Samples of personal items, such as clothing, hair and fingernails are often required for such spells to be successful.Ī belief in Magic is one of many superstitious belief that Indonesians hold. The practice of casting spells against a person is called Rapuh in East Java. The Indonesian Intelligence Agency (BIN) famously contemplated using black magic to assassinate the Human Rights activist Munir Saib Thalin, before deciding on the more practical course of poisoning him. Indonesian black magic can also be used against people. An exteme example is the kidnapping and beheading of babies who are born on certain days in the Javanese calender to bring wealth and luck to families whose houses the babies are buried in front of. The aims can often be the same as “white magic,” but the spells and rituals are very different. Ilmu Hitam is practiced just as widely as other forms of magic, but it is less talked about. However, like with all things in life, Indonesian magic has a dark side. The Sultan of Yogyakarta for instance had a Spiritual Gatekeeper for Mount Merapi who died in the last major eruption in 2010. Dukuns may also be hired to control volcanic activity. In large cities throughout Indonesia, dukuns are hired to ensure there is no rain at large public ceremonies and weddings. Dukuns – the name for witch doctors in Indonesian – are frequently paid to control the weather. You can also see evidence of the crossover between pre-Islamic beliefs and current Islamic beliefs in the Quranic verses and scrolls that are sold as talisman and sit in liquid vials or have been applied to clothing.Īnother place that you might see magic performed is at public ceremonies. In places like Beringharjo Market, Yogyakarta, street traders sell magical talismen, oils, spells and clothing imbued with magical properties. Magic and the paranormal sit easily alongside a belief in Muhammed, Christ and the Hindu Gods.Īs a tourist, the easiest way to learn about magic in Indonesia is at the local markets in large cities. A belief in magic crosses cultural and religious barriers. In Indonesia black magic is known as Ilmu Hitam and practitioners of the dark arts can be found on almost every island of this vast archipelago.
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