Not Just Clothing! Check The Difference Between Outer Baduy And Deep Baduy, Which One Is More Open?

YOGYAKARTA - There are still many people who do not fully understand the Baduy Tribe. For that, let's explore and understand deeply the differences between Outer Baduy and Baduy Dalam, two groups that live side by side with different customary rules.

At first glance, the Baduy are in one group, this group called "Dangka" and "Pikukuh" has a firm dividing line. To get to know this difference more clearly, it is agreed from the Citizenship Virtues Journal, 2023, 3 (2) VOI summarizes for you the following important points:

The Baduy tribe, or what calls themselves Urang Kanekes, is a group of indigenous peoples from sub-ethnic Sundanese who live in Lebak Regency, Banten. The general public recognizes them with the characteristic of walking without footwear and is a pure honey producer from the forest.

However, this tribe is divided into two main groups, namely Baduy Luar (Dangka) and Baduy Dalam (Pikukuh). The difference between the two is not only in the geographical aspect.

The difference between these two baduy groups lies in cultural practices, the everyday lifestyle, and the fundamental values they engage in, especially in responding to the increasingly violent current modernization.

Baduy Dalam is an integral (Pikukuh) part that adheres to tradition, while Baduy Luar (Dangka) is an individual who has moved or left the core customary region.

Despite being in the same culture, there are significant differences that distinguish these two groups. This difference is the key to understanding the level of their customary compliance.

First, the difference lies in settlement locations and visual identities. Baduy Dalam lives in an isolated core area, namely in Cikeusik, Cibeo, and Ciketawana villages.

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Baduy in having clear visual markers, namely by wearing clothes that are dominated by white and black headbands. On the other hand, Baduy Luar lives in Kanekes' outer villages such as Cikadu, Cisagu, and Gajeboh, and their clothes are dominated by black, blue dongker, or batik.

Second, the fundamental differences exist in traditional rules and contact with the outside world. The Inner Baduy group is known to maintain very strong isolation and strictly adhere to ancestral traditions.

The Baduy in expressly prohibiting the entry of modern technology, such as cell phones or electronic goods, and not using electricity in everyday life.

Meanwhile, Baduy Luar is more open to the outside world. They are starting to be influenced by modern culture, including the allowing simple use of technology.

In addition, the intense interaction with the outside community also affected the external Baduy economic sector, which is more developed in selling crafts and produce than the inner Baduy group.

The view between Baduy Dalam and Baduy Outside of social change and globalization is in stark contrast, which creates its own dilemma.

First there is the Baduy Dalam group that chooses total isolation. With a very conservative view, they see modernization and foreign change as a serious threat to their identity and traditions.

In addition, Baduy's physical isolation in its application serves as a form of protection so that the purity of ancient culture and practice remains sustainable.

On the other hand, the Outer Baduy Group must face a dilemma. Closer contacts make them see modernization as an opportunity, for example for economic access.

Meskipun demikian, Baduy Luar juga harus menghadapi konflik internal dalam membalibrat tradisi dengan elemen-element baru yang masuk.

Baduy Luar became a connecting bridge that had to negotiate with the changing times, while Baduy Dalam served as the traditional purity guard guarding the Pikukuh Tilu main pole.

In the end, the differences between the Outer Baduy and the Baduy Dalam reflect two main strategies in maintaining cultural heritage. Baduy In choosing total isolation for the sake of purity, Baduy Luar chose selective adaptation for survival while still adhering to customary norms.