Indonesia is renowned for its diversity of tribes and rich cultural heritage. One tribe that has a unique and fascinating culture is the Tengger Tribe. Located in the mountainous region of Bromo, the Tengger tribe has managed to preserve their traditions and culture amidst the waves of modernization. This article will delve deeper into the culture of the Tengger Tribe, including their history, customs, ceremonies, and the values they uphold.
History and Origins of the Tengger Tribe
The Tengger Tribe is directly descended from the Majapahit Kingdom, which flourished in the 14th century. When Majapahit declined and eventually fell, some of its people fled to the mountains to avoid attacks from newly established kingdoms. In this new place, they formed a community now known as the Tengger Tribe.
The name "Tengger" is believed to originate from the legend of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. Roro Anteng was a princess of Majapahit descent, while Joko Seger was a strong and handsome young man. The name "Tengger" is a combination of the last syllables of their names, which also means "mountain" in ancient Javanese, reflecting their mountainous habitat.
Customs and Traditions of the Tengger Tribe
The Tengger Tribe has numerous unique customs and traditions that have been practiced for centuries. Here are some of them:
1. Yadnya Kasada Ceremony
Yadnya Kasada is the most important and grandest ceremony for the Tengger Tribe. This ceremony is held annually in the month of Kasada in the Javanese Tengger calendar, usually falling in July or August. During this ceremony, the Tengger people offer agricultural products, livestock, and other offerings into the crater of Mount Bromo as a form of gratitude and a plea for safety to the gods.
2. Marriage Rituals
Marriage in the Tengger Tribe is marked by various sacred rituals and ceremonies. One crucial stage in the marriage ceremony is the ijab kabul, conducted at the bride's house, attended by extended family and tribal elders. After the official ceremony, a festive party with traditional entertainment such as dances and gamelan music is usually held.
3. Karo Ceremony
The Karo Ceremony is the New Year celebration for the Tengger Tribe, held every Karo month in the Tengger calendar. This celebration involves various rituals such as village cleansing, traditional art performances, and communal prayers. The Karo Ceremony is an important moment for the Tengger community to gather, strengthen social bonds, and renew the spirit of togetherness.
Values and Beliefs of the Tengger Tribe
The Tengger Tribe firmly upholds values and beliefs that guide their lives. Here are some of them:
1. Belief in Dewata
The Tengger Tribe adheres to a belief in Dewata, the gods who are believed to protect and bless them. They believe that Mount Bromo is the abode of the god Brahma, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Therefore, Mount Bromo holds a very sacred place in the spiritual life of the Tengger Tribe.
2. Tri Hita Karana
Tri Hita Karana is a concept of harmonious living embraced by the Tengger Tribe. This concept encompasses three main aspects: harmonious relationships between humans and God, between humans and other humans, and between humans and nature. By maintaining the balance of these three aspects, the Tengger Tribe believes they will achieve a peaceful and prosperous life.
3. Gotong Royong
The spirit of gotong royong, or mutual cooperation, is an integral part of the Tengger Tribe's culture. In various activities such as building houses, cultivating agricultural land, or conducting traditional ceremonies, the spirit of gotong royong is always emphasized. This reflects the strong sense of togetherness and solidarity among the Tengger people.
Social and Economic Life of the Tengger Tribe
Most of the Tengger Tribe lives from agriculture. They are known as diligent and hardworking farmers, with main crops including vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. The geographical location in the mountains with fertile soil greatly supports their agricultural activities.
In addition to agriculture, tourism has also become a source of livelihood for the Tengger Tribe. The natural beauty of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru area attracts many local and international tourists. Some members of the Tengger Tribe work as tour guides, provide accommodation, and offer jeep transportation services to take tourists to the summit of Bromo.
Education and Modernization
Despite being located in a relatively remote mountainous area, the Tengger Tribe is not left behind in terms of education and modernization. Elementary and secondary schools are available in Tengger villages, providing access to education for their children. Many of the young generation of the Tengger Tribe continue their education to universities in big cities.
However, amidst the waves of modernization, the Tengger Tribe strives to preserve their customs and traditions. Modern education does not diminish their love for ancestral culture; rather, it enriches their knowledge to develop and preserve Tengger culture in the era of globalization.
Other Types of Ceremonies and Traditions
Besides major ceremonies like Yadnya Kasada and Karo, the Tengger Tribe also has various other ceremonies and traditions that enrich their culture. Here are some of them:
1. Ngaben Ceremony
The Ngaben Ceremony is a cremation or body-burning ceremony conducted by the Tengger Tribe. This ceremony aims to purify the soul of the deceased and send it to the afterlife. Ngaben is performed very sacredly, accompanied by various rituals and prayers.
2. Neloni, Mitoni, and Tingkeban Ceremonies
These ceremonies are part of a series of birth and pregnancy rituals in the Tengger Tribe culture. Neloni is held during the third month of pregnancy, Mitoni during the seventh month, and Tingkeban during the eighth month. These ceremonies aim to pray for the safety of the mother and the fetus.
3. Mendak Sang Hyang Widhi Ceremony
This ceremony is a form of reverence to Sang Hyang Widhi, the Supreme God in Hindu beliefs. It is usually held in temples or other sacred places, with the purpose of seeking blessings and protection from Sang Hyang Widhi.
Conclusion
The Tengger Tribe is one of the tribes in Indonesia that has successfully preserved their traditions and culture amidst modernization. Through various ceremonies and traditions, they demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining ancestral heritage and fostering harmonious relationships with nature and fellow humans. The culture of the Tengger Tribe is not just a legacy of the past but also a source of spiritual wealth and wisdom that remains relevant today. By understanding and appreciating the culture of the Tengger Tribe, we can better appreciate the cultural diversity in Indonesia and learn valuable lessons from the values they uphold.
References :
https://lifestyle.solopos.com/fakta-menarik-suku-tengger-suku-yang-mendiami-dataran-gunung-bromo-1087213
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suku_Tengger
https://bobo.grid.id/read/08673973/kepercayaan-dan-tradisi-unik-suku-tengger-di-bromo
https://www.liputan6.com/jatim/read/5028221/menelisik-asal-usul-suku-tengger-keturunan-langsung-kerajaan-majapahit?page=2
https://www.goodnewsfromindonesia.id/2020/03/13/mengenal-berbagai-bentuk-rasa-syukur-suku-tengger-dalam-upacara-kasada
https://regional.kompas.com/image/2021/11/18/060000478/polemik-dan-keresahan-warga-tengger-soal-kawasan-tnbts-yang-digadang-gadang?page=2
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