Baduy Council Bans Foreign Tourists from Sacred Core Villages

KBRN, Rangkasbitung: In a move aimed at safeguarding cultural integrity, the indigenous council of the Baduy community in Lebak Regency, Banten, has issued a renewed ban on foreign tourists visiting the community's most sacred and traditional areas. The prohibition specifically targets the Inner Baduy villages and the neighboring Gajeboh village.

The ban, based on a decision by the local customary institution, is long-standing for the Inner Baduy and newly enforced for Gajeboh.

"Based on the decision of the customary institution, the Inner Baduy Villages, which are spread across Cibeo, Cikawartana, and Cikeusik, have been prohibited from foreign visitors from various countries since time immemorial," said Medi, Secretary of Kanekes Village, when contacted in Rangkasbitung on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as quoted from antaranews.com.

Similarly, Gajeboh village, which houses the Customary Institution’s main building and borders the Inner Baduy, is now off-limits to international visitors.

Medi explained that while Gajeboh was previously permitted for foreign visits, it is now included in the ban primarily because it contains the Customary Institution's house, which must not be photographed.

“We have issued a circular so that foreign tourists comply with the customary rules by not visiting Inner Baduy Village and Gajeboh Village,” clarified Medi.

He elaborated that one of the recurring issues was the unauthorized use of cameras in sacred areas. "We have many tourists taking pictures of the customary institution’s house using cameras, because of their lack of knowledge," he said.

While access to the inner areas is restricted, foreign tourists are still welcome to visit the Outer Baduy, which encompasses 61 settlements on the customary communal land. These villages include Kadu Jangkung, Karahkal, Kadu Gede, and others.

However, tourists are strongly discouraged from using outside tour guides who may not fully understand the specific customary prohibitions. Instead, Medi urged visitors to use local guides from the Baduy community itself.

“This is because local guides better understand the areas prohibited by custom, including the restrictions on cameras,” he added.

The local administration has expressed full compliance with the indigenous council’s decision. Head of Creative Economy Division of Culture and Tourism Agency at Lebak Regency, Farid Surawan, said that his agency respects the customary institution’s right to determine its own rules.

"We have no issue if there is a decision from the customary institution regarding the ban on foreign tourists entering Inner Baduy Village and Gajeboh Village. In fact, we will socialize the information to international tourists. We respect and value the decision of the Baduy Customary Institution and it must be obeyed," he affirmed. ***