Wong Pinter: Kepercayaan Masyarakat Islam Kejawen Terhadap Praktik Shamanisme

Abstract

This paper discusses the existence of wong pinter in the Kejawen Islamic community in Java as a form of syncretism between Islamic teachings and local beliefs rooted in animism, dynamism, and pre-Islamic magical practices. Using a phenomenological approach and Malinowski's functionalist theory, this paper demonstrates that the presence of wong pinter is not merely a cultural phenomenon but serves a social function as problem-solvers when reason and existing knowledge systems are deemed insufficient. Despite Islam being the majority religion, belief in the supernatural powers possessed by wong pinter remains strong, and they are often equated with religious leaders or spiritual figures. Their practices are closer to Frazer's concept of magic, which is the human effort to manipulate cosmic powers for personal gain, rather than religious practices that are submissive and collective in nature. This paper also shows that in practice, wong pinter play an important role not only in rituals and healing but also in political contests and social issues within the community. Belief in them remains enduring even in the modern era because it is deeply rooted in local culture and fulfills the spiritual, psychological, and social needs of the Islamic Kejawen community.

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