The roles and significance of Wong Pinter, the Javanese Shaman

Exploring the phenomenon of the socio-religio-magico reality in Java called wong pinter which has not been academically examined before, this thesis argues that this social type is a definitely Javanese shaman whose existence has become a cultural system, thus demonstrating that their multidimensional roles reveal a web of significance. Throughout the course of investigation involving anthropological and ethnographical approaches, every discussion on the fundamental aspects of wong pinter is scrutinised within the context of existing study on shamanism. The outcome shows that there is connectivity between Javanese shamanism and Asian or Southeast Asian shamanism. Thus, shamanism is a valid instrument for a study on wong pinters and wong pinters are a valid object for scientific approach. This thesis therefore contributes to the richness of the study on shamanism, the anthropology of shamanism and religious studies since this topic is of interest for these disciplines. Simultaneously it lays claims to be a pioneering academic work on wong pinter, the Javanese shaman, based on first hand study. The roles and significance of wong pinters are a never-was reality for Javanese society because their relevance has embodied with people’s everyday preoccupation with maintaining and enhancing their lives to its maximum possibility. Despite the fact that they have to deal with various challenges, such relatedness to the needs of their community has been expanded to more established institutions and involvements with larger concerns. This has resulted in them engaging more in relationism than in individualism. The application of their knowledge and skill both to their local communities and spheres beyond responds to the spiritual call to partake in the kingly ideology to enhance the beauty of the world. This social type proves itself resilient yet it has to deal with suppression both from the current religious establishment and political authorities.