The root of diversity that creates Bhineka Tunggal Ika derives from the rich cultures that existed in Indonesia. There are hundreds of tribes in the archipelago country with their uniqueness. Sadly, as civilization has been quite a strike to these ancient races in Indonesia, many of them have begun disappearing. You’ll be surprised that even amidst the modernity in this era, some of these races have constantly been rejecting technology, had the notoriety of their cannibalism practices, and don’t mind living in isolation. Learn more about it in the following article by the best Bali villas management, Bali Villas R Us.

The Oldest Ancient Races in Indonesia: Wajak Tribe

This tribe no longer exists and it could be one of the oldest races in Indonesia. They resided in Tulungagung City, East Java. The only proof of their living is Homo Wajakensis fossil. There is no finding for their history and the tribe background. Although their existence is considered mysterious, this tribe has become a legend lingering in the Tulungagung areas.

Kerinci Tribe

The second one, the Kerinci tribe is probably the second oldest in Indonesia. They rely on agriculture to survive. The tribe is indigenous to the Bukit Barisan, in the highland around Mt. Kerinci, Jambi province, South Sumatra. The rumor says that they have lived on even before the presence of Inka and Indian tribes on the American Continent. This region, Kerinci, is popular for its highest volcanic mountain in South-East Asia. Their distinctive dialect is part of the Austronesian language.

Baduy Tribe

A Shot by Dickyandryanto

Baduy tribe is the offspring of Pajajaran natives who escaped to Banten due to the conquest of Sunda Kelapa port by the Demak Kingdom. They live in West Java, Banten Province. They have their own dialect originating from the Sundanese language. There are two sub-tribes of Baduy. Those are Baduy Dalam and Baduy Luar.

What differentiates each of them is their degree of modernization acceptance. The former one despises technology so much that they reject any forms of advancement such as vehicles, electricity, modern communication tools, and many more. The latter is more open to the idea. However, both belief in earth conservation through taking care of their surrounding environment. They even do not put on footwear on a daily basis and feel extreme guilt when they have to see the forests being cut down.

If you visit Baduy Dalam, you will most likely annoy and upset them by showing off the technology you bring with you. As one of the ancient races in Indonesia, the dwellers of Banten Province live simply and in complete isolation without the aids of health and education from the government. Instead, they bound themselves with a set of traditions and cultural practices.  It will amaze you that this tribe is a handicraft specialist especially in woven fabrics and exceptional tribal fits. The visitors can purchase them to help their economy.

Dani Tribe

Since hundred years ago in the depth of Baliem Valley, Irian Jaya, you can find a tribe that gets by on agriculture. The tribe is renowned for their Honai house architecture, traditional outfits Koteka (natural sheath that covers their genitals), and War Dance. They are people of Dani, a former race that stood the culture of cannibalism. Once, they also embraced the culture of finger cutting to show their devotion to their fallen partner or family. Today, they emerge with other indigenous tribes of Yali and Moni to survive the modernization.

As time changes, the natives degrade and ban their extreme rituals. In the annual celebration of Baliem Valley, there will be a feast held in Wamena. They integrate pork in their food ingredient to signify their form of respect for their deceased ancestors. When you’re tripping in August, you may get a taste of their delicious cooking.

Dayak Tribe

Before the digital nomads happening in Indonesia, these people were the nomads known for their constant moving into an area and out to another since 2000 B.C. Thus, their origins are still in question. However, in Indonesia, they inhibit the island of Kalimantan, specifically in the western part. Dayak tribe consists of hundreds of sub-tribes. Their famous cultural practices are their stunning tattoo, large earrings, and Dayak traditional colorful costume. It is said that the Dayak tribe descendants in the modern era still live on the nomadic practice in a sense of studying and finding employment.

Bali Tribes

A shot by Gingsoel_99, I Gede Sanat Kumara

This tribe is one of the ancient races in Indonesia that populates the Land of the Gods. Recognized as Bali Aga/ Bali Mula, you can discover them in the Karangasem villages of Tenganan and Trunyan. Their aspect of Hinduism is unlike that of Indian religious practices. They have faith in the power of nature and the spirit within the living and non-living. Other countries respect their cultures for instance the funeral method under Taru Menyan (a special kind of tree that mitigates the smell of rotting corpses). Taru Menyan later derives the name of the village abbreviating it into Trunyan. Another ritual carried out between May to June is Perang Pandan or Mekare-kare. It’s a form of entertainment that involves pandan leaves. The thorns functions as a weapon for these gladiators to injure the opponent.

Have You Met These Ancient Races in Indonesia Personally?

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