The Baduy of Indonesia

The Baduy (or Badui), who call themselves Kanekes, are a traditional community living in the western part of the Indonesian province of Banten, near Rangkasbitung. Their population of between 5,000 and 8,000 is centered in the Kendeng mountains at an elevation of 300-500 meters above sea level. Their homeland in Banten, Java is contained in just 50 sq. kilometers of hilly forest area 120 km from Jakarta, Indonesia's capital.The word Baduy may come from the term "Bedouin", although other sources claim the source is a name of a local river. The Baduy observe many mystical taboos. They are forbidden to kill, steal, lie, commit adultery, get drunk, eat food at night, take any form of conveyance, wear flowers or perfumes, accept gold or silver, touch money, or cut their hair. Other taboos relate to defending Baduy lands against invasion: they may not grow sawah (wet rice), use fertilizers, raise cash crops, use modern tools for working ladang soil, or keep large domestic animals. -- Wikipedia

Photos: Getty Images / Ulet Ifansasti