The Osing tribe is a unique tribe with a long history, rich culture, and distinctive language which is still preserved in Banyuwangi, East Java.
The Osing Tribe, also known as the Banyuwangi Osing Tribe, is one of the tribes in Banyuwangi, East Java. Although many do not know much about them, the Osing Tribe has a rich history and culture and has played an important role in the development of East Java’s history.
In this article, we will learn more about the history of the Osing Tribe, interesting facts about this tribe, and the arts and language used by the Osing people.
History of the Osing Tribe
The Osing tribe is a tribe originating from the Banyuwangi area, which is located at the eastern tip of Java Island. This tribe has its roots in a combination of Javanese and Balinese culture, which is influenced by the long history of kingship and power in the region.
The history of the Osing Tribe began in the 16th century when the Blambangan Kingdom, one of the kingdoms in Bali, faced the challenge of maintaining its existence.
When the Islamic Mataram led by Sultan Agung at that time invaded the Blambangan region, most of the Blambangan people consisting of Balinese and Javanese fled and settled around Banyuwangi, which later developed into the Osing Tribe community.
The Osing tribe, as a community formed from the integration process between Balinese and Javanese people, developed by prioritizing unique local values.
The Osing people are known to maintain their traditions and arts, and have a unique language that distinguishes them from other tribes around the Banyuwangi area.
Interesting Facts about the Osing Tribe
1. The Osing tribe is the native tribe of Banyuwangi
The Osing tribe is a native tribe of Banyuwangi who still maintain their culture and traditions despite many influences from outside the region.
In their daily lives, many of them still live in villages around Banyuwangi and continue to preserve their culture. This tribe also has unique characteristics that distinguish them from other tribes in East Java.
2. Important role in the history of the Blambangan Kingdom
The Osing tribe also has close ties with the Blambangan Kingdom, which was the last Hindu kingdom on Java before the emergence of Islamic influence.
When this kingdom collapsed due to the invasion of Sultan Agung, many Blambangan residents chose to remain in the Banyuwangi area and formed the Osing tribe. Thus, the Osing Tribe became an integral part of the history of the kingdom.
3. The unique Osing language
One of the characteristics that distinguishes the Osing tribe from other tribes is the language they use. The Osing language is a variant of Javanese which has a strong influence from Balinese.
Despite having some similarities with Javanese, Osing has a number of differences in pronunciation and vocabulary. This language is very important in the social life of the Osing Tribe, both in daily communication and in their traditional ceremonies and arts.
4. Religion and Belief
The majority of the Osing people are Muslim, but many of them still practice Hindu-Balinese traditions in various aspects of life, such as in traditional ceremonies and the arts.
This blend of Islam and Hinduism is what makes the Osing Tribe culture very interesting, because it reflects the acculturation that occurred between the two religions in the Banyuwangi region.
5. Agriculture as the main livelihood
Most of the Osing people work as farmers. The fertile Banyuwangi region with its tropical climate that supports agriculture is an ideal place for them to live their lives.
Various agricultural commodities such as rice, corn, cloves and coffee are the main commodities they plant. This livelihood is greatly influenced by a lifestyle that is highly dependent on nature and agriculture, which is also part of the Osing people’s philosophy of life.
6. The spread of Osing culture outside Banyuwangi
Although most of the Osing Tribe live in Banyuwangi, their culture and traditions are starting to be widely known by the Indonesian people.
One example is the Banyuwangi cultural festival, where Osing arts, such as Reog Osing and Lakon Osing, are often performed. This event provides an opportunity for the wider community to get to know the unique culture of the Osing Tribe better.
7. The Osing Tribe as preservers of customs and traditions
The Osing tribe is very persistent in preserving their traditions and customs. Various traditional ceremonies and cultural activities such as ceremonies and traditional celebrations are still routinely carried out by the Osing people.
This proves that even though times continue to change, they still maintain the values and heritage of their ancestors.
Various Types of Osing Tribe Arts
The Osing tribe has various types of rich and varied arts, which are an important part of their lives. Some of these arts have even been recognized as cultural heritage that must be preserved. Here are some of the typical arts of the Osing Tribe that are interesting to know:
1. Reog Osing
One of the most famous performing arts from the Osing Tribe is Reog Osing. Unlike the more widely known Reog Ponorogo, Reog Osing has distinctive characteristics in terms of costumes, music and movements.
Reog Osing uses a very large and heavy barongan, and is played by dancers who have extraordinary physical strength. This performance is often held at various traditional events or cultural festivals in Banyuwangi.
2. Gandrung Dance
Gandrung Dance is a traditional dance of the Osing Tribe which combines elements of Balinese and Javanese art. This dance is usually performed by women wearing beautiful costumes and accompanied by gamelan music.
Gandrung Dance is used in various traditional ceremonies as a form of respect for God and ancestors, as well as part of celebrations or other special events.
3. Osing play
Apart from dance, Lakon Osing is a drama art that is part of the Osing Tribe’s culture. This play contains stories related to the daily life of the Osing people, with many moral messages and teachings of wisdom.
The performance of the Osing Play often involves dialogue between actors wearing traditional costumes, accompanied by gamelan music or other traditional musical instruments.
4. Osing Traditional Music
The Osing tribe is also known for its distinctive traditional music. Musical instruments often used in Osing art include gamelan, kendang, and tambourines.
This music is often played in various traditional ceremonies, including in the Reog Osing or Gandrung Dance performances. This traditional music plays an important role in preserving culture and fostering a spirit of togetherness among the Osing people.
5. Sculpture and Carving Arts
Apart from performing arts, sculptures and carvings are also typical art forms of the Osing Tribe. Several traditional houses and important places in the Banyuwangi area are decorated with typical Osing carvings depicting mythological and historical stories. This art is a symbol of the aesthetic and spiritual values of the Osing people.
Languages Used by the Osing Tribe
The language used by the Osing Tribe is the Osing language, which is a variant of Javanese with a strong influence from Balinese.
The Osing language has a number of striking differences compared to Javanese in general, both in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structure. This makes the Osing language unique and difficult to understand for Javanese people from other regions.
Osing language is usually used in daily life by the community, especially in villages that still maintain their traditions.
In addition, Osing language is also used in various traditional ceremonies and traditional arts, such as Gandrung Dance or Osing Lakon, where this language contains deep cultural values.
Using Osing language in conversation is also a way to preserve their culture and introduce this language to the younger generation who are increasingly rare in using it.
The Osing Tribe is a community rich in history, culture, and tradition. From its long history intertwined with the Blambangan Kingdom, to unique arts such as Reog Osing and Gandrung Dance, the Osing Tribe has many interesting things to learn.
With their distinctive Osing language and arts that are still preserved, they continue to maintain their cultural identity even though times continue to change.
If you visit Banyuwangi, make sure to not only enjoy its natural beauty, but also get to know more about the Dayak Tribe, which is an inseparable part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
