Inventory Oral Tradition in connection to Personalized Medicine​

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Chakra Cultural Foundation initiated the Oral Tradition Inventory Program to address the gradual disappearance of Indonesia's oral traditions. These traditions, rich with cultural and intellectual heritage, hold significant potential as references for advancing sciences, particularly in personalized medicine. The program focuses on five transition rituals from three provinces—West Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara—chosen for their cultural diversity and relevance to interdisciplinary research.


Objectives

• Document Oral Traditions: Capture elements of oral traditions, including stories, chants, and rituals related to health and medicine.
• Support Research: Provide foundational data for personalized medicine studies, focusing on genetics, environment, and cultural health practices.
• Cultural Preservation: Contribute to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage while respecting and honoring local wisdom.

Activities and Methodology

• Ritual Identification: Key rituals include birth, marriage, and death ceremonies from the following regions:
  • West Java (Sunda): Rituals such as Siraman.
  • Bali: Unique Hindu-Balinese traditions like Odalan and Metatah.
  • West Nusa Tenggara (Sasak): Rich marital and initiation rites.
• Data Collection: Involved interviews with local elders, shamans, and oral tradition experts, combined with direct observation and literature review.
• Cultural Analysis: Patterns and insights from rituals were analyzed for their implications in health, disease prevention, and treatment practices.

Key Findings

• Cultural Health Practices: Rituals reveal the use of traditional medicine, dietary recommendations, and preventive health measures tailored to local environments.
• Environmental and Genetic Links: Traditions reflect adaptation to environmental factors and provide clues about hereditary diseases.
• Unique Cultural Identities: Regional distinctions highlight diverse approaches to health and wellness rooted in traditional knowledge.

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Outputs and Impact

• Database of Oral Traditions (Book): A rich repository of documented rituals available for further research and cultural education.
• Reference for Personalized Medicine: Data that bridges local wisdom with scientific advancements, enhancing context-specific healthcare strategies.
• Increased Cultural Awareness: Strengthened efforts to preserve and honor Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage.

Recommendations

• Expand the inventory to additional regions and rituals to create a comprehensive database.
• Collaborate with medical and academic institutions to integrate findings into personalized medicine frameworks.
• Promote public awareness of the importance of oral traditions in preserving cultural identity and advancing science.

The program successfully establishes a foundation for holistic, culturally informed research in personalized medicine while celebrating Indonesia's vibrant heritage. 

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Research Video

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