Negotiating the Sacred: Esoteric Traditions and Pluralism in Minangkabau Society
Jurnal e-Bangi/e-Bangi February 28, 2026 Alexander Stark
Esoteric knowledge in a remote Minangkabau village in Indonesia is not rejected but actively practiced, primarily through Islamic mysticism and folk religion carried out by traditional healers (dukun). Based on ethnographic observation and interviews, two major esoteric traits were identified. The study used semiotics to analyze incantations and the phenomenological concept of the life-world to understand local perception and thinking. Esoteric concepts widespread on social media were not relevant in this village. The findings show that esoteric knowledge in this context is multifaceted and cannot be dismissed as rejected knowledge, especially regarding traditional healing.