Banten Province
The Capital City of Banten Province is
“Banten”
For visitors with a
bent toward archeology, there is Old Banten, capital of a former sultanate
which became a lost city more than century after Dutch troops razed it to the
ground in retaliation to the killing of an envoy. The main area of Banten
include the towns of Tanggerang, Serang, Merak Cilegon, Anyer, Labuan,
Pandeglang, Lebak, Ujung Kulon and Their surround area. The region shave some
very interesting Tour Adventure Objects, be it natural beauty. The coastline
starts from the old city of Banten and goes east to Merak and down South to
Anyer, Labuan, Ujung Kulon where it goes South East up to Pelabuhan Ratu. The
hilly part is in Pandeglang area, approximately 40 minutes drive from the town
of Serang. We could see Mount Pulosari standing erect.
It was considered
as a sacred place where the first Moslem King of Banten sought refuge during
the war. The small town of Pandeglang is well organized, clean, quiet and the
air is cooler. On the way to the town, we will find rice fields with mountain
backdrops providing one of those typical beautiful Indonesian scenes.
As generally the
people are referred to as Orang Banten (Banten People) and
they speak the Banten dialect which has a lot of similarity to the Sundanese dialect
of Tanah Pasundan with different intonations and the use of certain terms. When
Moslems arrived in Banten, those who refused to embrace the new faith fled to
the mountain.
The hills in
southern Banten are home to the Baduy Tribes People. An isolated tribe which
persists in holding on to it’s old pre-Moslem ways and beliefs and rejects any
intermarrying with outsiders. Banten is also known for it’s debus players.
Today they number to around 6,000 people and are referred to as “Suku Baduy” or
the Baduy Tribe. There are two Baduy communities. Now we start from Baduy
Tribes.
History of Banten
Province
In freedom time, Banten people want build a
province, since 1953 and 1963 made “Panitia” Banten Province in Serang regency Pendopo. In
meeting between Panitia Banten Province with DPR-GR make agreement to frame
Banten Province. In October 25, 1970 the
meeting of Banten agree Presidium of Panitia Banten Province. But not
convenient to build one province which unravel of west Java. In reformation order, struggle of Banten people is very obstinate
because free democracy and regency autonomy (self-government) issue. In July
18, 1999 there was declaration of Banten people in Serang alun-alun yard, later
Badan Komite Panitia Province Banten arrange basic guide and job planing and
recommendation of Komite Pembentukan Province Banten (PPB). Since that time, conformed subs of commission PPB in some regency in
Banten to fast conformation of Province Banten . After through martiall
aborious ultimately at 4 October 2000 Tight Paripurna DPR-RI affirm RUU
Banten Province become act No. 23 Year 2000 about Institution
Banten Province. Posterior at date October 17, 2000
Presiden Abdurrahman Wahid affirm UU No. 23 Year 2000 about
PPB.
Traditional
Costumes
The Banten
traditional costume from Serang territory is influenced by simplicity and
naturally that come from Islamic noble nuance.The motif of costume dominated by
white color which contains a purity of the society that uncontaminated by
outsiders. The man wear Iket (head belt) and the women
complemented with Kerudung (veil).
The Baduy Tribes
The Inner Baduy
Tribe or “Suku Baduy Dalam”, live in
3 villages, those are : Cikeusik Village, Cikertawarna Village, and Cibeo Village.
Live in the remotest part, and never leave, nor will they allow any outsider to
enter their secluded area. They practically have not been touched by modern
living. And the Outer Baduy Tribe or “Suku Baduy Luar”, live in the outer
zone, in the outside of that three villages. There are 53 villages in the
baduy. And allow people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Although basically
they still lead their traditional life, in some ways they allow the influence
of the outer world. Some of them even travel and mix with outsiders. The rest
of population simply called themselves “Orang
Banten”. The modern Orang Banten lead the same life style depending on the
area where they live. One interesting thing is that Banten is known for the
magical power possessed by the Gurus or
Masters.
The one more thing,
there are many prohibitions in their tradition law, like : Non to go to
schools. Not to keep cattle (Animals with four legs). Not to travel by
vehicles. Don’t use the electronically tools. Don’t use the luxury house
equipments. Not to have more than one wife / husband. These are the very unique
human being in the world. So, to know this tradition, join us and visit this
area. To get best knowledge and the best adventurer in the world.
