Baduy Tribe

The Baduy Tribe is a traditional tribe that lives in the Banten region of Sumatra. They live as they ancestors lived, in peace and in simple way. They have no need of modern life or technology. They are divided into two groups: the Baduy Dalam and the Baduy Luar, the Inner Baduy and the Outer Baduy respctively.

Currently there are about 400 Baduy Dalam spreaded in the three villages: Cibeo, Cikertawana and Cikeusik. The last village, Cikeusik is completely protected from the outer influence and no stranger can enter.

They are considered the ˝People of the sacred inner circle˝ and that is why they don´t make contact with the outer world. The Puun, the leader of the village, is the only one who can visit the most sacred territories of the Baduy.

The Baduy Luar live in 22 villages. They follow the rules but not as stricily as the Dalam people. In the past, even the Luar weren´t permitted to use modern clothes or work outside their villages. Now, the situation somewhat changed and they not only work in the cities but they also use some other elements of modern life such as toys, batteries...

They still reject schools in spite of the government´s effors to educate them. Thus, there aren´t many Baduy people able to read or write.