CIREUNDEU TRADITIONAL VILLAGE IN INDONESIA, BETWEEN TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY

Summary

Explore the charming Cireundeu Traditional Village in West Java, where modern life blends seamlessly with ancient customs. This close-knit community, rooted in the Sunda Wiwitan belief system, thrives on agriculture, particularly cassava farming, and lives by sustainable forest practices. With a rich cultural heritage, the village hosts traditional ceremonies, arts performances, and unique customs that honor their ancestors. Despite its deep traditions, the village embraces modern technology, offering free Wi-Fi and staying connected with the outside world. Discover the harmony between nature, tradition, and progress in this fascinating cultural experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cireundeu Traditional Village is located in Leuwigajah Village, South Cimahi, West Java, and is home to about 60 families.
• 😀 The village's name, Cireundeu, comes from the 'reundeu tree,' which was once the largest tree in the area.
• 😀 The majority of the village residents practice Sunda Wiwitan, an indigenous belief system that influences their daily life and culture.
• 😀 Cireundeu's residents uphold strong cultural traditions, including the concept of three types of forests: Leuweung Larangan (Forbidden Forest), Leuweung Tutupan (Reforestation Forest), and Leuweung Baladahan (Agricultural Forest).
• 😀 Cassava has been a staple food in Cireundeu since 1924, and it is used in a variety of ways, including sago, snacks, and even cassava rice.
• 😀 The village has its own unique way of maintaining harmony, respecting different beliefs, and adapting to modern technologies like cell phones, television, and even free wifi.
• 😀 Monthly wayang golek performances are held at the Bale Saresehan as a form of gratitude to the Almighty and to celebrate the harvest.
• 😀 Traditional arts such as gondang, karinding, and angklung buncis are performed during special ceremonies or to welcome guests.
• 😀 The village’s settlement pattern is designed so that homes face east, allowing sunlight to enter the earth, which is considered important for spiritual and environmental reasons.
• 😀 Visitors to Cireundeu can explore local landmarks like the Saung Baraya, Bale Saresehan, and Imah Panggung, where traditional cultural displays and rituals are showcased.
• 😀 The community also has strict rules, such as restricting access to ancestral graves and only allowing related individuals to visit, ensuring respect for their cultural and spiritual practices.

Q & A

What is the Cireundeu Traditional Village known for?

The Cireundeu Traditional Village is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its adherence to the Sunda Wiwitan belief system, its agricultural practices, and its deep-rooted traditions, such as the cultivation and processing of cassava.

What is the significance of the name 'Cireundeu'?

The name 'Cireundeu' comes from the 'reundeu tree,' which was once the most abundant tree species in the village, reflecting the area's natural history.

How many families live in Cireundeu, and what do they primarily do for a living?

Approximately 60 families live in Cireundeu, and most of them make their living by farming cassava, which is a staple crop in the village.

How does Cireundeu preserve its traditional way of life while adapting to modern times?

Despite upholding traditional customs, the people of Cireundeu have embraced modern technology, such as cell phones, television, and even wifi, all while maintaining their cultural practices.

What is the traditional village concept in Cireundeu?

Cireundeu follows a traditional village concept where the land is divided into three areas: Leuweung Larangan (forbidden forest), Leuweung Tutupan (reforestation forest), and Leuweung Baladahan (agricultural forest), each with specific purposes related to environmental preservation and agricultural practices.

What role does cassava play in the lives of the people in Cireundeu?

Cassava is central to the livelihood of the Cireundeu people. It has been consumed since 1924 and is processed into various food products, such as aci (sago), cassava rice, snacks, and even used for souvenirs.

What cultural traditions are practiced in Cireundeu?

In Cireundeu, cultural traditions include wayang golek performances held during the month of Sura, the use of traditional musical instruments like angklung buncis, gondang, and karinding, and ceremonies that honor ancestors and express gratitude to the Almighty.

What is the purpose of the Saung Baraya and Bale Saresehan in Cireundeu?

The Saung Baraya and Bale Saresehan serve as communal spaces where local residents gather for meetings, ceremonies, and art performances, such as the wayang golek shows. These spaces play a vital role in the social and cultural life of the village.

Why are the graves of Cireundeu's ancestors off-limits to visitors?

The graves are protected and cannot be visited by outsiders without proper permission, to prevent misuse or disrespect of the sacred sites. This rule helps maintain the sanctity and respect for the ancestors.

What was the experience of the narrator in Cireundeu during their visit?

The narrator enjoyed learning about the village's history and traditions from Kang Jajat, a descendant of Mamak Agung. They were also interested in trying the local cassava products but could not do so as the shop was closed. The narrator left with plans to return for a homestay experience.