The Meaning of Embedded Arabic in Japa-Mantra in Banyakan Village, Kediri, East Java

Abstract

— Japa-mantra is an oral tradition used for healing and is oftentimes associated with mystical superstitions. It is a legacy bequeathed to generations in Javanese culture. Based on the infiltration of religions in Indonesia, the japa-mantra people know is, apparently, a bilingual mixture between Javanese and Arabic. This issue brings up questions regarding how japa-mantra is perceived in today’s society, specifically by dhukun pijet as those who used japa-mantra , and what meanings of japa-mantra are found within society. Hence, the aim of this research is to explain the meaning of japa-mantra in Javanese society. The research was conducted in Banyakan Village, Kediri, where the population still uses traditional medicine to prevent diseases. Written data from Primbon and oral data from japa-mantra used by the dhukun pijet were used in this research. A qualitative method and Suwito’s code-switching theory (1982) were used to obtain the dual-language data meanings. The result of this research showsthat the dhukun pijet in Banyakan Village still understood japa-mantra , which they use as their ancestors’ legacy. They prefer to use the oral japa-mantra of their ancestors over the written one. The meaning of Arabic japa-mantra is a prayer to God to heal diseases that is used by the population of Banyakan Village.