The Baduy Indigenous People, in their daily lives, live by the principles and rules handed down by their ancestors. They call it Pikukuh. These teachings are not just norms, but rather a legacy passed down from generation to generation that is deeply embedded in culture and everyday life.
Traditional leaders were the pioneers of cultivating this teaching. They use concise proverbial verses that have deep philosophical meaning. Proverbs and proverbs are considered an effective means of providing advice, warnings, and even sarcasm in everyday life. Apart from that, proverbs and proverbs also function as a control tool to maintain harmonious social relations among the Baduy community.
Pikukuh, as explained in the Sundanese dictionary, is a word that comes from "kukuh" which means firmly holding one's stance. Basic religious and customary concepts are the core of the hustle and bustle of Baduy people's lives. Pikukuh is a mandate from the ancestors that must be carried out as a dedication to the land they live in, which they call the pancer earth or the core of the universe. Therefore, all the actions, words and actions of the Baduy people must comply with the customary provisions which are embodied in the kembanguh.
Pikukuh is an inviolable guide, reflecting the Baduy people's firm belief and adherence to the norms and values that have been inherited. In the Sundanese dictionary, kembanguh is also defined as an expression that cannot be contested, in accordance with the basic religious and customary concepts that are firmly held by the Baduy people.
The Baduy people believe that their lives are a gift from Adam Tunggal through the teachings of Sunda Wiwitan. In this belief, the Baduy area must remain unchanged, must not be eliminated, and remain in accordance with what it is. Pikukuh contains prohibitions that must be followed, both by the Baduy community itself and by visitors from outside, as a form of respect for the land which is considered a sacred entrustment.
Some of the prohibitions contained in the kembanguh include prohibitions on changing the shape of the land, changing waterways, entering entrusted forests, planting certain cultivated plants, keeping four-legged livestock, and using chemical-based technology. All of these provisions have become an integral part of the life of the Baduy community, become the basis that is inherent in every individual, and cannot be shaken by the influence of changes in increasingly modern times.
Pikukuh is not just advice from ancestors, but is a way of life for the Baduy people. The points in kembanguh form the basis for every individual Baduy, are integrated into their souls, and are applied to actions without hesitation or question. Pikukuh is the basis for prosperity and peace in their lives as well as efforts to preserve nature from damage caused by human activities.
*Example of Baduy Mandate
Nu's great-grandparents entrusted to puun ka puun (Great-grandchildren entrusted to puun)
Nagara satelungpuluh telu (Thirty-three countries)
Bangawan Sawidak Lima (river sixty five)
Pancer Salawe Negara (center of twenty countries)
Mount Teu Meunang was melted down (mountains must not be destroyed)
Lebak teu meunang is destroyed (the valley must not be damaged)
The prohibition on teu meunang is broken down (the prohibition must not be violated)
Teu Meunang's great-grandfather was demolished (great-grandfather cannot be changed)
Lojor teu meunang cut (length cannot be cut)
Teu Meunang cottage is connected (long length cannot be connected)
**This article was written by: Amara Elvita_Estungkara Internship Student_FISIPOL UGM 2023
