Gajeboh and Badui Dalam Are Closed to Foreign Tourists, as Traditional Institutions Affirm the Sacredness of the Villages.

SERANG - The Badui Traditional Institution in Lebak Regency, Banten, has banned foreign tourists from visiting the Inner Badui and Gajeboh Villages. This decision was made to preserve the sacredness and authenticity of the Badui indigenous community.

Medi, Secretary of Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District, explained that the ban has long been in effect for the Inner Badui area, which includes the villages of Cibeo, Cikawartana, and Cikeusik.

"From the past until now, the Inner Badui Village has been prohibited from being visited by foreign tourists from various countries," Medi said when contacted in Rangkasbitung by Antara on Tuesday, October 7.

He added that Gajeboh Village, which was previously open to foreign tourists, is now also closed based on the customary institution's decision.

"Because in Gajeboh Village, there is a house of the Traditional Institution, and it is located on the Inner Badui border. That house cannot be photographed," he said.

The village has sent an official circular to relevant parties urging foreign tourists to comply with the ban.

"Foreign tourists are still allowed to visit the Outer Badui villages, which are spread across 61 villages, such as Kadu Jangkung, Karahkal, Kadu Gede, Belimbing, Cicakal, and Kadu Ketug," said Medi.

However, he emphasized that foreign tourists are prohibited from using guides from outside the Badui community.

"Outside guides don't understand customary prohibitions, including regarding the use of cameras. It's better to use local guides from the Badui community themselves," he said.

Meanwhile, Kanekes Village Head Jaro Oom stated that this decision was made after a meeting with traditional elders.

"We have discussed it in a customary meeting. The result is that foreign tourists are prohibited from entering the Inner Badui and Gajeboh villages. We hope this regulation will be complied with," he said.

He added that foreign tourists are still allowed to visit the Outer Badui villages with the assistance of local guides.

The Head of the Creative Economy Division of the Lebak Regency Culture and Tourism Office, Farid Surawan, emphasized that the local government supports the decision of the traditional institution.

"We respect and honor the decision of the Badui Traditional Institution. This is part of preserving cultural values ​​that must be adhered to," he said.

According to Farid, the Tourism Office will help disseminate this new regulation to foreign tourists to prevent violations in the field.