Feature Ciptagelar
The car we were traveling in began to drive towards the Ciptagelar Customary Headquarters. To reach the area it takes about 2 hours starting from the departure from Cimaja Pelabuhan Ratu Sukabumi. 2 hours is a normal time to pass through the access road, half of which still has to be reached by special vehicles because the tough terrain makes it impossible to reach using ordinary vehicles.
The journey to get to Ciptagelar passes through several Kasepuhan villages which are still part of Ciptagelar, namely Kasepuhan Sirnaresmi and Kasepuhan Ciptarasa. During the trip, we were treated to an extraordinary view from the top of Mount Halimun Salak. The rocky road conditions, the very distinctive mountain air, and the beautiful surrounding scenery become a feeling of extraordinary gratitude as the intro to the journey to Ciptagelar.
The gate that reads Kasepuhan Ciptagelar is a gate that is a sign that we have arrived at our destination. On our left and right, we can see dozens of leuit (a type of house on stilts with a door at the top is a rice storage area). The amount of leuit can be calculated based on the number of rice fields owned by Ciptagelar residents. Not only leuit, but all building designs were also adjusted together according to the decisions of Abah (customary leader) and Rorokan (Abah's assistant) so that the shape of the buildings there resembled each other in the form of a stage, using woven bamboo and various household utensils which were still very distinctive. Even though it is very typical, Kasepuhan Ciptagelar has adapted technology, they can even create their technology to make their lives easier. This is evidenced by the availability of electricity, and affordable television channels and even they can create their television and radio channels as a means of communication between the Kasepuhan adat government and the residents there.
Ciptagelar is a combination of local wisdom and technology. On the one hand, their social life is very traditional with all of the wise philosophy being passed down to their generations for hundreds of years. On the other hand, they also accept technology as a part of their life. The male Ciptagelar community is required to wear a headband in their activities. This philosophy means that men must always guard their minds. While women are required to wear a sinjang/sarong tied at the hip, this means that women must maintain their honor.
In the life of the Ciptagelar people, although the combination of technology and tradition is very harmonious, there is one thing that technology cannot touch, namely their way of farming. From planting to harvesting traditions, they must continue to use the methods that have been handed down to them for hundreds of years. This method has proven that Ciptagelar is an area with very strong food security. They only harvest once a year but their rice supply is sufficient for 95 years.
This tradition and technology are continuously monitored by Abah Ugi (customary leader) along with 9 Rorokan who help Abah in various affairs. The unique social status of Abah and Rorokan is passed down continuously to their descendants. So that when they are born from agricultural rorokan children (we say it) then the child will continue for life to be the successor of his father to become agricultural rorokan. This system of government has been tested for hundreds of years and has brought blessings to Kasepuhan Ciptagelar.
We feel grateful to be able to enjoy how nature, people, and technology are kept in balance at Ciptagelar. The hidden little paradise is a peaceful, serene place, where people are not afraid of starvation, and the laws of causality they understand. Where they take care of nature, nature will take care of them.