Debus Banten
It is said that martial
arts originated from the area Debus al Madad. The longer the martial arts is
growing and growing in all societies as the art of entertainment offerings for
the community. The show is still very strong core martial arts or martial arts
movement and use of weapons. Debus art offerings, many uses and focus on one
player immune to attacks by sharp items, and sort of sharp weapon is called
with the whistle. Debus in Arabic which means sharp weapons made of iron, has a
pointed tip and slightly rounded shape. With this tool whistle players injured,
and usually can not be penetrated even whistle was beaten many times by others.
Attractions attraction of this body immunity is another variation which is
performed whistle. Among other things, belly pierced with sharp objects or
spears, slicing the body with a machete until the injured and uninjured, eat
fire, insert a long needle into the tongue, skin, cheeks until translucent and
not injured. Cutting limbs to wounded and bleeding but can be cured in
immediately, flush the body with hard water to clothes that cling dibadan
crushed, chewed glass / glass flakes, burn the body. And many more attractions
that they do.
In doing this attraction every player has a requirement those heavy conditions,
before they perform the ritual ritual performances given by their teachers.
Usually done 1-2 weeks before the ritual performed. In addition they are also
required to have a strong faith and be confident with the teachings of Islam.
Precepts for whistle players are not allowed to drink liquor, gambling, playing
a woman, or steal. And the players also have to believe and did not hesitate in
carrying out these actions, the offenses committed by a player can be very
harmful to the player's soul. According to some historical sources, Debus has a
relationship with a congregation in Islamic teachings. Which in essence is very
thick with religious philosophy, they are in very happy because face to face
with his god. They slammed their ketubuh sharps, no effort but by God alone. If
God does not allow a machete, machetes and bullets injure them. And they will
not hurt.
At this time many warriors living dikecamatan Walantaka
Debus, keragilan and areas of attack. Which is unfortunate existence of whistle
more and more reduced, because the youth prefer to seek another livelihood. And
because the attraction is also quite dangerous to do, because it is not
uncommon that many whistle players hurt from lack of exercise and there are
"ignorant" to show they are doing. So the longer the cultural
heritage is increasingly extinct. In the past we can see the attraction of this
whistle offerings in many areas, but now there are only whistle attractions at
the event - a specific event. So not every day we can see this attraction.
Cultural heritage, which is increasingly eroded by the changing times.
“I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING MUCH”
The above title is
the meaning of the words of Multatuli in Latin. Multatuli is the nickname of
Eduard Douwes Dekker, the writer of a famous book entitled “Max Havelar”,
through which he exposed protest and gave rent to his anger toward native
feodal land lords. Through this book also Lebak became well known to the world
as an example of colonialist greed in it’s colony. Native feodal landlords and Dutch
colonialist who both impoverish people through exploitation, oppression and
despotism.Eduard Douwes Dekker himself was a Dutch colonial official who ever
has good enough position as assistant resident of Banten. Just in that position
he saw a lot of injustice which aroused his anger.
“….. When there is
among us who neglected his duty to make profit, who sold justice for money or
seized caribou from the poor, and fruit belong to the possession of hungry
people, who will punish him if one of you knew it. Of course you would prevent
it and Bupati did not let such a thing occurred in his territory and me too
would prevent it whenever I am able to do it, but if you and I did not know
you, sir, the chief of Lebak country, who would part carry out justice in South
Lebak”.
The above words
were part of Mulatatuli’s fragment of vigorous speech part.
The Bird Sanctuary of Dua Island
Somehow the birds
made an agreement until they obey their itinerary together here for only one
destination ; To lay egg and breed their bird children. Over 100 species of
birds migrate from three continents are the fish eating birds and known to the
world such as Heron, Wild Duck, and the other Duck species, etc. the rest are
weather vane and birds that lay eggs between two up to four. The birds breed
their birds children until they strong enough and able to fly far away and go
back to the countries, where they came from. Then when the children are ready
to “Married” and to “Give Birth”, they also will follow their mother’s hail
namely go to “Pulau Dua – Dua Island” to lay and to hatch their eggs and breed
their children.
