Unveiling Ethnoscience Practices among Indigenous Tribes in Indonesia

Authors

  • Sri Marmoah Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
  • Farida Nurhasanah Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53797/ujssh.v5i2.16.2026

Keywords:

Ethnoscience, Indigenous Tribes, Indonesia, Science Education, Suku Anak Dalam

Abstract

The local knowledge of indigenous communities has great potential to enrich modern science, particularly through an ethnoscience approach. This study aims to uncover ethnoscience practices in the lives of the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) people. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive design narrative inquiry. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation with traditional leaders and members of the SAD community in the Jambi region, then analyzed thematically. The results show that SAD ethnoscience is present in the Besale ritual as a form of traditional healing with elements of music, dance, and natural materials, a Melangun tradition. as an adaptive mechanism for psychological recovery and conservation of living space, as well as the use of Tengeris and Sentubung trees in birth rituals and ecological preservation protected through customary sanctions. These three practices demonstrate that the Orang Rimba (SAD) has a holistic knowledge system that combines scientific, spiritual, and ecological values. In conclusion, the ethnoscience practices of the Anak Dalam Tribe play a vital role in cultural preservation and community health, and can be adapted as a resource for contextual and transdisciplinary science learning.

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Published

2026-04-28

How to Cite

Marmoah, . S., & Nurhasanah, . F. (2026). Unveiling Ethnoscience Practices among Indigenous Tribes in Indonesia. Uniglobal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(2), 126–133. https://doi.org/10.53797/ujssh.v5i2.16.2026