Learn about Osing people who still preserve their local wisdom and ancestors tradition, such as dances, musical instruments, batik patterns, and rituals.
Indonesia is well-known for its local tribes that still exist in some areas or districts. Osing, or Using, People (but mostly known as Osing) is one of among many tribes that still preserve their local wisdom and way of life. If you are a fan of historical value, you are recommended to visit the Osing People as you can see them and learn about their culture.
Furthermore, the Osing People are still eagerly preserving their ancestors tradition and rituals, which can be a magnet for domestic and international tourists.
The History of Osing
Osing People is known to be the original occupants of the easternmost tip of Java, in Blambangan, Banyuwangi. They have lived in Blambangan since the Kingdom of Blambangan ruled the area. Nowadays, they reside in several districts in the central and northern regions of Banyuwangi Regency such as Banyuwangi, Rogojampi, Sempu, Glagah, Singorujuh, Giri, Kalipuro, and Songgon.
In 1995, Governor of East Java Province had declared Kemiren Village (Desa Kemiren), which is administratively located at Glagah District, as Adat Village (Desa Adat), Tourism Village (Desa Wisata), and cultural heritage place.
What to see from Osing Tribe
Visiting Osing People at Kemiren Village will give you pleasant experiences. Just like other tribes in Indonesia, Osing People also have remarkable dances, great music instruments, special batik patterns, heirloom weavers, and many rituals. For spoken language, the Osing People speak Osing language or also known as Ngoko Osing, which influences from the Old Javanese.
Osings Traditional Dance
Osing tribe has some popular traditional dance, such as Gandrung and Podho Nonton, Patrol, Kebo-Keboan, Barong Ider Bumi, Seblang, and Jedor. Osing culture is rooted in Javanese culture, but it is also influenced by its neighbor, Bali.
One of Balinese influence on Osings Dance is depicted in Barong Ider Bumi Dance (Barong going around the world) which is an annual event from Osing People since 1940. It is a carnival which is held on the second day on Bulan Syawal (Muslim holiday: Eid Al-Fitr).
The Barong is paraded around the village from the east to west. You could take part in this event by throwing coins to the dancer, which means to keep bad luck away. Another iconic dance is Gandrung and Podho Nonton, which will serve you in fascinating, vibrant colors of dancers costumes.
Osings Music Instrument
You will be amazed when seeing the Osing People perform their Angklung Paglak (Osings traditional musical instrument) three meters above the ground. The sound of this instrument is also unique and, of course, different from West Java Angklung. People used to play this instrument in harvest time as a signal for the villagers to help to harvest.
Osings Ritual
Traditional rituals are also an interesting activity to do while visiting Osing People. You can see several rituals such as Ritual Pecel Pitik, Mepe Kasur, Nginang, Tumpeng Sewu, and Gedhogan.
Feel the sensation of chewing the betel nut when you meet Osing women doing their Nginang activity. You could also try to harmonize the sound of hitting pestle and mortar to make a musical tune. This process is called Gedhogan and mostly done by Osing women.
You could also set your arrival time in Idul adha (Muslim holiday) and see Osing people have their biggest party called Tumpeng Sewu, where the locals prepared food to eat together. Joining this Tumpeng Sewu will give you a chance to taste the typical culinary of Osing people.
Professional Tour Guide for Exploring Osing Culture
Are you interested in visiting the Osing People and get closer to their traditional culture? You can contact Yukbanyuwangi Tour Organizer right now. We offers you a package to Kemiren Village and will surely give you the best travel experiences. You can also fit your travel need and budget.