The birds have
already “Surveyed” it before that, this island is a completely land most modern
“Internity Clinic” in the world. Dua Island is full of unspoiled leafy trees.
This is the ideal place to make a nest and to lay eggs. The place is overflow
with pure water supported by nature and thousands bay of fishes available in
Banten which are ready to be Eden at any time. It’s great support to the bird
children’s health. Shortly the birds is lucky to go through thousands miles to
Dua Island.
The Dua Island is a
natural conservation area dedicated by government. To enter Dua Island we need
a special permit from tourism office Serang Regency. The visitors who have
gotten the permission will be given a directions about regulations during
visiting the island, especially during April to August which are the time where
the birds laying and hatching their eggs. A permit from PPA is required.
The Binuangeun Beach
Binuangeun Beach is
the Malingping sub district, Lebak Regency, 17 kilometers from Malingping’s Bus
Station. We could search and visit it by own car or public transportation. This
is the natural beach for recreation and sea sports. We could enjoy the
activities of the fishermen who sell the fishes. And there are many comfortable
places for taking a rest with our family along the beach. We could rent
bungalow or villa to stay temporary.
The Bagedur Beach
The Bagedur Beach
is still in Banten area. It’s about 4 kilometers from Malingping Bus Station to
Binuangeun. This beach has long sea shore which is covered by hard sand. We
could do so many activities here along the sea shore, such as Motor cross,
Marathon, Volley ball, Playing kite, Surfing, Swimming, and also many other.
Sure, we will feel satisfied to take a rest in Bedugur Beach. The Writer of
this book and crew, visit this beach to rent motorcycle taxi (Ojek). But
actually we could drive a car if we need or charter the vehicles. So, it’s was
the best experienced. How about you ?
The Cibodas Beach
The Cibodas Beach
is 18 kilometers from Malingping. Beside the street between Malingping and
Bayah, in Panggarangan sub district. We could see the forest in the beach vast
5 hectares width, include the trees give us comfortable to relax, and
experience in our adventure. And the large area is clean that has the shady
trees. Join us and visit this area to
get feel good in the natural fantastic place.
The Karang Taraje Beach
Directly to visit
The Karang Taraje Beach to be good Tour Adventure and best adventurer in the world. The beach
is full of rock like ladder or “Taraje”. This beach situated on Bayah sub
district, 4 kilometers from the bus stations, on the street between Bayah –
Cibareno. There are also beach shop and villa to spend the night. That is a
nice place for relaxing with our family or our adventure teams, and also we
could fishing beside the rocks. So, Please prepare our equipments.
Pulau Manuk Beach
Pulau Manuk Beach
or The Bird Island Beach is still in Bayah sub district. That attached by
Karang Taraje Beach, and this beach is has a white sand beach without the
rocks, also picturesque like the painting. The wide and slope sea shore has the
wave is comfortable place for swimming and surfing, and other sea sports. Stick
out into the sea, here is a rock island where many kinds of the birds take a
rest. We could drive here only take 2 kilometers from Karang Taraje.
The Ciantir Beach
Ciantir Beach, is
the natural beach which hasn’t touched yet, and we have never arranged or built
that place. The beach is still natural the same as Kuta Beach in Bali. There
are has so many caves surrounding this beach. And there is know by the “Tapak
Kabayan”, Kabayan Footprint Legend. We called that place “Tapak” because rock
is like footprint. Also another name of the beach is called “Sawarna” because
lies in Sawarna Village, Bayah sub district. Just 7 kilometers from The Bird Island.
The Anyer Beach
The Anyer Kidul Lighthouse
The Lighthouse,
which is situated at Anyer Kidul, was made by the Dutch in 1885, when they were
still colonialising Indonesia. Tower of 75,7 meters in height comprise 18
stories. This antique building is erect strongly and become the witness of
historical event namely the construction of 1.000 kilometers highway from Anyer
to Panarukan. The road constructions with thousands of forced laborers were
intended to connect Java Island from end to end, especially for postal transportation.
