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Indonesia is famous because of its regional tribes, which still exist in certain districts or areas. Osing, or Using Folks (but mostly called Osing), is just one of many tribes who still maintain their regional wisdom and lifestyle. So if you’re a lover of historical prices, you’re suggested to go to the Osing People since you can view them and find out about their own culture.
Additionally, the Osing Folks continue to preserve their ancestors’ heritage and rituals, which is a magnet for both national and global tourists.
The Osing History
Osing Folks are the original inhabitant in the eastern end of Java Island, or more precisely in Blambangan, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. They lived in Blambangan because the Kingdom of Blambangan dominated the region. In this day, they occupy some districts in the northern and central regions of Banyuwangi Regency, such as Banyuwangi, Glagah, Songgon, Giri, Sempu, Singojuruh, Kalipuro, and Rogojampi.
Kemiren Village is one of the regions to meet the Osing. In 1995, the Governor of East Java Province declared this village a cultural heritage place, Adat Village (Desa Adat), and Tourism Village (Desa Wisata).
What to See in the Osing Tribe
Seeing Osing Individuals at Kemiren Village can provide you nice experiences. Like other tribes in Indonesia, Osing Individuals have remarkable dances, fantastic music tools, particular batik patterns, heirloom weavers, and several rituals. For spoken language, the Osing People talk Osing language and called Ngoko Osing, which influenced the Old Javanese.
Traditional Dance of Osing
There are numerous traditional dances of Osing, like Kebo-Keboan, Jedor, Barong Ider Bumi, Patrol, Gandrung and Podho Nonton, and Seblang. Osing culture has a root in Javanese culture, but it’s also affected by its neighbor, Bali.
One of the Balinese influences on Osing’s Dance is Barong Ider Bumi Dance (Barong moving around the planet), a yearly event from Osing Individuals since 1940. It’s a carnival held on the following day on Bulan Syawal (Muslim holiday: Eid Al-Fitr).
The Barong is paraded across the village from the east to the west. You could get involved in this occasion by throwing coins into the dancer to keep bad luck away. Another renowned dancing group is Gandrung and Podho Nonton, which will serve you with fascinating, vibrant dancers’ costumes.
Music Instrument of Osing
You’ll be amazed when watching the Osing People play their Angklung Paglak (Osing’s standard musical instrument) three meters above the ground. The sound of the instrument is exceptional and, naturally, distinct from West Java Angklung. Individuals used to play with this tool at harvest time to sign for the villagers to assist in harvesting.
Osing’s Ritual
Traditional rituals can also be an interesting action to take while seeing Osing People. Some rituals you can see are Mepe Kasur, Tumpeng Sewu, Gedhongan, Nginang, and Pecel Pitik Ritual.
To get closer with them and make your trip to Banyuwangi more memorable, you may try chewing the betel nut together with Osing women of the Nginang activity. You might also attempt to harmonize the noise of hitting pestle and mortar to produce a musical song. This practice is named Gedhogan and largely achieved by Osing ladies.
You might also place your arrival time in Idul Adha (Muslim holiday) and watch Osing individuals have their main party named Tumpeng Sewu. The sailors prepare food and eat together. Combining this Tumpeng Sewu will provide you an opportunity to taste the normal culinary of Osing society.
Whether your trips take you to a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts or urban attractions, a little exploration will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Banyuwangi by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
