KAMPUNG INI TAK MAKAN NASI HAMPIR SATU ABAD

Summary

The Cireundeu Traditional Village in Cimahi, West Java, showcases unique cultural practices, particularly its rejection of rice as a staple food for over 85 years. Instead, the villagers rely on cassava, which they process into various products like sago, chips, and even cakes. The community maintains its independence from economic fluctuations and embraces a sustainable lifestyle. With a deep respect for their ancestral beliefs, they practice Sunda Wiwitan and prioritize the preservation of their customs, including the teaching of the Sundanese script to the younger generation. The village continues to uphold a rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern times.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kampung Adat Cireundeu in Cimahi, West Java, is a traditional village known for its unique customs, including a ban on consuming rice as a staple food for over 85 years.
• 😀 The village spans 64 hectares, with 60 hectares dedicated to agriculture and 4 hectares for settlement. It houses around 50 families or 500 people.
• 😀 The residents of Kampung Adat Cireundeu primarily rely on cassava (singkong) as their staple food, and they have developed various cassava-based products such as sago, opak, cireng, and even cassava-based snacks like bolu and dendeng.
• 😀 The community has remained economically resilient, not affected by rice price fluctuations, thanks to their reliance on cassava as their primary source of nutrition.
• 😀 The residents of Cireundeu adhere to the teachings of Sunda Wiwitan, an indigenous belief system, and maintain a strong connection with nature and their cultural heritage.
• 😀 Despite their religious beliefs, Cireundeu residents have adapted to modern changes, such as the use of technology like television and mobile phones, while still practicing their ancestral traditions.
• 😀 The local community has a history of resisting rice consumption due to its historical control by colonial powers and the subsequent struggle for food sovereignty.
• 😀 One notable tradition is the celebration of various ceremonies, including agricultural rituals and cultural performances, which highlight their respect for nature and the earth's bounties.
• 😀 The village has maintained its cultural identity by teaching the younger generation how to read and write in the traditional Sundanese script, which is rare in other parts of West Java today.
• 😀 Kampung Adat Cireundeu serves as a model of food sovereignty and cultural preservation, showcasing the importance of respecting and maintaining indigenous traditions for future generations.

Q & A

Why has rice been rejected as the staple food in Kampung Adat Cireundeu?

Rice has been rejected as the staple food in Kampung Adat Cireundeu for over 85 years due to historical factors. During the colonial era, the Dutch controlled rice production and distribution, leading the community to turn to cassava as a sustainable alternative.

What is the primary food source for the people of Kampung Adat Cireundeu?

The primary food source for the people of Kampung Adat Cireundeu is cassava, which is processed into various products such as flour, sago, and snacks like opak, eggrolls, and even cassava-based chips.

How does the rejection of rice benefit the people of Cireundeu in terms of food security?

Rejecting rice as a staple helps the people of Cireundeu maintain food security by insulating them from the fluctuations in rice prices and ensuring their food source is independent of external economic forces.

What makes Kampung Adat Cireundeu resilient in terms of agricultural practices?

Kampung Adat Cireundeu is resilient due to its reliance on cassava cultivation. Unlike rice, which is vulnerable to price changes and economic disruptions, cassava remains a stable and reliable food source for the community.

What is the significance of the Sunda Wiwitan belief system to the people of Cireundeu?

The Sunda Wiwitan belief system is central to the culture of Cireundeu, guiding their respect for nature and the preservation of cultural traditions. It emphasizes harmony with the environment and the importance of rituals and customs.

How do the customs and rituals of Cireundeu compare to those of the Baduy?

While both Cireundeu and the Baduy follow the Sunda Wiwitan belief system, there are key differences. The Baduy community is more insular, with strict rules about not allowing outsiders, while Cireundeu is more open, welcoming guests without breaking their sacred customs.

What is the meaning of 'Ngindung ka Waktu' in the context of Cireundeu's way of life?

'Ngindung ka Waktu' translates to 'respecting time,' a key value in Cireundeu. It reflects their deep connection to their traditions and their commitment to preserving cultural practices while adapting to changes in society.

How does the community of Cireundeu teach younger generations about their culture?

In Cireundeu, younger generations are taught to read and write in the Sundanese script, a practice that is becoming rare in other parts of West Java. This helps preserve their cultural identity and ensures the continuity of their traditions.

What role does agriculture play in the economy of Cireundeu?

Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cassava, plays a vital role in the economy of Cireundeu. It not only provides food but also supports local businesses, such as those producing snacks and other cassava-based products for sale.

How does the openness of Cireundeu towards outsiders influence their community?

Cireundeu's openness to outsiders fosters cultural exchange and allows the community to maintain a balance between preserving their traditions and engaging with the outside world. It helps them stay connected to modern society while respecting their cultural heritage.