Digitization of Sasak Traditional Medicine: An Effort to Preserve Local Language on Medicine Plants

Abstract

Belian Sasak is a traditional healer (shaman). Nowadays, there is a fear that the Belian Sasak profession, which relies on oral tradition for transmission, may disappear. Transferring this type of oral knowledge into other languages is typically quite challenging. As a result, the traditional medicinal terminology used by the Belian Sasak is likely to vanish. There is concern that the language will become extinct and the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants will not be passed down to future generations. This study aims to document Sasak traditional medicine. Knowledge about traditional Sasak medicine, including its procedures, components, and biodiversity advantages, was documented through the development of deep learning-based applications. Data for this study was gathered through surveys, interviews, and observations. The data collected is linguistic and ethno-botanical information used by Belian Sasak. At the first-year survey stage, researchers collected 67 medicinal plants listed alphabetically by botanical name in Sasak terms, types, and treatment techniques through interviews with 2 Belian Sasak in the Punikan area. Researchers also observed the Lontar Manuscripts, which contain data about the traditional medicine of the Sasak people. Furthermore, the documentation process is carried out using information technology, using deep learning and image modeling.