Session Name: Traditional Healing and Medicine in the Modern Age
Wendit Water Spring, Malang, Indonesia: The Lasting Sacred Tradition of Culture of Care and Well-being in the Modern Era
Thursday, August 1, 2024
09:00 – 10:45 (GMT+7)
Paper Abstract: This research explores the lasting cultural and spiritual significance of Wendit, a sacred water spring in Malang, Indonesia, in the context of the modern world. Amidst the forces of modernization and globalization, this site stands as a vital sign, symbolizing the resilience of sacred traditions of maintaining well-being in modern times. A thorough study of the historical and cultural foundation of Wendit, inspecting into the indigenous and traditional beliefs that have blessed it with sacred status. It investigates the customs, rituals, and practices associated with the water spring, shedding light on their continuing relevance in the lives of the local community that still believes in the properties of the wates pring. Utilizing a variety of approaches, including ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews with local residents, spiritual leaders, and visitors to Wendit. It specifically focuses on whether they still maintain their revered healing and spiritual attributes. Furthermore, the study examines the strategies employed to conserve the sanctity of Wendit in the contemporary context. This includes community involvement and sustainable conservation efforts, showcasing how Wendit has not merely preserved its significance but has also harnessed the digital age for its resurgence. The outcomes of this research not only enrich our understanding of the lasting importance of sacred water springs in the modern world but also provide a case study with broader implications for the preservation of cultural heritage in a rapidly evolving global landscape.