Preserving traditional social structures in rural areas

In West Java there is a group of people whose social world is considered to be almost completely based on traditional manners and custom. This particular community is the Kasepuhan people. They live on the slope of Mt. Halimun in the southern part of West Java. The Kasepuhan people still practice swidden agriculture, as well as wet rice agriculture. During the period of rest in the rice paddy field, fish are raised. This process brings economic as well as ecological benefits for the Kasepuhan people. Until now they have refused the government proposal to change the planting and harvesting of rice from one to two times a year. This proposal is in conflict with their traditional belief. However, the government looks at this refusal as a protest to their agriculture development policy.