Warga Badui Luar Dan Dalam Turun Gunung Rayakan Tradisi Seba

Thousands of Bedouin and Bedouin residents are ready to "go down the mountain" to celebrate the Seba tradition with regional heads to establish friendship and express gratitude. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Seba traditional celebration is again a special moment for the Bedouin community, both from the Interior Bedouin and the Outer Bedouin group.

This annual tradition is not just a cultural ceremony, but a tangible form of gratitude and respect for regional leaders for their permission and support in managing the produce for a year.

In a strong traditional dress, thousands of Bedouin residents are ready to "go down the mountain" and visit the Lebak Regency Government Hall and the Banten Governor's Office while carrying their best agricultural products.

Santa (55), one of the residents of the Outer Bedouin, revealed that the Seba tradition is an important event to strengthen friendship between indigenous peoples and regional officials.

"We hope to meet directly with the Regent and Governor, as our ancestors did. This is a form of our respect and gratitude," he said in Lebak, Thursday, as quoted by ANTARA.

In order to welcome Seba, the Bedouin community has prepared various traditional agricultural commodities, such as bananas, Huma rice, honey, sugar palm, as well as special snacks such as laks and ja'at. Santa and his group have even harvested dozens of banana bunches that they will present at the peak event.

The meeting between the Bedouin residents and the Lebak Regent Hasbi Asyidiki Jayabaya and the Governor of Banten Andra Soni was part of a traditional ceremony that was upheld and considered sacred. The handover of agricultural products is not only a symbol of appreciation, but is also believed to be an obligation that if neglected, can invite disasters according to hereditary beliefs.

The Secretary of Kanekes Village, Medi, explained that this year's Seba celebration will be attended by around 1,500 residents, including representatives from the inner Bedouin villages such as Cibeo, Cikawartana, and Cikeusik. Although the outside world continues to grow, the Badui Dalam people remain steadfast in holding their customs, including the prohibition of using motorized vehicles and dressed all in white with their distinctive headbands.

Meanwhile, the Bedouin residents, who are now more open to modernization, wear black clothes and are allowed to ride vehicles to travel. However, the spirit of keeping the tradition burning among them.

"This year we call it Seba Gede because the number of participants is very large. We hope that everything will take place safely and meaningfully," said Medi.

Imam Rismahayadin, Head of the Lebak Regency Tourism and Culture Office, said that the Seba event is scheduled to take place on May 2, 2025. Interestingly, this year Seba is included in the 2025 National Event Calendar (KEN), which opens wider opportunities to attract tourist visits both local and foreign.

"This tradition not only strengthens cultural values, but can also have a positive impact on local economic growth, especially for MSME and tourism actors," concluded Imam.