Leiden University Researcher: Preserve the Baduy Community's Culture

Currently, many tourists, both domestic and international, visit the Baduy community in Kanekes, Lebak (ANTARA) - Jet Bakels, a researcher from Leiden University in the Netherlands, stated that the culture of the Baduy community in the interior of Lebak Regency, Banten, should be preserved because they cherish environmental balance and harmony from their ancestors in the Padjadjaran era. “We hope that the Baduy community’s culture remains sustainable amid the onslaught of modernisation, like isolated tribes around the world,” said Jet Bakels when met at the Multatuli Museum Building in Rangkasbitung, Lebak Regency, on Friday. The preservation of the Baduy community depends on their future choices, whether to allow foreigners to visit Baduy or not. Currently, many tourists, both domestic and international, visit the Baduy community in Kanekes. The uniqueness and life of the Baduy community persist to this day, such as their customary ancestral settlement environment without lighting infrastructure, permanent roads, education, healthcare, and no electronic equipment. In addition, their houses are simple, made of bamboo and wood with roofs of sago palm or aren fibre. The Baduy community’s life is peaceful, harmonious, and they keep the forests green and sustainable, as it provides for human sustenance. “We see the ancestral teachings of the Baduy community from the Hindu Padjadjaran era to the present still hold the responsibility to protect the customary forests from damage,” said Jet Bakels, who conducted research on Baduy culture in 1984. Meanwhile, the Head of the Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) of Lebak Regency, Banten, Yosep Muhamad Holis, stated that the local government continues to preserve the Baduy community’s culture, including the annual Seba celebration held after they observe the Kawalu fast. The Baduy Seba cultural celebration involves handing over agricultural produce to the regional head (regent-governor) as an expression of gratitude to the Almighty God. “I think the Baduy Seba celebration can attract tourists and stimulate the community’s economy,” he explained.