Baduy Offers 'Saba Budaya', Rejects Tourist Village Concept

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Baduy tribe, living in the remote areas of Lebak Regency, Banten, offered a new tourism concept dubbed Saba Budaya or literally means friendly brotherhood visit as they rejected it to be considered as a tourist destination.

The change of the concept resulted from a discussion involving Puun, the highest leader of the tribe, and Lebak Tourism Agency Head. Both parties agreed on the tourism adjustment from a tourist attraction to Saba Budaya.

The Head of Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar district, Jaro Saija, stated that people could still visit Baduy areas despite the removal of the tourist destination status.

“We welcome people from outside the region to enter Baduy cultural areas, but keep in mind to maintain ethical behavior and preserve the environment in the area,” said Jaro as quoted from Antara on Monday, July 13.

Previously reported, the Baduy tribe submitted an open letter addressed to the local and central government to remove its area as a tourist attraction. Such a concept, it opined, highly attracted many tourists that leads to the declining quality of the region’s environment, for example, plastic waste from food and beverages of tourists piled up.

Lebak Regent Iti Octavia said his side was ready to realize Puun's request to change from a tourist destination to Saba Budaya Baduy. The government would also issue policies that prioritize the region's environmental sustainability.

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ANTARA