The Values of Customary Education as Moral and Spiritual Principles of the Baduy Community and Their Relevance in the 4.0 Era

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze traditional education as the source of ethical and spiritual values for the Baduy community and its relevance in facing the challenges of the 4.0 era. The research was conducted in Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province, home to the Outer Baduy community. This location was selected due to the Baduy community's renowned steadfastness in maintaining their customs, ethical codes, and ancestral heritage amidst rapid modernization. The unique character of the Baduy people—marked by resilience, honesty, humility, discipline, and profound spiritual and social responsibility—is cultivated through their traditional education, which operates without formal schooling. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive method with an Ethnographic approach, data was gathered through in-depth interviews with customary leaders and Outer Baduy residents, supplemented by relevant literature studies. The findings indicate that Baduy customary education thrives through the intergenerational transmission of principles via role modeling, adherence to customs, and daily activities. Prominent moral principles include honesty, cooperation, obedience to customary rules, and respect for the natural environment. Meanwhile, spiritual values are reflected in the adherence to pikukuh karuhun (ancestral teachings), the prohibition of modern technology use in Inner Baduy, and maintaining a restricted lifestyle as a form of self-control. Field observations show that although some Outer Baduy residents have begun to integrate with the outside world and utilize technology, traditional moral and spiritual principles remain their primary guideline. In the current 4.0 era, Baduy customary education proves highly relevant, serving as a robust moral and spiritual bulwark against the rapid tides of modernization and globalization.