Life and Tradition in the Bromo Highlands

Bromo is widely recognised as one of East Java’s most admired sunrise destinations. Each morning, visitors arrive from Indonesia and abroad to witness the first light reaching the volcanic peaks. Yet long before it became a place people travelled to, these highlands were shaped by necessity, belief, and a way of living closely tied to the land.

Centuries ago, during the decline of the Majapahit Kingdom and the shifts of power across Java, Hindu descendants moved away from the lowlands. The mountains offered distance from unrest and a setting where traditions could continue. The volcanic highlands surrounding Mount Bromo became a place to settle, farm, worship, and build a life that could be sustained across generations.

From this history came the Tengger people, whose origins are closely linked to the legend of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. Their names were combined to form “Tengger”, a story passed down through families and ceremonies. According to the legend, the couple was granted twenty-five children by Lord Brahma after an act of sacrifice that required faith and resolve. The story remains an important reference for how gratitude, responsibility, and balance are understood in Tengger life today.

Living with the Land

For the Tengger community, nature is not treated as scenery. Mountains, soil, mist, and the volcano itself are understood as forces that give life and require respect. Daily activities are carried out with this understanding in mind, from farming to ceremony.

The highlands are known for fertile volcanic soil, producing crops such as potatoes, cabbage, and spring onions. These crops have been cultivated over generations, supported by knowledge shared within families. Agriculture here reflects continuity, linking the past with present livelihoods.

One of the traditions that expresses this relationship is “Tetamping”. This ritual is carried out as a form of gratitude and reflection, with the hope of being kept away from misfortune while seeking clarity and goodwill. Tetamping represents a way of acknowledging that life in the highlands depends on harmony between people and the natural world. It is also an expression of thanks for the land that continues to sustain the community.

Preserving Tradition at Plataran Bromo

The connection between nature, culture, and community forms the foundation of Plataran Bromo’s presence in the region. From the beginning, respect for local traditions has guided its approach. This was marked by the establishment of Pura Basuki, the first building at Plataran Bromo. The temple stands as a sign of appreciation toward the local community and remains open for worship.

Beyond providing a place of prayer, Plataran Bromo introduces guests to the cultural context of Bromo through experiences that encourage understanding and engagement. Local rituals continue to be supported, and agricultural activities remain active across surrounding areas such as Tanggulangin. Guests are invited to observe, participate, and learn, gaining insight into how daily life in Bromo continues alongside long-held traditions.

An Invitation to Connect

At Plataran Bromo, the experience goes beyond views and destinations. It offers an opportunity to encounter Bromo through its living culture, shaped by belief, land, and community ties that remain present today. Plataran Bromo invites guests to form a deeper connection with the traditions of Bromo and to experience the highlands as a place where history and daily life continue side by side.