Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A centuries-old indigenous ritual returned to the spotlight in Banten province, Indonesia. Around 1,769 members of the Baduy Dalam and Baduy Luar communities gathered for the annual Seba Baduy tradition on Friday night (May 2, 2025).
In a powerful display of cultural continuity, the participants walked barefoot around 50 Km from Kanekes Village to the official residence of the Lebak Regent. The traditions shows a symbolic act of respect and connection between the indigenous community and local authorities.
More than a ceremonial event, Seba Baduy is a cultural expression of gratitude for a bountiful harvest following the completion of sacred Baduy rituals, including Kawalu and Seren Taun (Ngalaksa). Villagers carried agricultural offerings, representing both their respect for nature and contribution to the government.
Lebak Regent M. Hasbi Asyidiki Jayabaya expressed pride in the continued relevance of the Baduy’s sacred traditions. “Seba Baduy is a unique and invaluable cultural legacy. People of Lebak should be proud to be part of it,” he said, as reported by RRI on Saturday (May 3).
Honoring Nature, Strengthening Bonds
More than a point of pride, Hasbi emphasized the deeply rooted philosophical values of Seba which is community cooperation, kinship, and environmental stewardship.
“We see the unity between Banten and West Java. It’s a reminder of our commitment to mutual support and togetherness,” Hasbi said.
He also underscored the importance of preserving nature, echoing the Baduy’s ancestral wisdom:
“Gunung teu meunang dilebur, Lebak teu meunang diruksak,” he recited in Sundanese, meaning “Mountains must not be destroyed, lowlands must not be damaged.”
This time-honored mantra carries a profound environmental message, resonating amid growing global concerns over climate change and ecological degradation.
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Echoing the regent’s remarks, Baduy community representative Jaro Saidi Putra reaffirmed that Seba is not just a tradition, it is a moral call to action.
“Seba is a reminder to the government and all people to jointly protect and preserve the natural world, for the safety and well-being of current and future generations,” said Jaro.
He concluded with a powerful affirmation of Baduy cultural principles:
“Gunung teu meunang dilebur (Mountains must not be exploited), Lebak teu meunang diruksak (Valleys must not be damaged), Buyut teu meunang dirobah (Ancestral traditions must not be altered),” he declared.
After the ceremony at the Lebak Regent’s residence, the Baduy delegation continued their journey on Saturday morning (May 3) to the Governor’s Office in Serang, Banten, to extend their Seba offering to the provincial government.
This year, Seba Baduy was also included in the 2025 Karisma Event Nusantara (KeN) calendar, an initiative by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy recognizing the country’s rich and irreplaceable cultural heritage.
(Raidi/Agung)
