UNS — Rara Istiati Wulandari is a warm discussion among netizens after her photos and videos showing her efforts in “stopping” the rain during the MotoGP sports event in Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) on Sunday (20/3/2022), became viral in the social media.
The social media sensation started with a local TV broadcasting Mbak Rara -her nickname- action walking in front of the paddock of MotoGP racers with her singing bowl while reciting mantras.
The videos and pictures split the internet into two sides; some condemned the action considering Indonesia as the majority of Muslim country still believing in such practice, while others see it as a part of the culture. This leads to a discussion on which opinion is genuinely acceptable.
Regardless of the effectiveness of rand handler services, the cultural anthropologist from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Andrik Purwasito, stated that it is a part of local belief. This means that there are people who believe nature and weather could be controlled by sending a special request to the “one in power.”
“This is our tradition. Abroad, we know there was what we called a Shaman,” Prof. Andrik stated in an interview with Bravo Radio Indonesia.
Rain handlers are also common in other countries, such as Thailand and Japan, whose communities continue to hold their ancient tradition. Even a global French-based luxury fashion brand, Louis Vuitton (LV), hired a rain handler from Brazil to ensure their fashion show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Kyoto, Japan, was successful without interference from the unfriendly weather condition. Thus, the rain handler service in the Mandalika circuit, according to Prof. Andrik, is an effort from a person to ensure the success of their event.
He also added that rain handler is only one effort to control the rain beside the involvement of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Board (BMKG), Indonesian Army Forces (TNI), and the National Research and Innovation Board (BRIN) in modifying NTB’s weather.
Traditional Belief in “Nature’s Ruler”
Prof. Andrik explained that the old Javanese believed the “ruler” could control nature. Through certain rites, people could appeal to this “ruler” to stop the rain, get rid of pests, and ensure the success of their harvest. There are various means of controlling rain in the Javanese community, and Prof. Andrik shared his experience in helping his grandmother to perform one of these traditions. The success of such rituals, however, could not be guaranteed.
“Whether there is a fully effective and legitimate, (we return to) it was a request, so not all will be granted,” concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Y.C.A Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti