Baduy people (pronounce as Badui) who often call themselves in Indonesia language 'urang kanekes' is a tribe that lives 6 hours away by car from the extreme hust and bustle of Jakarta. The village is located in the western Indonesia, in the province of Banten.
The current population of the tribe has an apapproximate number of 7,000 people. The tribe is currently devided into 2 groups - inner baduy (4 villages) and outer baduy (63 villages). Majority of the tribe are scattered in the outer baduy and a very small percentage married people from outside these 2 groups.
Inner baduy is the group that still vigorously inssist to follow their ancient ways of life where else outer are opening up slowly bit by bit.
The Baduy people ethnically belongs to the Sudanese, the thing that separate baduy from thus ethnic group is the way of life where baduy people resist or rather block themselves out from any foreign wisdom but to live their life in the ancient way which mainly what I see or heard is that they refuse anything made fom the factory. For example, no nails are allowed when building houses/bridges, all metal/plastic cooking utensils, plates/bowls, cup etc are forbidden.
The people of baduy basically told the outside world to leave them alone, they want to be isolated from civilization. The baduy people are lead by a religious head whom they call him Pu'un, this person has the power to confront any of the baduy people who do not abide to their tradition.
Now, let me show you in picture few differences between inner and outer baduy:
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| The roof with a round hood used by the inner Baduy people - this symbolize the home owner still follow traditional Baduy's way of life. It seems although you are out of the inner compound, some still ressist the outside influnces. |
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| Contrary to the inner baduy, the outer people build their houses with an 'X' roof which implying they welcome outside influences |
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| Costume of the inner baduy people - white top, black botom (sarong) and white head scarf |
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| Costume of the outer baduy people |
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| Rice storage hut used by the inner baduy, round shape on each corner of the hut is done in purpose to prevent rats from entering the storage room |
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| Hut for the outer baduy village - unfortunately although from the same tribe, outer village is forbidden to use inner's design. I'm guessing if the Pu'un find out, he would tear them down without any hesitation. |
All the many restriction past down from their ancestors was believe to have their people's mind free of complicated worries because they believe the stress of civilization is not necessary nor is good for an individual. Besides, inner baduy peoole are also forbidden to receive foreigners/chinese guest freely, one will need to go through a very conplicated rituals ceremony if they insist to enter the inner area.
Listening to baduy stories makes me think of the time of Adam and Eve, time without any advance technology or fancy fashions.
Do come back later as I'll share with you, my short adventure into the village.
