The Baduy tribe maintains strict rules passed down from their ancestors, including taboos on life that must not be violated, such as not using modern transportation and electronic goods.
The Baduy tribe, who live in the mountainous region of Lebak Regency, Banten, are known for their local wisdom and very strong traditions. They still hold fast to the teachings of their ancestors and live in a very simple way.
One of the main reasons they maintain a traditional lifestyle is to maintain harmony with nature and their ancestors.
Despite the rapid development of the times and technology, the Baduy tribe, especially the Inner Baduy, still adhere to the customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
In contrast to most modern societies which are more open and accepting of change, the Baduy tribe tends to reject many outside influences which are considered to be able to damage the simplicity and harmony of their lives.
There are a number of taboos that must be obeyed by members of the Baduy Tribe, especially the Inner Baduy, who are stricter in maintaining customs and traditions. The following are some of the taboos that still apply today among the Baduy Tribe.
1. Not Using Modern Transportation
In this practical era, we cannot be separated from modern transportation such as cars, motorbikes, and planes to travel.
However, among the Sakti Tribe, especially the Inner Baduy, the use of modern transportation is strictly prohibited. They rely solely on their two feet to travel, whether it is a long or short journey.
No motorized vehicles are allowed to enter their territory, not even a single Baduy member’s house has a private vehicle. This aims to keep them connected to nature and live a simpler life.
2. Not wearing footwear
In addition to being prohibited from using vehicles, members of the Baduy Tribe are also not allowed to wear footwear, be it sandals or shoes.
They believe that the land where they live is sacred land that must be respected. Therefore, they do not wear shoes when walking, even though the terrain they face is quite difficult and the roads they pass are sometimes steep and rocky.
This is one way they maintain their closeness to nature and respect the earth where they live.
3. The house door must face north or south
The Baduy tribe maintains order and harmony in their lives. One of the very strict customary rules is the direction of the house door. Every house in the Baduy Tribe region must face north or south, not west or east.
This is done so that their house gets enough sunlight and to maintain the energy balance in the house. This habit shows how deep their connection with nature is and how they view life as one with the universe.
4. It is prohibited to use electronic goods
In this digital world, electronic goods such as televisions, radios, and smartphones have become an important part of everyday life. However, members of the Baduy Tribe, especially the Inner Baduy, live without these items.
They don’t use television, radio, or even smartphones. This is a form of rejection of modern technology which is considered to be able to disrupt the peace of their lives.
Some members of the Outer Baduy who are more open to modern developments may already be familiar with electronic goods, but they still use technology in a limited way.
5. You can only wear black or white clothes
The characteristic clothing worn by the Baduy Tribe is very simple and shows their identity. For the Inner Baduy people, they are required to wear white clothes made from manually woven cloth.
Meanwhile, the Outer Baduy people wear all black clothes. These clothes not only function as body protection, but also as a symbol of their very strong cultural identity.
These black or white clothes are a sign that they are part of the Baduy Tribe and live according to the customs that have been passed down from their ancestors.
6. It is forbidden to wear modern clothes
While many people in the city follow the latest fashion trends, it is very contrary to the Baduy people’s principles of life. They will never wear modern clothes, such as branded clothes or clothes with trendy designs.
Baduy people prefer simple clothes and do not depend on fashion or trends. The clothes they wear are usually hand-sewn and made from natural materials that they produce themselves, such as woven cloth.
7. You cannot wear jewelry or accessories
As part of a very simple lifestyle, the Baduy people do not wear jewelry or accessories. They do not wear rings, necklaces, bracelets, or other jewelry.
This aims to avoid arrogance and maintain the simplicity of their lives. All objects used in their daily lives have a practical function and there is no place for items that are only used for appearance.
8. It is forbidden to marry outsiders of the Baduy tribe
The Baduy tribe maintains the continuity of their culture and traditions, one of which is by prohibiting marriage between Baduy tribe members and outsiders.
They believe that inter-tribal marriage will create differences in their way of life and damage the harmony of their culture.
Therefore, to ensure that their traditions are maintained, they only marry fellow Baduy people, both from Inner Baduy and Outer Baduy.
9. You are not allowed to throw rubbish carelessly
Even though they live in simplicity, the Baduy Tribe really cares about cleanliness and environmental sustainability. One of the taboos that must be avoided by members of the Baduy Tribe is littering.
They take great care of the cleanliness of the surrounding environment and only use natural materials that do not damage nature.
The waste produced from their activities is usually reused or disposed of in a way that does not damage the environment.
10. It is forbidden to consume food that is prohibited by custom
The Baduy people have strict rules regarding the foods that may be consumed. They are not allowed to consume food that is considered to be harmful to the body or not in accordance with their principles of life.
Some of the prohibited foods are meat from animals that are not slaughtered in a manner that is in accordance with custom, as well as food that comes from unnatural ingredients.
The Baduy tribe prefers food that comes from natural products around them, such as vegetables, fruits, and food ingredients that are grown naturally.
The Baduy Tribe’s taboos are indeed very strict and limit various aspects of their lives, but these rules are part of their efforts to maintain closeness to nature and their ancestors. For the Baduy Tribe, following customs is not only an obligation, but also a deep way of life.
Although we live in a world full of technology and change, the Asmat Tribe traditions teach us about the importance of simplicity, harmony with nature, and respect for cultural heritage.
