Samin Tribe: Unraveling the Mystique of Central Java's Unique Community

Lamone November 23, 2023

The Samin Tribe is an ethnic community originating from Central Java, particularly the Blora region. They are known for their unique traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle, which often differ from the majority of Javanese society.


Here are some key characteristics of the Samin Tribe:

  1. Beliefs and Traditions:

    • The Samin Tribe is known for strong beliefs and traditions related to their daily lives. They follow teachings led by a spiritual leader known as the "Guru Samin."

  2. Basic Principle of "Ngudi Leluhur":

    • The philosophy of Samin Tribe's life is often expressed in the basic principle of "Ngudi Leluhur," which means seeking balance and peace with nature. They adhere to the view that life should be lived simply, without causing harm to others.

  1. Simple Living Principle:

    • The Samin Tribe lives by the principle of simplicity, tending to avoid luxury and consumptive lifestyles. Their traditions involve agricultural activities, and they live in harmony with nature.

  2. Distinctive Settlements:

    • The Samin Tribe often resides in separate settlements from the general community, known as "Dusun Samin." These settlements reflect their unique lifestyle and values.

  3. Peace and Harmony:

    • They pursue peace and harmony in their lives. Moral principles and ethics are crucial to the Samin Tribe, and they avoid conflicts and actions that may harm others.

  4. Traditional Farming:

    • Their main livelihood is traditional farming. They typically cultivate organic food crops and vegetables, using environmentally friendly farming methods.

  5. Resistance to Colonialism:

    • The Samin Tribe has a history of resistance to colonialism in the past. They opposed the forced cultivation system during the Dutch colonial rule.

  6. Arts and Oral Tradition:

    • The Samin Tribe has a cultural heritage in the form of arts and oral traditions. They convey values and wisdom through songs, folk stories, and traditional arts.

It is important to note that the sustainability and continuity of the Samin Tribe as an ethnic group are sometimes faced with challenges, such as pressures from modernization and social changes. Nevertheless, efforts to preserve their culture and traditions continue.


The estimated population of the Samin Tribe is not always easy to determine accurately due to various factors, including their level of isolation and seclusion from the outside world. The population of the Samin Tribe tends to be relatively small. Generally, they live in several areas in Central Java, particularly in the Blora region and its surroundings.

The residential areas of the Samin Tribe are typically in separate settlements known as "Dusun Samin" or "Samin Villages." These settlements reflect their unique lifestyle and values. Some places often associated with the presence of the Samin Tribe include:

  1. Gumelem Wetan Village, Banjarejo Subdistrict, Blora Regency, Central Java:

    • This village is known as one of the centers of Samin Tribe life. The community in this village tends to practice a simple lifestyle in accordance with Samin Tribe traditions.

  2. Ngraho Village, Kunduran Subdistrict, Blora Regency, Central Java:

    • This village is also identified as an area where the Samin Tribe can be found. The traditions and beliefs of the Samin Tribe are reflected in the daily lives of the people in this village.

  3. Watuagung Village, Kradenan Subdistrict, Blora Regency, Central Java:

    • Some sources mention that Watuagung is also one of the areas in Blora where the Samin Tribe is present.

It is important to note that this information may not be fully comprehensive and could change over time. The Samin Tribe tends to maintain a high level of isolation, and as a result, information about them may be limited. If you are interested in more details or have specific needs related to the Samin Tribe, it is recommended to gather further information from local sources or relevant research institutions.

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