Indonesia Baduy Tribe: Tribes living in every corner of the world have unique customs and habits. One such tribal society exists in Indonesia, whose rules are Herat Pamade. Let's set out to visit that unique tribal community.
Communities isolated from the outside world
It is about the Baduy tribe who live in the mountain forests of the Banten region of Indonesia. 120 km from the Indonesian capital Jakarta, there are scattered villages of Baduy tribes in an area of only 50 square km, which are difficult to enter for a mi-tam sauna. According to the 2010 census, the number of Baduy people is only 11,620.
The people of the village follow such strict rules
– Most of the Badu are illiterate, because education of children is prohibited here.
– No vehicle of any kind can be driven in their village.
-Nobody in the village wears shoes/boots.
– Use of any type of electronic equipment is prohibited.
– Modern clothing is not allowed. Only hand-woven black or white cloth may be wrapped/worn on the body.
– Cutting hair is prohibited.
– Floral decoration and application of perfume is prohibited.
-Gold and silver cannot be used.
-Don't even touch the money.
This tribe also follows such moral rules
– don't hit
– do not steal
– Don't lie
– Do not commit adultery
– do not drink alcohol
– Do not eat food at night
Why are there such strict rules?
The Baduy tribes are nature-worshippers. They worship every element of nature like water, land, trees, air, fire, animals and birds. The sacred duty to maintain the balance of the universe by protecting the mountains, valleys, forests, waterfalls, rivers and all the ecosystems within them is the life mantra of these tribal people.
They survive on very limited resources by taking sustenance from nature. From building construction to farming, they work in such a way that there is minimum harm to nature. That is why they have limited their lifestyle so much.
Building Regulations
Baduy people live with the concept of 'no change' or 'as little change as possible' in nature. They believe that if the wood is good, then find a suitable place and use it according to its size without cutting it. That is why in the construction of their house, two opposite woods do not look the same but appear long and short. Here the building is also built without leveling the rough ground.
Rules for agriculture and animal husbandry
During farming, the soil cannot be dug with a plow or other equipment so that there is minimal damage to nature. Only bamboo sticks have to be used to dig the land. Digging and leveling the land is also not allowed. If the soil is rough, then plant as many plants as possible in such soil. The use of fertilizers in agriculture is also strictly prohibited. Large animals cannot be tamed.
the first human to walk on earth
These tribals believe that since they are the first species to have appeared on earth as humans, it is their moral duty to maintain their primitive roots and harmony with nature.
Baduy tribes are divided into two parts
The villages of the Badu people have two parts. One is the inner part and the other is the outer part. The Bedouins living in the inner part strictly follow all the rules written above, but the Bedouins living in the outer part live a slightly relaxed life. For example, they are allowed to wear modern clothes like T-shirts and jeans and can use tools like hammer, nails, saw. They can use mattresses and plastic and glass utensils for sleeping. They are also allowed to roam in the cities outside the mountains.
Money entered the barter system
Previously, the entire Baduy society relied on the barter system, making a living by exchanging agricultural produce with each other. Recently, the Bedouin people living in the outskirts have been moving to the cities and selling their agricultural produce and receiving money in return. It is also the outer Baduy who sell produce such as rice, fruits and honey obtained by the inner Baduy. Seen in this way, they act as a buffer zone between the modern world and the inner Baduy people.
Complete ban on foreigners
The Baduy community has also started feeling the gentle breeze of modern times. Tourists are visiting the area eager to get a closer look at the lifestyle of the Baduy people. No outsider can enter the interior of the Baduy village, but visitors are allowed to roam around the outer part of Baduy, provided they strictly follow the rules. Tourists are not allowed to use mobile phones. Walk as much as you want. Bathing in the rivers is allowed, but the use of soap, shampoo and toothpaste is prohibited.
deprived of modern facilities including education
The Indonesian government has attempted to educate the Bedouin tribe more than once in the past, but the Bedouin have always resisted education, considering it a violation of their traditional customs. Although, due to increased contact with the outside world, the outer Bedouin have learned to read a little, they are also not allowed to receive formal education such as schooling.
Badu people are influenced by this religion
The main religion of Indonesia is Islam. 87 percent of the country's citizens are Muslims. In the last few decades, Islam has also entered the lives of the Badu tribes who consider nature as their religion. A large number of Bedouins have converted to Islam. Elements of Hinduism are also prevalent in some of their customs.