The Names of the Jinn Kings of Java: An Alternative Approach to Treating Demonic Possession

Authors

  • Dedi Cahyadi Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia
  • Ayatullah Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia
  • M. Hasan Basri Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v5i10.89

Keywords:

Spirit Kings of Java, Ilmu Hikmah, Spirit Disturbance, Spirit Possession, Alternative Healing.

Abstract

One of the cultural traditions in the Nusantara is knowing the names of the spirit kings of Java, found in the Kidungan literature attributed to Sunan Kalijaga, though few truly understand its philosophical depth. Using a phenomenological approach, this study examines its application for spiritual disturbances, particularly in treating spirit possession where literal interpretations often dominate. The research aims to demonstrate that reciting and memorizing these names requires understanding their deeper esoteric meanings beyond mere textual recitation, while exploring its potential as a contemporary medium for da'wah. For individuals unable to recite Qur'anic healing verses, memorizing the names of local spirit kings provides an accessible alternative remedy, simultaneously preserving this traditional esoteric wisdom (ilmu hikmah) through successors who comprehend its true essence rather than merely focusing on its sacred mystique

References

Abdillah, Mohamad Hasan. Peradaban Islam Nusantara. Yogyakarta: C-Klik Media, 2022.

Ahmadi, Eko. Interview with the Leader of Pondok Pesantren Tegalwangi, Cirebon, October 10, 2023.

Allen, Douglas. "Phenomenology of Religion." In The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion, edited by John R. Hinnells, 182–207. London and New York: Routledge, 2005.

Ayatullah. Wifiq Dalam Prespektif Filsafat. Doctoral dissertation, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, 2021.

Darban, A. Adaby. "Sejarah Lisan Memburu Sumber Sejarah dari Para Pelaku Penyaksi Sejarah." Humaniora 4 (1997): 1–7.

Dawud, Muhammad Isa. Hiwar Shahafiy ma‘a Jiniy Muslim. Translated by Afif Muhammad and H. Abdul Adhiem as Dialog dengan Jin Muslim. Bandung: Pustaka Hidayah, 1995.

Departemen Agama RI. Al-Qur’an dan Terjemahannya. Jakarta: Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia.

Dhofier, Zamakhsyari. Tradisi Pesantren: Studi tentang Pandangan Hidup Kyai. Jakarta: LP3ES, 2011.

Fathoni, Adib. "Santri dan Abangan dalam Kehidupan Keagamaan Masyarakat Jawa." Jurnal At-Taqaddum 4, no. 1 (2012): 91–110.

Kalijaga, Sunan (Raden Sahid). Naskah Kidung Rumekso Wengi: Para Ratuning Dedhemit Ing Nusa Jawi. Surakarta, 1975.

Koentjaraningrat. Metode-metode Penelitian Masyarakat. Jakarta: Gramedia Pustaka Utama, 1997.

Leuba, James H. "The Meaning of 'Religion' and the Place of Mysticism in Religious Life." The Journal of Philosophy 18, no. 3 (1921): 57–67. [suspicious link removed].

Mu'in, M. Taib Thahir Abdul. Ilmu Kalam. Jakarta: Widjaya, 1984.

Munawwir, Ahmad Warson. Al-Munawwir: Kamus Arab-Indonesia. Surabaya: Pustaka Progressif, 1997.

Nasution, Harun. Islam Ditinjau dari Berbagai Aspek. Vol. 1. Jakarta: UI Press, 2001.

Nasution, Sri Ilham. Pengantar Antropologi Agama. Lampung: Harakindo Publishing, 2019.

Qur'an Kemenag Online. "Surah Adz-Dzariyat Ayat 56." Accessed 2026. https://quran.nu.or.id/adz-dzariyat/56.

Saepulloh, Asep. Interview with the Leader of Pondok Pesantren Kayu Sebatang, Bandung, September 1, 2026, 11:35 WIB.

Sudaryono. Metodologi Penelitian. Depok: Rajagrafindo Persada, 2021.

Tresnani, Lia Dwi. "Konstruksi Hati Masyarakat Edward Evans-Pritchard." Jurnal Agama dan Teori Sosial (2019): 1–18.

Voll, John O. "Islam: Overview." In Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, edited by Richard C. Martin, 360–363. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2003.

Yazdi, Muhammad Taqi Misbah. Filsafat Tauhid: Mengenal Tuhan Melalui Nalar dan Firman. Bandung: Arasy, 2003.

Zahwan, M. Zana Khoirin. Makna Simbolik Rajah Pengasihan Jolosutro Surat Al Baqarah Ayat 148 dan Surat Yusuf Ayat 4 di Desa Jambon, Kecamatan Gemawang, Kabupaten Temanggung. Undergraduate thesis, UIN Salatiga, 2023.

Zazuli, Muhammad. Sejarah Agama Manusia. Jakarta: Narasi, 2000.

Zuchrufi, Nadia Lazar. Telaah Penciptaan dan Keagamaan Jin Menurut Quraish M. Shihab dalam Tafsir Al-Misbah. Undergraduate thesis, 2019.

Downloads

Published

2026-10-31

How to Cite

Cahyadi, D., Ayatullah, & Basri, M. H. (2026). The Names of the Jinn Kings of Java: An Alternative Approach to Treating Demonic Possession. International Journal of Integrative Sciences, 5(10), 1307–1320. https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v5i10.89