KULTUR: DESA TRUNYAN DAN TRADISI 11 ABAD MASYARAKAT BALI ASLI

Summary

Desa Trunyan, an ancient village in Bali, practices unique funeral rites where the deceased are left above ground to naturally decompose, surrounded by the sacred Taru Menyan tree that neutralizes the smell. The village, home to the Bali Aga people, maintains its distinct cultural identity, with strict burial customs where only men participate in the burial process. The bones of the dead are preserved and displayed openly with personal items. This rare tradition, far from being eerie, is a deeply spiritual and sacred practice that highlights the balance between life and death, reflecting Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trunyan is one of the oldest villages in Bali, with beliefs that their ancestors were descended from the sky to give life to the village.
• 😀 The people of Desa Trunyan believe that life and death are inseparable, and death is viewed as an honor.
• 😀 Trunyan's burial tradition is unique, as bodies are left above the ground to decompose naturally, unlike traditional burials.
• 😀 The 'Taru Menyan' tree plays a key role in masking the odor of decomposition and is the source of the village's name.
• 😀 The Bali Aga people of Trunyan have distinct cultural traditions, including differences in festivals and rituals compared to other Balinese communities.
• 😀 During major festivals like Galungan and Kuningan, Trunyan does not use 'penjor' (decorative bamboo poles), a custom common in other Balinese areas.
• 😀 Only men are allowed to transport the deceased to the burial site, while women are not permitted to participate in the burial rituals.
• 😀 Items such as clothing, glasses, and even cell phones are left with the deceased as offerings to ensure they are taken care of in the afterlife.
• 😀 Bodies are not immediately buried; they stay in the family home for a period until a 'good day' for the burial is determined.
• 😀 Despite myths surrounding Trunyan's burial practices, the village views death and its rituals as sacred and not mystical or horror-related.

Q & A

What is the unique tradition of the Trunyan village regarding burial?

In Trunyan, the deceased are not buried underground but are placed on the surface, allowing the body to decompose in the open air. This method of burial is different from typical practices where bodies are buried in the ground.

Why is the village of Trunyan considered different from other Balinese villages?

Trunyan is considered unique because its people are Bali Aga, the original Balinese community, with distinct traditions and customs that differ from the general Balinese culture, despite sharing the same Hindu beliefs.

What is the significance of the Taru Menyan tree in Trunyan?

The Taru Menyan tree plays an important role in the burial process in Trunyan. The tree is believed to neutralize the odor of decomposing bodies, and its name is also the origin of the village's name, 'Trunyan'.

What does the Taru Menyan tree smell like, and why is it important?

The Taru Menyan tree has a fragrant scent that masks the odor of the decaying bodies at the burial site. The scent of the wood is so distinct that even a small piece of the tree can release its fragrance.

How does the Trunyan village deal with the remains of the deceased after they decompose?

After the bodies have decomposed, the bones are cleaned and displayed in the cemetery. The bones of the deceased are placed in a structured manner, sometimes alongside personal items that the deceased valued during their life.

What restrictions exist regarding who can attend the burial ceremonies in Trunyan?

In Trunyan, only men are allowed to participate in the funeral process, including transporting the body to the burial site. Women are not allowed to accompany the body to the cemetery.

Why are personal items such as food, clothing, or electronics found near the burial site in Trunyan?

Personal items such as food, clothes, and even electronics are placed near the deceased's body as part of the burial tradition. These items are considered 'offerings' or 'belongings' of the deceased, reflecting their preferences in life.

What happens if a woman visits the Trunyan burial site?

Women are generally not allowed to visit the Trunyan burial site, as it is a tradition that only men are involved in the burial process. However, female visitors are permitted to observe the site but must respect the local customs and restrictions.

What role do rituals play in the Trunyan burial process?

Rituals are an essential part of the Trunyan burial process. These rituals help in preparing the deceased for their final resting place and are deeply tied to spiritual beliefs. The community follows specific rituals, including waiting for an auspicious day to bury the deceased.

How does the Trunyan community perceive the burial practices in relation to spiritual beliefs?

The burial practices in Trunyan are seen as sacred and spiritual, rather than superstitious or mystical. The villagers view these customs as part of their cultural identity, deeply connected to their ancestors and the local spiritual practices, with no association to horror or the supernatural.