Loyalty to the Baduy

Kompas/Dwi Bayu Radius

Asep Kurnia

Asep Kurnia, 52, dedicates his life to the Baduy people. He serves as a bridge between the community, known for its strict adherence to its ancient culture, and bureaucracy and modernity. The man enjoys his closeness to the community without asking for anything in return.

Asep received handfuls of bitter beans (Parkia speciosa) from a Baduy person while laughing. Around 30 bunches of bitter beans were delivered to Asep’s house in Kanekes village, Leuwidamar district, Lebak regency, Banten, on Thursday (27/4/2017). They had been grown locally in the Baduy people’s personal gardens.