Indonesia
The second speaker at the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) Guest Lecturer for Peking University was Yayuk Windarti, M.Si, a lecturer in the Study Program of Anthropology FCS UB. Yayuk gave a guest lecture with the theme “Exploring in East Java, Indonesia” to introduce more about the language, culture, and region in East Java on Friday (1/24/2025).
East Java, one of the largest provinces in Indonesia, holds extraordinary natural and cultural wealth. With the capital city in Surabaya, the region includes islands such as Madura, Sapudi, Raas, and Bawean. Apart from being known as the national granary, East Java has stunning landscapes such as Mount Semeru, Ijen Crater, Baluran National Park, and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park that attract tourists worldwide.
East Java is home to various tribes, including the Tengger Tribe, Osing Tribe, Madurese Tribe, and Javanese Tribe. Each has its own traditions and unique culture. The Tengger tribe, who live in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru mountain range, are known for their hospitality and preservation of ancestral traditions.
The Javanese language spoken in the region is characterized by its egalitarian and straightforward nature, and in Malang, there is even the Walikan language – a unique proverb that reverses words like “sam” for “mas or bro” and “nakam” for “eat.”
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is one of the leading icons of East Java, with its active volcano caldera and 10km sea of volcanic sand. The area is also known as the “Land of Edelweiss” because of the edelweiss flowers that flourish there. Since colonial times, Bromo has been a favorite tourist destination. In addition to enjoying the scenery, visitors can experience local culture through interaction with the Tengger Tribe.
The Tengger tribe is known for the Gegeni tradition, which is the habit of gathering around a wood-burning stove to talk to each other and warm themselves. This tradition reflects their close bond of brotherhood. In addition, they have distinctive traditional clothing in the form of udeng (headband) and black clothing that protects them from the highlands’ cold temperatures.
Hinduism is the central belief of the Tengger Tribe, but the practice differs from Balinese Hinduism. They perform various traditional rituals, such as Kasada, Karo, and Entas-entas, led by conventional shamans. Their calendar system, called Mecak Tengger, determines auspicious days for rituals.
The younger generation of the Tengger Tribe continues to preserve local arts such as the Jaran Kepang dance, Ojong dance, and Bantengan dance. They also play gamelan and traditional musical instruments, with the support of an art studio as a center for learning and cultural preservation.
The tradition of eating together is also an important symbol in Tengger culture. When visiting, one must eat as a form of respect to the host. Captivating Cultural and Nature Tourism
Yayuk also explained that besides Mount Bromo, East Java offers various other tourist destinations, such as (1) Tiga Warna Beach: A snorkeling paradise with a preserved ecosystem, (2) Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: The beauty of cascading waterfalls, (3) Jodipan Colorful Village: Stunning mural art, (4) Museum Angkut: Collection of historical transportation, etc.
“Through its cultural and natural wealth, East Java is not only a tourist destination but also a center for preserving traditions and cultural education,” Yayuk concluded.
Exploring East Java reveals the region’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The Tengger tribe, with their traditions and hospitality, is one of the cultural heritages that should be preserved. By maintaining and promoting local culture, East Java can be a bridge to introduce Indonesia to the world. [dts/PR FCS]