Traditional Birth Attendants as Guardians of Tradition Amidst Modernization in Javanese Culture

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Mochammad Najmul Afad
Agus Indiyanto
Maghfur Ahmad
Nur Fajariyah
Mukh Imron Ali Mahmudi
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7387-5890

Abstract

This study examines the enduring presence of traditional birth attendants in Batang Regency, Indonesia, and involves various stakeholders, including users of traditional midwifery services, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The research utilizes participant observation and in-depth interviews to collect data. The participants involved in the study include one traditional birth attendant aged 70, three traditional birth attendants aged 30-40, one midwife, nine women who have utilized traditional midwifery services, and seven community members. The findings highlight three key aspects. Firstly, traditional childbirth, facilitated by traditional birth attendants, continues to exist even in the modern world. Secondly, various factors such as belief or faith, emotional bonds, economic considerations, ease of access, and non-procedural approaches contribute to the persistence of traditional midwifery alongside other evolving practices. Lastly, the resilience of traditional practices performed by traditional birth attendantsindicates their adaptability to health sciences and their positive impact on maternal and child health.

Article Details

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Articles (refereed)
Author Biographies

Mochammad Najmul Afad, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid

Department of Islamic Communication and Broadcasting, Faculty of Religious Studies, Literature, and Preaching, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid

Agus Indiyanto, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Maghfur Ahmad, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid

Department of Islamic Family Law (Ahwal Syakhshiyyah), Graduate Program, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid

Nur Fajariyah, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid

Department of Qur'an and Exegesis, Faculty of Religious Studies, Literature, and Preaching, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid 

Mukh Imron Ali Mahmudi, Universitas Indonesia

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Science, Universitas Indonesia