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View all search resultsTribal groups combine rituals, protocols to banish virus
In May, the Baduy tribe observed the traditional kawalu isolation ritual for three months.
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s countries around the world continue the long struggle to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Baduy tribe, which lives in a remote area of Lebak regency, Banten, has reportedly not been affected by the virus.
“We require everyone to implement the 3M health protocols,” said Kanekes village head Jaro Saija on Wednesday, as quoted by antaranews.com, referring to the government’s campaign – alliterative in Indonesian – encouraging mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing.
In May, the tribe observed the traditional kawalu ritual for three months.
During the ritual, the settlement of approximately 11,600 people allowed no one to enter, as villagers continued with their lives farming, beekeeping, cultivating palm sugar and weaving traditional textiles by hand.
The residents were also prohibited from leaving the village.
Tribe members who were living or staying outside the settlement were urged to return, but not before undergoing health checks at community health centers (Puskesmas).
"We guarantee that this settlement is free from the deadly coronavirus because no one has been found to suffer from it and we are also implementing health checks on visitors before they enter," Jaro said on May 17.
