Baduy Villagers Entrust Message of Nature Conservation to Banten Governor During Seba

Serang (ANTARA) - The head of Kanekes Village and Jaro Pamarentah, Jaro Oom, conveyed a direct message to Banten Governor Andra Soni to preserve the environment during the 2026 Baduy Seba tradition at the State Building in Serang City.

“This year’s Seba celebration was attended by 1,525 people. The participants consisted of residents from Outer Baduy and Inner Baduy who came with the intention of paying respects and delivering messages from the customary institutions to the local government,” said Jaro Oom in Serang City on Saturday.

Their arrival was welcomed by Banten Governor Andra Soni as a form of respect for the tradition that has been passed down through generations.

In the meeting, the Baduy residents entrusted a special message to the government regarding the importance of environmental orderliness in the Banten region. They expressed concerns about indications of environmental damage, particularly in mountainous areas and river flows that serve as sources of life.

“We hope that through this Seba momentum, Banten Province can become a more advanced and prosperous region for all its people,” he stated.

Jaro Oom emphasised that environmental preservation is the main key to achieving physical and spiritual welfare for indigenous communities and the wider society.

The journey to the provincial capital was not easy for the Inner Baduy residents. They had to cover a distance of about 135 kilometres on foot from the interior of Lebak Regency as a form of obedience to customary rules that prohibit the use of motorised vehicles.

This Seba tradition is held as the closing of a series of rituals after the harvest season and the implementation of the three-month fast or Kawalu.

“The Kanekes indigenous community is committed to continuing to carry out this Seba tradition as a form of loyalty to ancestors and the government,” he said.