Debus, Martial Art From Banten West Java of Indonesia

DEBUS is a traditional martial art performance that relates with body invulnerability as means of self defense for Banten people. It is a combination of dance art, vocal and spiritual arts with a magic ambience. Debus is an art performance showing body invulnerability through strokes, stabs, and cuts by sharp objects. In its performance, Debus shows a lot of body invulnerability acts by its performer. On the times of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa reign, around 17th century (1651 - 1652), debus was focused as means to build patriotism in fightiDebus has been one of the several cultural arts from Banten making it one of the favorite, rare and unique entertainment for Banten people. In Banten, Debus develop in Lebak Regency, Pandeglang, Cilegon City and several District in Serang Regency such as: Walantaka, Kragilan, Curug, etc.

Here as we saw, A child that his neck was slice off with a dagger.But his not wounded and no blood no pain.This is why Debus was so popular among people and also as a tourist attraction.

Of all the cultural traditions of Banten, the one that outsiders find most fascinating and frightening is the Debus performance, in which the practitioners engage in such gruesome feats of self-immolation as skewering themselves with metal spikes, walking on coals, and allowing themselves to be beaten with a sledge hammer while lying on a bed of nails, all without appearing to suffer bodily damage. “Originally, Debus was used to attract new followers to Islam. It struck fear in the hearts of our foes and inspired respect for the power of the new religion. All members of the audience were required to be Muslims.

So,if you want to see this performance,come to Banten,West Java,and of course my Lovely Indonesia.