Spiritual Dimensions of Carok: Transpersonal Analysis of Madurese Honour Defense
Mohammad Takdir, Fadil Fadil, Basri Basri
Wawasan Jurnal Ilmiah Agama dan Sosial Budaya September 17, 2026 DOI: 10.15575/jw.v11i1.51730 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Madurese people, including former perpetrators of carok, blaters, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and family members |
| Key findings | Argues that carok is a transpersonal phenomenon in which physical violence is fused with spiritual consciousness, expressed through pre-carok rituals (prayer, fasting, blessing-seeking), mystical beliefs about the sacred sickle (celurit), and a conception of death as spiritual victory rather than defeat. The authors contend this contests reductionist readings of carok as mere aggression and supports indigenous psychological frameworks. |
Abstract
Carok, a traditional honour-based practice of violence in Madura, Indonesia, is often misunderstood as mere physical aggression, despite its embedded spiritual dimensions, including rituals, mystical beliefs, and sacred symbolism. This study aims to elaborate on the spiritual meaning of carok behavior among Madurese people from a transpersonal psychology perspective. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 informants, including former perpetrators, blaters, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and family members. The phenomenological analysis used to interpret subjective experiences about the spiritual dimension in carok behavior. The findings indicate that spirituality is expressed through pre-carok rituals (prayer, fasting, blessing-seeking), mystical beliefs in the sacred sickle (celurit), and the conceptualisation of death as a spiritual victory rather than a defeat, demonstrating the synthesis of physical action with transcendent consciousness. This study redefines carok as a transpersonal phenomenon that merges bodily action with spiritual consciousness, contesting reductionist interpretations and enhancing indigenous psychological frameworks.