Practising Local Wisdom of Traditional Medicine and Healing Among Female Pengobat (Shaman) in Pulau Penyengat, Kepulauan Riau

The study contributes to understanding the preservation of ancient local wisdom within the modern twenty-first century. It elaborates on the customary medicinal traditional practices by pengobat among the people of Pulau Penyengat, Kepulauan Riau. The “pengobat” or “orang pandai” is the traditional healer (shaman) who provides helpful medicinal services for some “medically appropriate situations”. It is a study that serves three primary objectives: firstly, to explore the pengobat’s experiences using their local medicinal knowledge and wisdom for medical treatment; secondly, to understand the acceptance of the people in Pulau Penyengat towards medicinal traditional practices; and thirdly, to know the traditional medicinal techniques the pengobat uses. This study employs a qualitative approach of in-depth interviews with the seven pengobat in Pulau Penyengat. They are Malay women who practise Islamic teachings. These women pengobat administer traditional medicinal treatments and prescribe traditional medicine to their patients, particularly concerning women’s health issues. The findings reveal their profound commitment towards traditional medicinal therapies and healing. The patients accept the pengobat for their miraculous power that was transmitted traditional wisdom across generations and respect their miraculous medicinal power. This commitment is deeply rooted in Malay customs instilled since childhood. The community regards it as a heritage to be safeguarded.