Debus

Debus is a traditional Indonesian ritual performance associated with the Banten region of western Java. It blends Islamic mysticism, local keramat beliefs, and elements of martial arts. Performances are usually staged during religious ceremonies, festivals, and community events, and are framed as demonstrations of spiritual power and protection. Participants, typically trained practitioners within a debus group, may perform feats that appear to defy ordinary limits, such as passing objects through the body, walking on hot surfaces, or handling blades and swords in ways that avoid obvious injury. The acts are often accompanied by chants, prayers, and ritual preparation, and are understood by performers and audiences as expressions of faith and sacred protection.

Origins and development: Debus developed in the Banten region during the early modern period, drawing on local Sufi-influenced religious practices and the cultural milieu surrounding the Banten Sultanate. Over time it became a recognized form of community performance and ritual theater, linked to sites regarded as keramat and to the authority of local religious leaders and teachers. The tradition has been passed down through generations within specific groups and families and has adapted to changing social contexts.

Cultural significance and contemporary status: Today, debus remains a living tradition in parts of Banten and adjacent areas. It is performed at cultural festivals and, in some places, presented as a tourist attraction. Safeguards and debates about safety, ethics, and spiritual meaning coexist with ongoing efforts to preserve the practice and transmit its techniques to new practitioners.