Publication Date

Fall 2024

Abstract

This study examines the various cultural views on psilocybin in Indonesia, emphasizing its role in religious, spiritual, and cultural contexts. It investigates both the historical and present-day use of psychoactive substances, specifically psilocybin, in connecting with the divine, attaining transcendental enlightenment, and shaping identity within specific civilizations. Although psilocybin is illegal in Indonesia, these mushrooms can be found in the Gili Islands, raising questions about how they fit into local spiritual traditions and the legal loopholes that allow their use. Field research in the Gili Islands reveals how religious beliefs and practices influence the cultural acceptance of magic mushrooms, while interviews with residents shed light on its importance for healing and transforming the mind. The study also examines the effects of tourism on traditional healing practices, investigating the exchange between global and local perceptions of psychoactive substances. By utilizing ethnographic observations and interviews, the gathered data gives a greater understanding of how cultural and religious backgrounds shape the acceptance and use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in spiritual practices.

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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