The Walikutuban ritual: from lost heritage to political activism
image: Wahyu Widodo
Sometimes fascination can lead to in-depth research. Such is the case with Wahyu Widodo, who came across the Islamic Walikutuban ritual in Java in 2019, on which he subsequently wrote his PhD dissertation. Widodo: ‘Besides community, it also breeds political loyalty’
'The Walikutuban ritual is an ancient 19th-century ritual and is currently performed by the Nahdlatul Ulama, a conservative Sunni Islamic organisation in Indonesia. It serves to protect the participants,' says Wahyu Widodo. ‘Participants stand in concentric circles (ed. circles within circles). During the prayer that follows, they turn to the east, then turn clockwise to the north. The ritual symbolises a connection to the spiritual, emphasising communal participation and connection to a greater mystical presence.’
Oblivion
'Although the importance of the ritual is clear to people who adhere to this movement, little is known about it among the wider public,' Widodo continues. 'This also applies to people in Indonesia itself. The ritual dates back to the nineteenth century, but has been forgotten over time. I want this research to raise awareness about it. In my research, I propose that the ritual has aspects of world creation, cultivating loyalty and community in the participants.'
‘Not everyone is allowed to participate in the Walikutuban,’ Widodo explains. 'It serves as a rite of passage for the Nahdlatul Ulama. The ritual regained popularity in the 1990s, and although the Walikutuban ritual is still only for insiders, it has become increasingly visible in recent years. During last year's Indonesian elections, the vice-presidential candidate of the nationalist Muslim party Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) performed the ritual, which was then shared via his social media.'
Political
This increased visibility is linked to the NAP's political activism, Widodo argues: 'In addition to religious connections and togetherness, the ritual also serves as a means of forging political ties and strengthening loyalty. The protective nature of the Walikutuban ritual is used by the leaders of both the Nahdlatul Ulama and the BKP as a means of fending off Western influences that threaten Indonesia. In doing so, the “woke ideology” is portrayed as the enemy.'