program on sustainable agriculture through the "Huma" (dry field) method. The Baduy people teach how to cultivate crops without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as how land rotation systems are implemented to maintain soil fertility without damaging the forest ecosystem.

Traditional Arts and Distinctive Handicrafts

Art in Baduy is a manifestation of gratitude to Dewi Sri (Goddess of Rice). One of the most iconic performances is Angklung Buhun. Unlike modern angklung, Angklung Buhun has a larger form and is only played during the rice planting ritual (Ngaseuk). The resonant sound of the angklung, combined with natural rhythms, creates a deeply magical atmosphere.

In terms of handicrafts, Baduy Traditional Village is renowned for its woven fabrics that feature simple yet meaningful geographical motifs, such as Awi Gede or Suduayah. Each color has its own symbolism; dark blue and black represent calmness and strength for the Outer Baduy, while pure white without artificial dyes is the identity of the Inner Baduy, symbolizing the purity of the soul. Besides woven fabrics, the production of Koja bags from the bark of the Teureup tree is a flagship product that demonstrates responsible forest resource utilization.

Customary Ceremonies and Annual Festivals: The Seba Ritual

One of the cultural highlights in Baduy Traditional Village is the Seba ceremony. This is an annual event where thousands of Baduy residents walk tens to hundreds of kilometers to the government centers in Lebak Regency and Banten Province.

Seba is not just a formal visit, but a ritual of presenting agricultural produce (rice, bananas, palm sugar) as a symbol of gratitude and a report on the condition of nature and the well-being of the residents. During this event, customary leaders (Puun and Jaro) give a moral mandate to the government to preserve nature. This festival becomes a cultural magnet that demonstrates the bargaining power of indigenous communities in regional governance.

Preservation of Cultural and Environmental Heritage

Baduy Traditional Village's role in preserving cultural heritage is carried out through very strict enforcement of customary laws regarding the environment. There is the concept of "Leuweung Kolot" (old forest) which must not be entered or touched by anyone. This is the most effective natural conservation laboratory in Banten.

This cultural center also preserves the traditional house architecture called Sulah Nyanda. The houses here are built following the land's contour without leveling the ground, using wood, bamboo, and thatched roofs without iron nails. This structure has proven to be earthquake-resistant and environmentally friendly, offering valuable lessons for modern architecture on functional and sustainable aesthetics.

Role in Local Cultural Development and Creative Economy

The existence of this traditional village has a significant impact on cultural development in Banten Province. Baduy Traditional Village serves as a catalyst for community-based creative economy growth. The sale of local products such as Baduy Forest Honey, ginger oil, and handicrafts has improved the community's standard of living without them having to abandon their cultural identity.

Furthermore, this village serves as a study center for researchers, anthropologists, and students from around the world. Baduy is a tangible example of how a community can survive amidst the onslaught of globalization while firmly adhering to the principle "Lojor teu meunang dipotong, pondok teu meunang disambung" (Long cannot be cut, short cannot be joined), which means accepting everything as it is according to its natural state.

Conclusion: Maintaining World Balance

Baduy Traditional Village is not just a tourist attraction, but a center of civilization that reminds modern humans of the importance of simplicity. Every corner of the village, from the bamboo bridges assembled without nails to the neatly arranged rice barns (Leuit), tells a story of food security and cultural sovereignty.

By visiting and interacting in this cultural center, the wider community is invited to engage in self-reflection. Baduy Traditional Village stands firm as a guardian of ecological and spiritual balance at the western tip of Java Island, ensuring that ancestral heritage remains alive, breathing, and relevant in the future. The development of this area as a tourist village is carried out with the principle of low volume, high value, ensuring that tourist flows do not damage the sacred order that has been maintained for thousands of years.