Jampi

Jampi is a traditional incantation or charm in Malay- and Indonesian-speaking communities. The term refers to a spoken formula believed to carry magical power, used to affect health, protection, luck, love, or to ward off harm. Jampi are typically conceived as words or phrases with supernatural efficacy, embedded in folk beliefs rather than formal religious doctrine.

Jampi may be spoken aloud or whispered, and are often part of broader folk practices that accompany healing, rites, or life events. Form and content vary by region; typical jampi consist of short, rhythmic phrases and invocations, sometimes addressed to spirits, ancestors, or supernatural beings. They are frequently transmitted orally within families or through local practitioners such as dukun (spiritual healers), bomoh, or pawang, and may be performed with ritual objects, herbs, amulets, candles, or charms.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, jampi exist alongside other traditional magical practices and are commonly distinguished from formal prayers or religious rites. They are seen as part of a syncretic folk belief system that can coexist with Islam, Buddhism, or Christianity, depending on the community. Some jampi are specific to healing (penyembuhan), others to protection or love, and some are purported to bring misfortune or curses, though such purposes are controversial and often stigmatized.

Scholarly interest in jampi arises from ethnographic and anthropological studies of vernacular spirituality, ritual practice, and the transmission of oral knowledge. While not standardized, jampi continue to be part of cultural heritage in various regions, and remain evident in contemporary folklore, literature, and media.