RRI.CO.ID, Lebak - At least 1,580 residents of the Baduy community in West Java, are set to descend upon the urban centers of Lebak and Serang this weekend for the 2026 Seba ritual. This traditional pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Baduy culture, serves as a formal expression of gratitude to the regional administration for a successful harvest and a means of maintaining a centuries-old diplomatic bond.

The delegation, comprising both the Inner Baduy (Baduy Dalam) and Outer Baduy (Baduy Luar) subgroups, will meet with Lebak Regent Hasbi Asyidiki and Banten Governor Andra Soni to hand over agricultural offerings including bananas, tubers, and other forest products.

While the majority of the participants will travel via a fleet of 85 buses, 60 members of the Inner Baduy will honor their ancestral laws by traveling the entire 160-kilometer round-trip journey on foot.

“The Inner Baduy people still adhere to customs by traveling everywhere on foot and are prohibited from using vehicles,” said the Secretary of Kanekes Village, Medi, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that while 1,580 participants are currently registered, the number may rise before the festivities begin on Friday evening.

The ritual schedule is divided into two major receptions. The first leg of the Seba will take place at the Lebak Regency Hall on Friday night, April 24, where the community will be welcomed by Regent Hasbi Asyidiki. On Saturday night, April 25, the group will move to the Banten Provincial Hall in Serang to meet Governor Andra Soni.

The Baduy community views this annual event as more than a mere formality. For many, like Outer Baduy resident Sarmudi, it is a rare opportunity for direct dialogue with high-ranking officials.

"We have participated in Seba for the last three years and have been able to meet the local regional heads,” he said.

Recognizing the cultural significance and tourism potential of the event, the Lebak Culture and Tourism Agency has integrated the ritual into the national Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) agenda. To celebrate the occasion, local authorities have organized a series of peripheral activities at the Rangkasbitung Square, including a Baduy woven fabric fashion show, traditional games, and wayang golek (wooden puppet) performances.

“Seba Badui is included in the Karisma Event Nusantara agenda. We hope this activity will attract many tourists from both home and abroadi,” said Head of the Lebak Tourism Agency, Yosep Muhamad Holis. ***