The Vernacular Sauna Batimung: Local Wisdom of the Banjar Community in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Various kinds of cultural treasures in Indonesia have noble local wisdom values. Batimung is one of such treasures of Indonesian culture. It is a self-care traditional steam bath or sauna owned by the Banjar people in Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. This research examines the values of local wisdom contained in this tradition. The research employs a qualitative approach. Data collection involves field studies using, observations, interviews, and note-taking techniques. It also employs a literature study to produce secondary data. The fndings show that there are two types of batimung: health batimung and therapeutic batimung. Health batimung which Banjar people call bridal (pangantin/pangenten) or fragrant batimung is a ritual preparations in weddings to prepare the bride and the groom. Meanwhile, therapeutic batimung is used to treat diseases that are generally caused by 'poisons' or wisa sangga. For people with very severe diseases, treatments can be done by using a corpse bath or a sun bath. The values of local wisdom found in the batimung tradition is the closer relationship between people and Nature. In fact, vernacular Banjar sauna has a high religiosity aspect.