The community felt it was under siege by an invisible enemy. And when the people feel the law cannot protect them, they often take the law into their own hands.
Families of victims still face social stigma, as descendants of "sorcerers" are often ostracized in their communities. ResearchGate Further Exploration The Cultural Perspective: dukun santet banyuwangi 1998
For decades, a delicate social contract existed. People feared these practitioners but also sought them out for revenge or protection. However, as 1998 progressed, this fear curdled into paranoia. The community felt it was under siege by an invisible enemy
The revelation of Mbah Suro's involvement in the Banyuwangi witchcraft case sent shockwaves through the community. Many were horrified by the thought that a respected member of their community could be capable of such evil. Others were more sympathetic, suggesting that Mbah Suro was a product of a society that still harbored deep-seated superstitions and prejudices. The revelation of Mbah Suro's involvement in the