Tengger's hospitality a big boost to tourism
Tengger's hospitality a big boost to tourism
By Marina Kaneti
MT. BROMO, East Java (JP): Freezing cold, a moon-like
landscape, and clouds of lava ash: This is the impressive and
unforgettable sight of remote Mt. Bromo.
Despite its height, 2,392 m, Mt. Bromo and the entire Tengger
caldera are easily accessible by jeep or horse.
Apart from the impressive view from the top of Bromo, the
surrounding mountain slopes impeccably planted with vegetables
also attract one's attention. From the very top to the very
bottom of the slopes, corn, cabbage, and potatoes form neat rows
wherever the ground can be planted. Occasionally, a man or a
woman working in the fields turns around and waves "Hello" to the
passerby.
The Bromo-Tengger region is not only the home of active
volcanoes, but also of the hospitable and friendly Tengger
people. Despite the remoteness of the area, which has allowed
Hinduism to remain rooted here in Muslim Java, the Tengger people
are open and hospitable to strangers. Locals are seriously
considering the possibility of expanding tourism in the area.
There are many reasons why people in the Tengger-Bromo region
are tourism-friendly. Soil erosion endangers farming, which is
the major occupation of the local population. Thus, although
blessed with nutritious soil from the volcanoes, which accounts
for the fairly well-off villages in the area, people have started
considering other means of income.
Tourism is also deemed attractive because it might bring about
the revival of ancient customs and traditions. Although many
criticize the commercialization of art throughout the country,
particularly in Bali, in the Tengger region tourism and commerce
might provide the link between past traditions and modern times.
Along with accommodation and transportation to the volcanic
areas, the revival of indigenous art traditions is being
discussed.
The Tengger region is known as the last abode of Hinduism on
Java and because of its relative isolation, Hindu beliefs and
local folklore intertwine to create a unique blend. People in the
region, for instance, do not have wayang kulit performances, so
typical of the rest of Java, because the god of Bromo, Gusti,
would be angry. There are, however, ceremonies and offerings to
the volcano gods.
A sort of Hindu Renaissance began in the 1980s when the region
was officially recognized by the government for its Hindu
heritage. Many Balinese priests visit the area to participate in
the local festivals and ceremonial offerings and priests from the
region go to Bali to exchange customs and traditions with their
Balinese counterparts.
The government itself has been supportive and encouraging of
the revival of cultural traditions. Recently, for example, it
arranged a tournament in Malang for a best traditional wedding
ceremony, a model for wedding ceremonies in the region. The
government also provided funds for the erection of the Sanduro
temple, the biggest Hindu temple in the area.
The beauty and mystery of the Bromo-Tengger region explain why
the Tengger people are so attached to their land and are so
fervent about their culture and beliefs. Ibu Yoschi, who finds
this place feels more like home to her than her native Bremen in
Germany, shares the concerns and hopes of the local people.
Apart from Yoschi's inn in Ngadisari, 8 km from Bromo, which
attracts scores of tourists, Ibu Yoschi has many other plans to
support the development of the region. Formerly a music teacher
and a diligent student of gamelan music, Ibu Yoschi is thinking
about establishing a local gamelan orchestra.
"There is something about this place that makes you creative
and full of inspiration," she says. "If you take the days as they
are, anything can be possible and your dreams and hopes can come
true."
In fact, the only thing that one can wish for after visiting
the Bromo-Tengger region is to be immersed in its inspiring
atmosphere and impressive sights just one more time.