Cultural Strengths of Osing Kemiren Tourism Village in Banyuwangi

RRI.CO.ID, Banyuwangi - The Osing Kemiren Tourism Village in Glagah Subdistrict, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java Province, demonstrates that traditional roots can be a key strength in making an impact on the global stage.

According to the Ministry of Tourism's official website, this culture-based village was recently named one of the top 20 in UN Tourism's 2025 Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Program. This recognition affirms Kemiren's status as a model for sustainable, community-based tourism development, rather than just a traditional village.

Kemiren Village is the center of the Osing Tribe, the indigenous people of Banyuwangi, believed to be descendants of the Blambangan Kingdom. The village covers approximately 177 hectares and has a population of 2,569. It preserves a language, traditions, architecture, and value system distinct from mainstream Javanese culture.

Visitors entering the village are greeted by rows of traditional Osing wooden houses with distinctive roofs and philosophical spatial arrangements. Many houses still retain their original interiors, offering a rare and authentic experience.

Geographically, Kemiren is strategically located on the route to the Ijen Crater and is part of the Ijen Geopark as a cultural site. This designation highlights the village's important cultural and geoheritage values that merit international preservation.

Unlike tourist villages with only scheduled attractions, Osing culture in Kemiren is an integral part of daily life. Tourists can experience traditional practices firsthand, including language, cuisine, and rituals.

Several outstanding art forms are major attractions, such as the Gandrung Dance, a Banyuwangi icon steeped in history. The Burdah is a religious music tradition typical of Java’s east coast. The Angklung Paglak is a musical performance atop a bamboo tower in the middle of a rice field. Another tradition is Mocoan Lontar Yusup, which involves reading ancient manuscripts. These traditions have all been designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage, strengthening Kemiren's legitimacy as a center for preserving Osing culture.

The village regularly hosts two national-scale cultural events: the Barong Ider Bumi and the Tumpeng Sewu Festival. The Barong Ider Bumi is a cleansing ritual featuring a barong parade to ward off disaster. The Tumpeng Sewu Festival showcases thousands of tumpeng, or rice cones, served simultaneously in front of residents' homes for communal consumption.

During the festival, the village transforms into a lively, photogenic communal space that attracts tourists and stimulates the local economy.

Gastronomically, pecel pitik is a culinary icon of Kemiren. This dish consists of roasted chicken seasoned with shredded coconut, offering a spicy, savory flavor. It is often served as a main course during traditional ceremonies in Kemiren Village. Thanks to its strong aroma and flavor, Kemiren’s Jaran Goyang coffee is also a tourist favorite.

Local MSMEs offer a variety of crafts, including batik featuring Gajah Oling and Kangkung Setingkes motifs. Residents sell these products directly, ensuring the economic impact is shared equally throughout the community.

Various experience packages are available, including learning to make batik, playing gamelan, and taking Gandrung dance classes with local instructors. Tourists who wish to experience village life more deeply can stay with an Osing family in a local homestay and enjoy authentic Banyuwangi home-cooked meals.

Kemiren Village’s success demonstrates that cultural preservation and tourism development can coexist. Through community-based management, a strengthened identity, and technological adaptation, the village shows that tradition can provide a strong foundation for global competitiveness. ***