   The Tenggerese is the second smallest of the native ethnic groups in the island of Java, there are about 300.000 living in the hills and mountain villages around the slopes of the volcanic crater (Bromo – Semeru). They believe that they are the only surviving remnants of the Majapahit Empire in its later period (early 1500’s) who have fled to the high hills around Bromo. When Majapahit was felt by The Islamic forces (16th century), the Tenggerese did not grow nicely, because of the altitude and climate.    They plant some potatoes, onions and cabbages around the headman’s village. Many Tenggerese have stayed to them selves. They give some vegetables and chickens as the gift to the gods on crater at the midnight ceremony on the 14th day on the last month of Tenggerese’s year. The people are known from their kindness and simplicity. They feel that their life based on the life of Dewa Kusuma, the ancestor who sacrificed his life in order to the people could be a live. |
| cuZZu @ 2006 |