The Rain Shaman, Local Wisdom Goes Worldwide

The action of the rain shaman Rara Istiani Wulandari grabbed the attention of netizens more than the struggles of the racers in the Mandalika MotoGP. (Photo: MotoGP)

JAKARTA - The Mandalika MotoGP event has successfully attracted the attention of the people of Indonesia and the world. Even for a moment, to divert the problem of cooking oil which is still scarce, or the Minister of Trade who admits the defeat against the cooking oil mafia.

Lombok is economically able to reap a positive impact. Full hotels and inns. Crowded culinary place. The exact economic value has not yet been calculated. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia or MotoGP 2022 in Mandalika is expected to provide a multiplier effect (multi-effect) of economic turnover above the target of IDR 500 billion. Besides having an impact on the creation of new jobs, directly or indirectly, which is in the range of 35-50 thousand people.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said the government had disbursed IDR 2.5 trillion. Does the value return? From the numbers stated by Sandiaga Uno, it doesn't seem significant. Certainly, the Mandalika MotoGP event is trending. But what was phenomenal was the action of a rain shaman, Rara Istiani Wulandari, who suddenly appeared in the arena to stop the rain.

Actually, to anticipate the rain, BMKG has carried out scientific engineering. Using advanced technology to repel rain. Using airplanes.

Despite the sophisticated efforts made, the rain continued to fall. Well, this is where Rara Istiani Wulandari, a rain shaman from Bali intervenes. With the ritual, she immediately went down to the arena. Suddenly the TV cameras, both national and international, shot to the world. Moreover, world racers also competed to participate in tweeting the rain shaman's action.

Some criticize, while others think it's just entertainment. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that the rain shaman for the 2022 Mandalika MotoGP, Rara Istiani Wulandari, who became a conversation on social media, was part of the attraction of local wisdom that attracted attention.

It's accepted. You may believe it or not, that's okay. Even based on the author's personal experience, there is a friend who is engaged in the Event Organizer (EO) who has a regular rain shaman service. The shaman's service is always used if he is holding an event, especially in an open area. That is, even though it is now referred to as the digital era, or also the metaverse era, rain shaman services are still selling well. Was it successful in stopping the rain? Well, hard to prove it scientifically. If you borrow the term of the late Gus Dur, 'why bother'. Think of it as entertainment. Like the action that was done by Rara Istiani Wulandari at the Mandalika MotoGP.

In fact, what should be highlighted is the matter of the circuit and its implementation. As summarized from various media, at least there are some things that should be noted, including the safety and readiness of the Mandalika Circuit for the title race, the sharp gravel of the Mandalika Circuit, and the dirty track.

Meanwhile, from the organizer's perspective, many spectators who came all the way to Mandalika were disappointed. Starting from the difficulty of getting to the location, traffic jams to unclear directions.

This should be a concern. Because MotoGP is an international event. Carry the name of Indonesia. It is even claimed as a turning point for the recovery of the national economy.

President Jokowi, who was present to hand over the trophy, admitted that the Mandalika MotorGP event still had many shortcomings. An honest confession from a head of state. However, this recognition should be a whip and evaluation for the committee and organizers. Including relevant agencies. Don't just be a slogan. It's a shame that so much state money has been disbursed at a time when the economy is in disarray and does not reap maximum results.