Tanjung Lesung Culture: The Legend, Traditions, and Hidden Stories Behind Banten’s Coastal Gem

Tanjung Lesung: The Legend, Traditions, and Cultural Identity Behind Banten’s Coastal Gem

Explore the rich culture of Tanjung Lesung through the legend of Raden Budog and Sri Pohaci, local traditions like Sedekah Bumi, and the cultural life of coastal communities in Banten.

Written by: SEFTI SULISTIA

English Education Department, Bina Bangsa University

This article is written as part of the Midterm Examination for the Cross-Cultural Understanding course. It aims to analyze and explore the cultural identity of Tanjung Lesung, focusing on its local legend, traditions, and the relationship between culture and tourism. Through this essay, the writer seeks to demonstrate an understanding of cultural concepts in real-life contexts, particularly within Indonesian local culture.

Introduction: Looking Beyond the Coastline

Figure 1. Coastal landscape of Tanjung Lesung, Banten, Indonesia.

    Tanjung Lesung is widely recognized as one of Indonesia’s coastal tourism destinations, located in Pandeglang, Banten. Known for its beautiful beaches and calm atmosphere, it attracts both domestic and international visitors. However, beyond its natural beauty, Tanjung Lesung also holds a rich cultural identity shaped by traditions, beliefs, and local narratives.

    As a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the area continues to develop in terms of tourism infrastructure. Despite this modernization, the local community maintains its cultural practices, showing that tradition and development can coexist.

Cultural Life and Local Community

Figure 2. Fishing activity reflecting local livelihood in coastal communities.

    The people of Tanjung Lesung are mostly fishermen and farmers, reflecting a lifestyle that is closely connected to nature. 

Fishing activities involve going out to sea, catching fish, and selling seafood, while farming activities include cultivating rice and other crops using both traditional and modern methods.

From a cultural perspective, these activities are not only economic practices but also part of a cultural system that emphasizes sustainability, cooperation, and respect for nature.

Additionally, the majority of the community speaks Sundanese, highlighting the strong regional identity within Banten culture.

The Legend of Raden Budog and Sri Pohaci

    One of the most important cultural elements in Tanjung Lesung is its local legend, which explains the origin of its name.

The story begins with Raden Budog, a traveler who once dreamed of a mysterious woman. Unlike ordinary dreams, this vision inspired him to search for her. Driven by determination, he traveled across forests, villages, and coastal areas, accompanied by his loyal dogs.

One day, while resting near the shore, he heard rhythmic sounds. Curious, he followed the sound and discovered a group of young women playing the lesung, a traditional rice-pounding tool.

Among them, he saw Sri Pohaci, the woman from his dream. She was known for her beauty and her exceptional skill in playing the lesung. At that moment, Raden Budog fell in love instantly.

When the women realized they were being watched, they dispersed and returned home. Raden Budog followed Sri Pohaci to her house and asked for permission to stay overnight. However, her mother refused, considering it inappropriate for a stranger to stay in a house occupied only by women.

Realizing his mistake, Raden Budog stayed in a nearby shelter. The next morning, Sri Pohaci came to him and brought coffee. This simple act marked the beginning of their relationship. Over time, they developed a close bond and eventually got married.

However, their story took a tragic turn. After marriage, Raden Budog became fascinated with the lesung and wanted to master it.

Cultural Beliefs and the Forbidden Lesung

There was one important rule in the community:  The lesung must not be played on Fridays.

This rule was part of a cultural belief system that emphasized respect for tradition and social order.

Despite repeated warnings from the villagers and Sri Pohaci’s family, Raden Budog ignored the rule. Driven by excitement, he played the lesung on a Friday. As a consequence, he transformed into a lutung (monkey). This transformation was witnessed by the villagers, who reacted with shock and laughter. Feeling ashamed, Raden Budog ran into the forest and disappeared forever. Sri Pohaci, deeply affected by the event, also chose to leave the village.

This legend highlights the importance of respecting cultural norms and demonstrates how traditional beliefs function as moral guidance within the community.

The Meaning Behind the Name “Tanjung Lesung”

The name “Tanjung Lesung” reflects both geographical and cultural elements:

"Tanjung" refers to a landform that extends into the sea and "Lesung" represents the traditional tool and serves as a symbol of cultural memory

In some interpretations, Sri Pohaci is associated with Dewi Padi, a symbolic figure of rice and fertility in Indonesian belief, emphasizing the connection between culture and agriculture.

Local Traditions: Sedekah Bumi

Figure 3. Sedekah Bumi tradition in Tanjung Lesung, where local farmers gather in rice fields to give thanks for harvest through communal rituals and celebrations.

    One important tradition in Tanjung Lesung is Sedekah Bumi, a ritual that expresses gratitude to God and respect for nature.

This tradition includes: Offering agricultural products, Communal prayers, Sharing meals and Cultural entertainment.

Sedekah Bumi reflects values such as togetherness, spirituality, and harmony between humans and the environment.

Cultural Festivals and Tourism: Preserving Tradition in a Modern Context

Figure 4. Rampak Bedug performance, one of the main cultural attractions featured in the Exciting Banten Festival at Tanjung Lesung.

    Tanjung Lesung is not only a place where culture is practiced, but also where it is showcased through festivals such as the Exciting Banten Festival.

This event features traditional performances, local arts, and culinary exhibitions, while also involving community participation and local businesses.

From a cultural perspective, festivals play an important role in preserving and transmitting traditions. According to UNESCO, cultural heritage must be continuously practiced to remain meaningful.

At the same time, these festivals support tourism by attracting visitors and promoting the region. This creates a form of cultural exchange, where locals and tourists interact and share perspectives.

However, it is important to maintain authenticity, ensuring that cultural expressions remain meaningful for the community, not only as tourist attractions.

Culture in a Global Context

    As a growing tourism destination, Tanjung Lesung represents the interaction between tradition and globalization. Tourism provides economic benefits but also requires efforts to preserve cultural authenticity. Maintaining a balance between development and tradition is essential to ensure cultural sustainability.

Tanjung Lesung is more than just a coastal destination, it is a reflection of cultural identity shaped by stories, traditions, and everyday practices. From the legend of Raden Budog and Sri Pohaci to traditions such as Sedekah Bumi, the culture of Tanjung Lesung continues to live and evolve.

Ultimately, understanding Tanjung Lesung allows us to appreciate not only its natural beauty but also the deeper meanings embedded within its culture.

In the end, Tanjung Lesung reminds us that culture is not only something we inherit, but something we choose to respect, preserve, and carry forward across generations and beyond places.