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Kariadi and the Spirit of Tengger
In the magical highlands of East Java, where the sacred Mount Bromo rises above the clouds, a quiet revolution in ecotourism is taking root. At its heart is Kariadi, a 53-year-old cultural leader of the Tenggerese people and founder of Komunitas Bala Daun. Through his efforts, the ancient wisdom of the Tengger tribe is being reimagined as a blueprint for sustainable tourism that honors both nature and culture.
Rooted in Wisdom, Committed to Conservation
The Tenggerese worldview is grounded in the triadic philosophy of Parahyangan (spirituality), Pawongan (human relations), and Palemahan (harmony with nature). Kariadi emphasizes Palemahan as the foundation for environmental stewardship. In Tengger belief, the land is sacred, and humans are its caretakers. This ethos is embodied in rituals like the pilgrimage to Petirtaan Widodaren, where holy water is drawn to bless both people and crops. Such practices reflect a deep-rooted respect for the interconnectedness of life and landscape.
Recognizing the threats of environmental degradation, Kariadi established Komunitas Bala Daun to mobilize local conservation efforts. The community engages in tree planting, seedling nurseries, and the restoration of sacred springs. Notably, they have initiated the cultivation of edelweiss flowers, traditionally used in rituals but now endangered due to overharvesting. By integrating traditional knowledge with practical conservation, Bala Daun fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the Tenggerese.
Tourism That Respects, Empowers, and Connects
Kariadi's vision extends to ecotourism as a means of cultural preservation and economic empowerment. Visitors are invited to participate in ceremonies such as Kasada and Hari Raya Karo, offering meaningful experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Through community-based tourism initiatives like Sanja Desa Tosari, co-founded by Kariadi, tourists engage with local traditions, agriculture, and crafts. These programs not only enrich the visitor experience but also provide sustainable livelihoods for residents.
As global travelers seek meaningful connections with the places they visit, leaders like Kariadi demonstrate the potential of community-led ecotourism. By centering indigenous knowledge and practices, the Tenggerese model offers a path toward tourism that is both respectful and regenerative. In the shadow of Mount Bromo, the harmony between people and nature is not just a tradition. It is a living, evolving legacy.