Book

An Exploration of Indigenous Philosophy, Kinship Systems, Customary Law, Cultural Values, Social Harmony, Traditional Wisdom, Ethnomathematics, and Cultural Identity in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara Deep in the heart of Lombok Island, Indonesia, lies a living tradition that has withstood the test of time. Wetu Telu—the syncretic indigenous philosophy of the Sasak people—represents a remarkable synthesis of animistic beliefs, Hindu-Buddhist influences, and Islamic teachings. This groundbreaking volume offers the first comprehensive English-language examination of this fascinating worldview. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork and archival research, Torang Siregar, S.Pd., Gr., M.Pd., unravels the philosophical foundations of Wetu Telu, exploring how its cosmology shapes kinship systems, social stratification, and customary law (Awig-Awig). The book examines the mechanisms of conflict resolution embedded in Sasak tradition, the cultural values that sustain social harmony (Kerukunan), and the intricate rituals that govern agricultural cycles and life-cycle ceremonies. Beyond philosophy and law, this work breaks new ground by investigating ethnomathematics in Sasak culture—revealing how mathematical concepts are embedded in traditional architecture, Songket weaving patterns, and rice storage structures. Through this lens, the author demonstrates that indigenous knowledge systems contain sophisticated logical and geometric principles worthy of scholarly attention. As modernity encroaches upon traditional societies worldwide, Wetu Telu offers critical insights into how indigenous wisdom can coexist with contemporary life. This book is essential reading for scholars of anthropology, indigenous philosophy, Islamic studies, cultural studies, and anyone interested in the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia. Target Audience: Anthropologists, ethnographers, Islamic studies scholars, cultural historians, and graduate students.