TAPAK KAKI BADUY - Ekspedisi Indonesia Biru #03

Summary

This video script explores the life and traditions of the Baduy people, focusing on their unique relationship with nature and ownership, particularly in the context of seasonal fruit collection, like durian. It highlights the absence of formal education in their community and how they pass down values through non-academic methods, including sustainable practices like waste sorting. The script also touches on their adaptation to changing environments, such as walking long distances to trade goods, and their harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Their resilience in maintaining cultural practices despite external pressures is a key theme throughout.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Badui people, living in Kanekes, have a unique perspective on ownership, where fruit like durian is considered owned by whoever finds it, highlighting their non-materialistic culture.
• 😀 The Badui concept of ownership is applied not only to durian but also to other fruits, like Binglu, a type of mango, showing their connection to the land and respect for nature.
• 😀 This concept also emphasizes that accumulating assets is unnecessary if one cannot care for or maintain them, aligning with their environmentally conscious way of living.
• 😀 Increasing external interest in Badui's durians has led to the practice of tying fruit to trees, shifting some of the traditional practices to accommodate outside demand.
• 😀 Sapri, a 17-year-old, represents the younger generation of the Badui community, helping sell durians at the Ciboleger market, yet none of Sapri's siblings have received formal education.
• 😀 Formal education is considered taboo in the Badui community, with the belief that it isn’t necessary for their way of life, which is focused on agriculture and practical skills.
• 😀 The younger generation, like Maang, is taught practical skills from a very young age, such as sorting plastic waste, which is seen as a threat to the environment in their community.
• 😀 The Badui community practices a unique form of waste management at the household level, which is not common in urban families, underscoring their environmental awareness.
• 😀 The community’s adaptation to changes in the environment, such as walking on asphalt roads instead of just muddy paths, is an example of how they adapt to modern infrastructure while maintaining cultural practices.
• 😀 Some Badui people walk as far as 135 km to Jakarta after harvest seasons, carrying honey to sell, showcasing their resilience and commitment to traditional livelihoods even when using modern transportation methods.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the journey and traditions of the Badui community reveal a strong connection to both cultural preservation and adaptability to new ways of life, as seen through their continued use of agriculture and modern knowledge integration.

Q & A

What is the significance of the concept of ownership in the Badui community?

In the Badui community, the concept of ownership is fluid. The fruits that fall from trees, such as durian, are considered to belong to whoever finds them, reflecting the idea that one does not need to accumulate assets if they cannot take care of them.

How does the concept of ownership in the Badui community compare to other regions?

Unlike other regions where ownership is more strictly defined, the Badui community's approach emphasizes shared access and respect for nature, rather than individual accumulation of wealth or goods.

What is the role of formal education in the Badui community?

Formal education is not a priority in the Badui community. It is seen as a taboo, with most of the community members focusing on practical skills such as farming and understanding nature, rather than pursuing traditional schooling.

How do the Badui children learn despite not attending formal schools?

Children in the Badui community learn through hands-on experiences and from their elders, such as learning how to collect plastic waste to protect the environment, which is taught as a vital part of their upbringing.

What is the importance of the Badui's tradition of barefoot walking?

The tradition of walking barefoot is deeply rooted in Badui customs. It is not just about physical health but also a symbolic connection to the earth and their ancestral practices. This also poses challenges as they adapt to walking on modern roads like asphalt.

How does the Badui community adapt to modern roads and infrastructure?

While traditionally the Badui people walk on dirt roads, they now face the challenge of walking on hot, hard surfaces like asphalt. Despite the discomfort, they have adapted by using thicker footwear to protect their feet when necessary.

What do the Badui people do with the honey they collect?

The Badui people collect honey from the forest, but they only sell it after receiving a minimum order of 10 bottles. They sell it at a price of Rp100,000 per bottle, but rather than carrying it on their journeys, they entrust it to outsiders for delivery.

What is the significance of the journey the Badui people take to Jakarta?

The journey to Jakarta, which can take up to 4 days and covers 135 kilometers, is significant because it demonstrates the Badui people's resilience and the necessity of selling honey in larger markets, even though they remain deeply rooted in their traditional way of life.

What does the video reveal about the balance between tradition and modernization in the Badui community?

The video highlights the Badui community's ability to preserve their traditional practices while adapting to modern challenges. They maintain strong ties to their heritage, yet are not opposed to adapting certain aspects of their lives to interact with modern society, such as selling goods outside their community.

How do the Badui community’s farming practices differ from modern agricultural techniques?

The Badui community relies on traditional farming methods passed down through generations, which prioritize sustainability and harmony with nature. These methods differ significantly from modern agricultural techniques, which often involve the use of advanced technology and chemical inputs.