Local Genius of Engganese Community in Bengkulu Province (An Etnographic Study of Health and Illness Perception)

Abstract

The island of Enggano is the outermost small island on the west coast of Sumatra and administratively under the region of North Bengkulu. Limitations on transportation access, health referral services, and resources are problems experienced by people in the island of Enggano.This study aims to explore the local genius of the Engganese community regarding the perception of health and illness. The study used a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach. Data collection has done through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. Data processing and analyzing used ethnographic analysis through several stages, namely description or domain analysis, compound analysis, interpretation, and research reports development. The research was carried out on the island of Enggano which included several villages of Banjarsari, Meok, Apoho, Malakoni, Kaana, and Kahyapu.The results of the study showed that Enggano cultural elements include religion, language, livelihood, typical food, prevailing social norms and the system of community organizations and Enggano traditional houses; Local community skills can be seen from various dimensions, namely local knowledge, local values, local skills, local resources, decision-making mechanisms and solidarity, and community perceptions of health and illness.

Keywords: cultural elements, local genius, perception of health and illness

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-4-05