Carita Beach
The next beach is
called Carita Beach. People could still enjoy the drive viewing the sandy
beaches interspersed with coral and tall coconut trees. We could stop by the
beach and chat with the fishermen while they roast fish, prawn or lobster at
our order on open fire made out of coconut shells. The fishermen auction their
catches of the day in the market where most of the Jakarta citizen paying
supermarket prices. Anyer and Carita
will be a good place for relaxing and enjoy the fresh ozone and good seafood.
Sanghyang Island
Karang Bolong
The
name Karang Bolong means Rock (Karang) with a Hole (Bolong). This may have been
some frozen lava, formed during the eruption of Mount Krakatau. Karang Bolong
beach is the beach recreation area where there is a big rock with its hole in
the center, facing the open sea. The Rock forms a gate facing the sea, making
it look very picturesque. There is a small forest, which has been converted
into a recreation spot. There is a river flowing down to the sea where people
can have a bath of fresh water after swimming in the salty sea.
Karang Bolong beach is located 50 km from Serang town or 140 km from Jakarta,
on Karang Bolong Street. The large cave of coral reefs facing the open sea, is
still the reminder of Mount Krakatau’s explosion in 1883. This large hole was
shaped by earthquake risen by mighty explosion of Mount Krakatau. That is
Karang Bolong Cave, located at Karang Bolong Beach at least less 54 kilometers
distance from Serang City. At the top of this coral reef there were built rest
houses in order to enjoy open sea and hear the natural music of ceaseless wavy
sea.
The Archaeological Site of Lebak Cibedug
The Archaeological
Site of Lebak Cibedug is belongs to Cibeber Village, in Citorek district, on
Lebak Regency. The distance between Cikotok and Citorek is 34 kilometers from
Citorek to archaeological site, and located in about 8 kilometers on The Mount
Halimun’s National Park area. The archaeological site lies in the area 2
Hectares. And also on entrance gate, we could see the biggest Menhir with 235
Centimeter tall and 336 Centimeters.
The Chinese Temple
We could visit The
Chinese Temple. To reach this Chinese Temple we have to take detour, along a
parallel road leading further North. At the back of the temple there is a
retreat compound. We will face the altar with burning red candles when we enter
the gate. Behind it large table filled with variety of fruits served as an
offering. At the back of the altar stands the statue of the Goddess of Fortune
(Guan Yin or Kwan Im) party covered by a curtain. The Buddha statue is located
in another structure next to the temple, the front yard is shaded by huge old
trees giving it a tranquil surrounding.
The Menhir
Believe it or
not. That is the sacred Menhir. The
visitors could try pray here in front of it, and if we embrace twice we could
know the answer of our prayer (Got the Answered or No). The site which has 7
steps is made from Andesit’s stones material. The archaeological site is the
inheritance Megalithic in Neoliticum Era or on prehistory. So, what do you
think about it ? Just visit and join us
also try it !
The Banten Museum
The Banten Museum,
located in Northern part of Serang, we could learn the history of Banten and
the first time the Dutch set foot on the island of Java. Weapons, household
goods used, clay pipes for running drinking water and pieces of broken ceramics
are also on display. Across the road we
could still see the foundations and remains of the old palace, Surosowan.
Banten, the production of pepper propelled. Banten to become one of the busiest
port in the world, equal to the Dutch port of Amsterdam. This small fishing
town’s ancient ruins still serve as a reminder of times gone by. We could visit
Fort Speelwijk and the Kaibon Palace (Queen’s Palace) originally reached from
the sea by canals and see the ancient walls marking the center of the old city,
bronze cannons, ancient bathing pools, Chinese temples and mosques built over
three hundred years ago.Old Banten built during the reign of Maulana Yusuf
1566. The mosque is located a short walking distance from the museum. Not too
far from the mosque is the minaret with a spiral staircase to reach the top.
From there Muezzinns voice their prayer calls. At the north of the mosque is
the royal cemetery where four of the earlier Sultans of Banten were buried. The
later Sultans were buried at the South of the Mosque.
Curug Gendang
To Curug Gendang
waterfall or Drummer’s waterfall, we need to wear a strong comfortable pair of
shoes, since it is around 3 hours hike up the hill top though the jungle from
Carita.
Ujung Kulon National Park (Taman
Nasional Ujung Kulon)
Peucang Island & Karang Copong
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