Medi, secretary of Kanekes Village, said on Tuesday the prohibition applies to Inner Baduy hamlets in Cibeo, Cikawartana, and Cikeusik.
The Gajeboh hamlet of the Outer Baduy is also closed to foreign tourists, as it houses a traditional institution building and borders the Inner Baduy area, which is off-limits for photography.
Many tourists are reportedly unaware of Baduy customs, including rules against using cameras or photographing traditional institution houses, Medi added.
Kanekes Village head Jaro Oom said his office consulted local elders to issue a circular banning foreign visitors from the hamlets.
"We urge foreign tourists to follow customary regulations. They may visit Outer Baduy hamlets if accompanied by local guides," he said.
Foreign tourists are allowed in 61 Outer Baduy hamlets, including Kadu Jangkung, Karahkal, Kadu Gede, Belimbing, Cicakal, and Kadu Ketug, within customary land rights settlements.
Tourists are also prohibited from using guides from outside the Baduy community, as outsiders may not fully understand local prohibitions. Local Baduy guides are recommended.
Farid Surawan, head of the Creative Economy Division at Lebak Culture and Tourism Service, supported the traditional institution's decision and said outreach will be conducted to international tourists.
"We respect and honor the decision of the Baduy Traditional Institution, and it must be obeyed," he said.
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Translator: Mansyur Suryana, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Anton Santoso
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