Katakata.id – Etymologically, village comes from Sanskrit, Dhesi, which means homeland. Homeland itself can be interpreted as the place where we are born and raised. Village is an area with deep cultural nuances and impressive traditional heritage, creating a foundation for the continuity of cultural identity amidst changing times. Meanwhile, according to Poerwadarminta, village can mean (1) a group of houses outside the city which is a unit, (2) village, hamlet or hamlet in the sense of a hinterland as opposed to a city, (3) place, land and area.
Within each village, there is an invaluable layer of wealth in the form of customs and cultural norms that have been passed down from generation to generation, forming the core of the daily lives of its residents. Every corner of the village, regardless of geography, is a repository of knowledge, moral values and a way of life that transcends the long passage of time. Through the application of these local values, a village can maintain its unique culture amidst the ever-growing flow of globalization. So, through in-depth exploration of villages around the world, we can understand how important it is to preserve and celebrate local cultural heritage in facing relentless global challenges. In this article, we will explore Baskara Bakti Village. Baskara Bakti is a village located in Bangka Belitung Islands, Central Bangka Regency, Namang District. As of 2017, Baskara Bakti village has an area of around 783.96 hectares. This village is also one of the eight villages in the Namang sub-district area. Baskara Bakti Village is also home to unique customs and traditions that may not be found in other villages. What are the unique traditions in the village of Baskara Bakti? Let’s take a deeper look.
- Unique Language
Every tribe, village, and city have its own regional language. Not necessarily everyone can understand a regional language, there are many languages that have been created by each region. Baskara Bakti is a village or hamlet located in Namang, not much different from other regional languages, but there are several languages that are interesting for other people to know. Some people may not be aware of the unique language found in this village or hamlet. What is the interesting vocabulary in this village? Some of the vocabulary in Baskara Bakti village includes “Ikoh” which means you all, “Mate Antu” which is chili, “Lauk” vegetables as side dish, and “Nek Gi Kyun” which means going there. From some of the words that have been said can be seen that the regional language here is unique, so not everyone can understand it. However, you need to know that the language that has been mentioned cannot be used as a joke for people who do not understand the language. Here, we learn that language exhibits various variations and can have different meanings depending on the listener’s perspective.
- Tradition Practices
There are many cultural and traditional practices that can be learned from this village. One of these practices is the “Nganggung” tradition. When is this tradition carried out? Nganggung is typically observed during big holidays such as the Prophet’s birthday. This tradition can last up to 10 days, and this traditional practice can be held even though it is not considered a major holiday. This tradition involves bringing various types of food offerings in a dulang to the house where the activity will be held. It is still widely practiced and has become a common tradition among the local community. This demonstrates the strong bonds of tolerance and cooperation among the villagers, which are nurtured by the traditional customs passed down from generation to generation and still observed to this day.
- Prohibition of Asking for and Buying Chilies at Night
The people of Baskara Bakti village believe that asking or even mentioning the word ‘Cabek(chili)’ at night is taboo. To anticipate potential disaster, they have created a unique replacement phrase, namely “Mate Antu.” In this context, people already have mutual knowledge. Why is there a ban like this, and what is the interesting background? One of the roots of this tradition is in the legendary stories they heard from their ancestors. Chili peppers are associated with the night. These ancient stories have formed the basis of their beliefs, and upholding these traditions is a means of honoring their ancestral heritage. However, more than just stories, people also believe that saying the word at night can summon negative energy. The substitution of the word ‘chili’ with ‘Mate Antu (evil eyes)’ is due to the red color of chilies being associated with the eyes of supernatural beings like ghosts. These prohibitions serve as a reminder to maintain a peaceful night and a comfortable sleep, avoiding chaos or disturbance in a quiet night. Although this prohibition may seem unusual to us, for the people of Baskara Bakti Village, it is an integral part of their identity and culture.
- Prohibition of throwing away fish waste and being conceited
Talking about baskara bakti village cannot be detached from the mystical things and myths of local beliefs. As happened recently, a young boy was pounced by a crocodile while fishing with his father in the Lempuyang river. The local community said that the incident was believed to have occurred because a resident violated local regulations by direct throwing household fish waste into the river. How did it happen? What caused it? The incident was told by the local community to have occurred in the afternoon before maghrib when the father and son were fishing in the river in baskara bakti village. It is said that the father said something ignorant and provoking while fishing in the lempuyang river, when suddenly a crocodile appeared and immediately pounced on the child. The incident was witnessed by the father when the crocodile pulled the child into the river. The child’s body was found two days later with the support of a local shaman ten meters from where the crocodile pulled the child. Surprisingly, the child’s body was found in good condition. This incident was later attributed to the abstinence from disposing of household fish waste directly into the river and being ignorant when fishing.
In conclusion, the exploration of Baskara Bakti Village reveals a rich tapestry of unique customs, traditions, and beliefs that are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of this community. Villages are characterized by profound cultural intricacies and a rich traditional heritage that serves as a pillar for the preservation of cultural identity in the face of evolving times. Within each village, there exists an invaluable wealth of customs and cultural norms passed down through generations. These customs form the foundation of daily life for the village’s inhabitants, transcending geographical boundaries. Each corner of a village becomes a repository of knowledge, moral values, and a way of life that endures the test of time. By applying these local values, villages can preserve their unique cultures amidst the relentless tide of globalization.
Through the lens of this village, we are reminded of the significance of preserving and celebrating local cultural heritage in the face of relentless global challenges. In essence, Baskara Bakti Village encapsulates the essence of cultural heritage, where language, traditions, taboos, and beliefs converge to form a unique identity. It underscores the significance of understanding and preserving these elements in the face of globalization, as they contribute to the rich tapestry of human culture and history. The village’s customs and practices, however unique or unusual they may seem, are vital to its residents’ way of life and continue to shape their sense of self and community.(***)
Oleh: Fiola Angelina Chandra, Gracio Fransisco Petrus and Rizky Arif Afandi, MA.