10 Interesting Facts about the Osing Tribe of Banyuwangi, a Unique Cultural Heritage that is Still Preserved
Explore 10 interesting facts about the Osing Tribe in Banyuwangi, a unique ethnic community with traditions, culture, and local wisdom that are still preserved to this day.
Banyuwangi, a district at the eastern tip of Java Island, is not only famous for its natural beauty such as the Ijen Crater and Pulau Merah Beach.
This area also holds extraordinary cultural richness through the existence of the Osing Tribe, the indigenous people of Banyuwangi.
The Osing tribe (sometimes called Using) has traditions and customs that are different from Javanese society in general, making them one of the unique and interesting cultural communities in Indonesia.
The Osing Tribe is known for preserving their ancestral heritage, from language, arts, to strong religious traditions.
This article will explore 10 interesting facts about the Osing Tribe that will open your insight into the richness of Banyuwangi culture and how the Osing people maintain their identity amidst modernization.
1. The Osing Tribe Are the Indigenous People of Banyuwangi
The Osing tribe are direct descendants of the Blambangan kingdom, the last Hindu kingdom on Java which existed until the end of the 18th century.
When this kingdom was conquered by the Mataram Sultanate, most of its people maintained their cultural identity, which later became known as the Osing Tribe.
Unlike other Javanese people who are heavily influenced by Mataram culture, the Osing Tribe remains steadfast in maintaining their ancestral traditions. This makes them an important part of the history and development of Banyuwangi as an area with high cultural diversity.
2. Osing language is different from Javanese
Even though they are in East Java, the Osing tribe has a different language from the Javanese language used in most parts of East Java. The Osing language has several unique vocabularies and dialects that are not found in standard Javanese.
For example, in the Osing language the word “teko” (come) in Javanese becomes “lumpat” in Osing. This language is maintained as one of the identities of the Osing Tribe which shows their difference from other Javanese people. However, most of the Osing people are also fluent in Javanese and Indonesian.
3. Strong Tradition of Traditional Ceremonies
The Osing tribe is known to have many traditions and traditional ceremonies that are still carried out today. One of the most famous is the Seblang tradition.
The Seblang Ceremony is a mystical dance ritual that aims to ward off disaster and ask for safety for the local community. This dance is performed by dancers who are believed to be possessed by ancestral spirits.
Another famous tradition is Kebo-keboan, a ritual in which participants act as buffalo and plow the fields as a symbol of fertility and a prayer for a bountiful harvest.
4. Diverse Beliefs and Religions
Most of the Osing Tribe adheres to Islam, but the way they practice their religion has a touch of local customs and traditions.
This can be seen in religious celebrations combined with traditional ceremonies, such as Tumpeng Sewu, a tradition carried out to commemorate the night of 1 Suro.
In addition to Islam, a small portion of the Osing community also still practices traditional beliefs and animism, such as worship of ancestral spirits and natural forces. This shows their tolerance and openness to differences in carrying out rituals and traditions.
5. Unique Osing Arts and Crafts
The Osing tribe has many forms of traditional art that are an integral part of their culture. One of the famous arts is Gandrung, a typical Banyuwangi dance which is often performed at various traditional events and cultural festivals.
Gandrung was originally a dance offering to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice in Hindu-Javanese beliefs, which later developed into part of the performing arts at various events.
Gandrung dancers wear distinctive costumes and perform elegant dance movements, accompanied by Banyuwangi gamelan music which has distinctive characteristics different from Javanese gamelan.
6. Traditional Clothing of the Osing Tribe
The traditional clothing of the Osing tribe also has its own characteristics. At traditional ceremonies or big events, the Osing people wear the Osing Kebaya for women and Beskap for men, which are decorated with typical Banyuwangi motifs.
The motif that often appears in this traditional clothing is the Gajah Oling motif, which symbolizes strength and protection.
Bright colors are often used in the traditional clothing of the Osing Tribe, reflecting the dynamic and enthusiastic character of the people.
7. Osing Kemiren Tourism Village
Kemiren Village, located in Glagah District, Banyuwangi, is the cultural center of the Osing Tribe. This village has been inaugurated as the Osing Tourism Village, where visitors can experience firsthand the life of the Osing people, from their traditions, cuisine, to their arts.
In Kemiren Village, visitors can visit well-maintained traditional Osing houses, sample local food, and watch traditional art performances such as Gandrung and Kebo-keboan.
8. Typical Osing Tribe Food
The culinary specialties of the Osing Tribe are also a special attraction. Some of the famous traditional Osing foods include:
- Sego Tempong: Rice with simple side dishes served with a very spicy special chili sauce.
- Pecel Pitik: A dish of grilled free-range chicken covered in grated coconut seasoning with spices.
- Bagiak Cake: A traditional cake made from sago which has a sweet taste and a crunchy texture.
This culinary reflects the strong taste of Banyuwangi with a rich spice mix.
9. Traditional House of the Osing Tribe
The traditional house of the Osing Tribe has a distinctive architecture and reflects the philosophy of life of its people. This house is usually built with three main parts: Joglo, Pawon (kitchen), and Gudang.
One of the characteristics of traditional Osing houses is the presence of carvings and ornaments that have symbolic meanings, such as luck, protection, and fertility.
These houses are made using natural materials such as teak and bamboo, which reflect the harmony of the Osing people with nature.
10. The Role of the Osing Tribe in Banyuwangi Tourism
As one of Banyuwangi’s cultural icons, the Osing Tribe plays a major role in developing regional tourism. Osing traditional events and cultural festivals are often the main attractions in various Banyuwangi tourism agendas.
Festivals such as Gandrung Sewu which involve thousands of Gandrung dancers are a magnet for local and foreign tourists.
The existence of Osing culture which is still well preserved is an attraction that adds to the selling value of Banyuwangi as a cultural tourism destination.
The Osing tribe is an inseparable part of Banyuwangi’s identity. With strong traditions, distinctive language, and unique arts and culture, they are one of the ethnic communities that add a different color to East Java.
Visiting Banyuwangi without getting to know the Osing Tribe and Dayak Tribe will feel incomplete. Therefore, take the time to explore this cultural richness and discover authentic charm that you will not find anywhere else.