The Santet Festival Is Only A Piece Of Evidence That The Existence Of An Nusantara Shaman Cannot Be Seen With One Eye

Ilustrasi (Pasha Chusovitin / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Last week the public space was enlivened by the discourse of the Indonesian Shaman Association (Perdunu) which will hold a Santet Festival in Banyuwangi. Apart from sluggish business being hit by the pagebluk, the event also carries the mission of changing the bad image of the shamans. However, it turns out that there is little evidence that the existence of a shaman in the archipelago cannot be underestimated.

The COVID-19 pandemic destroys the business world, including the practice of shamanism. In Banyuwangi, a city known for its many shamans, it is one of the most affected.

It has even allowed professions that are known to be loner and secretive, now break through to the surface. They united to form the Indonesian Shaman Association.

Perdunu was formed so that people would not fall into the actions of fake shamans who often cheat. Like an organization, Perdunu has a work program. Gus Abdul Fatah Hasan, who was elected chairman of the Perdunu, revealed several of them.

First, holding joint prayers and free medical treatment at the end of this February. And second, the most excited, they will hold the Santet Festival in August.

"There are many kinds that we will hold at the festival. Later, we will introduce people affected by witchcraft or magic. And also we introduce mystical destinations in Banyuwangi. There are three suggestions if I'm not mistaken. Alaspurwo, Rowo Bayu and Antaboga," said Gus Abdul as quoted by Detik. .

Cultural observer who teaches at Mercu Buana University Bambang Widiatmoko said the event which is closely related to the practice of shamanism is not new. "It was only an event that was raised again," said Bambang when contacted by VOI.

According to Bambang, this type of spiritual practice is common in various tribes. "Witchcraft exists everywhere. In many areas the term is different with various media."

Incidentally, said Bambang, Banyuwangi is better known as a city with many shamans. But it's not just Banyuwangi which is famous for spiritual things like this. Another example is Sumedang.

In the City of Tofu, there is a place that is often visited by travelers who like religious or spiritual tourism. Its name is the Marongge grave complex.

This area is known as a place for people who are interested in getting pellet science. It is said that according to the story circulating, Marongge pellets are considered to be good luck to attract the opposite sex.

Photo of a magic doll (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

Along with the development of the times, the practice of shamanism moved dynamically. According to cultural observer Bambang Widiatmoko, the world of shamanism tries to adjust to change.

These two cases are just a small part of the evidence that the existence of a dukun cannot be underestimated. Because there are still millions of shamans in the archipelago.

We can take into account their existence from the recognition of spiritualists who early last year admitted that they were ready to go directly to defend the country if the war on Natuna Island broke out. The declarators included Ki Joko Bodo, H Ridwan Koboy and Pangeran Wong Sinting.

Through the Mistero Channel YouTube account, they claim to be ready to deploy five million psychics throughout Indonesia to defend the Republic of Indonesia. "We will mobilize spiritual strengths to help the Republic of Indonesia to remain immortal. NKRI has a fixed price," said Ki Joko Bodo.

Small kris photo (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

Dynamic

Along with the development of the times, the practice of shamanism has changed. In the past, shamans opened their services secretly and could only be found in remote areas. Now, according to cultural observer Bambang Widiatmoko, the shamans have the courage to be open, they even dare to unite and organize an event.

"Although on the one hand, there are not a few who are considered enemies. However, they prove that even though they are magicians they can prove their strengths," said Bambang.

Bambang said, as long as their knowledge was used for good things, that would not be a problem. Because, he witnessed how witchcraft could indeed be used to cure non-medical diseases.

Bambang said, one day he witnessed his friend lying on the ground moaning in pain in his house. While enduring the pain, he asked Bambang to take him to a "smart guy."

After arriving, Bambang saw for himself how his friend was treated. "The chaplain's mouth was like pulling a nail from my friend's back, and I saw it myself," he said.

From there, Bambang was sure that paranormal practices were indeed beneficial. However, according to him, currently the spiritual world does have one important homework: changing the negative view of the audience. "Changing that view is important," he concluded.