| dc.description.abstract | This research aims to understand and determine the process of transformation of
individuals into traditional medicine practitioners known as namalo, who have an
important position in the socio-cultural structure of society. Unlike prospective
medical practitioners who follow formal pathways such as academic education,
professional training, and clinical experience, aspiring namalo undergo an
informal process that is spiritual and personal in nature. This transformation is
generally marked by profound contemplative experiences, serving as a form of
meaning-making regarding the calling to become a healer. The study employs a
descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach to gain an in-depth
understanding of the subjective experiences of the informants. The findings
indicate that the process of contemplation to become a namalo involves stages of
physical and psychological suffering, dietary restrictions, conflicts within the
family environment, and experiences of participating in gondang jujungan. Each
of these stages is interpreted as a process of spiritual selection or a test of
suitability that reinforces the new identity as a namalo. Acceptance as a namalo is
not merely a status, but a social and spiritual responsibility. This role is important
because it is believed to heal both physical and non-physical ailments. In this
context, a namalo builds their social reality through continuous social
interactions, which are based on trust, customs, and spiritual responsibilities. | en_US |
