RRI.CO.ID, Serang – In Indonesia, there is an ethnic group that lives in the western Java province of Banten: the Baduy people. They primarily live in Lebak Regency, in Banten Province.

The Baduy are known for their strong preservation of ancestral traditions. They also live a very simple life, far from the influence of modernization.

They sustain themselves through farming, especially by cultivating rice using traditional methods without modern tools. They also largely follow a local belief, Sunda Wiwitan, and place great importance on maintaining the balance of nature.

The Baduy people consist of two communities: Outer Baduy (Baduy Luar) and Inner Baduy (Baduy Dalam). While Inner Baduy accepts aspects of modern life and electricity, Inner Baduy is more restrictive.

Last weekend, thousands of them walked barefoot for a total distance of around 80 kilometers. They took part in the rare, annual Seba Baduy tradition, where tradition meets exposure to the modern, outside world.

In Seba Baduy, they visit local leaders, the Regent of Lebak and the Governor of Banten. To the leaders, whom they regard as "Mister Great" (Bapak Gede), they present agricultural produce and convey messages from their elders.

Wearing traditional clothing, about 1,500 Baduy people depart on Friday, 24 April 2026; from their home villages to Rangkasbitung, the capital of Lebak Regency, approximately 40 kilometers to the north. Vice Regent of Lebak, Amir Hamzah, greeted them.

"We are all happy that our Baduy brothers and sisters have arrived in a state of complete peace," Amir said, as he invited the participant to rest briefly before continuing the walk.

On Saturday, 25 April 2026, they continued their walk to Serang, the capital of Banten, located about 30 kilometers farther north. This is considered the peak of the Seba Baduy, as they are expected to meet the current Banten governor, Andra Soni.

As they were about to enter the State Building (Gedung Negara) of Banten Province in Serang, Governor Soni greeted them. They saw bringing their products, primarily bananas.

"Today, we are welcoming 1,552 people from the Kanekes Traditional Village... This is a series of centuries-old traditions that continues," Andra Soni said on Saturday.

He explained that the Baduy people held the tradition every year after Kawalu, a traditional period of fasting. According to him, the Baduy people's presence serves as an important reminder for the government and the wider community to maintain the balance of nature and obey the customary rules passed down from their ancestors.

"The community teaches us to obey the rules and preserve nature. There are many values we can learn from them," he said.

During a later forum with the governor, the Baduy people expressed several aspirations, particularly regarding environmental conditions. A representative of the Outer Baduy, Jaro Oom, said the indigenous community hopes the local government will address the environmental issues faced by the Kanekes community.

"We're raising concerns about the environment, rivers, mountains, and forests, which need to be reorganized. We hope for attention from the provincial and district governments," he said.

The Banten provincial government has created an organized Seba Baduy event in Serang, where various activities are also held, such as talk shows, performances, and bazaars. Some invitees have appeared, including ambassadors of countries.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Indonesia, Armin Limo. was among them. He thanked Governor Soni for hosting the Seba Baduy, deeply appreciated his hospitality and leadership.

"It was an honor to participate and witness his commitment to preserving Baduy heritage and the cultural identity of Banten," Ambassador Limo said in a statement, as received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Sunday, 26 April 2026.

"This unique experience was another opportunity to see for myself the hospitality and kindness of the people of Indonesia, which I fell in love with from the first moment I set foot in this beautiful country more than two years ago," he said.