Salai Jin Dance: A Mystical Ritual from Ternate

The Salai Jin dance is a traditional dance originating from Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia. Deeply rooted in mysticism, this dance is considered an ethnic dance of the native Ternate people. The heart of this dance lies in its message to supernatural beings, particularly spirits or jinns. In the past, the dance was used by Ternate ancestors to communicate with these spiritual entities, seeking their assistance in resolving various human problems. One of the most common reasons for performing this dance was to seek a cure for an ill family member.

Typically, the Salai Jin dance is performed in groups, with no specific gender requirements. However, the number of dancers must always be even to avoid any unwanted occurrences. Interestingly, the dancers often experience possession by spirits during the performance, a phenomenon that still happens today and is considered a highlight of the dance.

The male dancers enter the dance arena first, holding incense burners. Their movements are slow and deliberate, creating a mystical atmosphere. As the female dancers join in, they carry bundles of dried palm leaves as protection against evil spirits. The women eventually kneel in the center of the formation, and they appear to lose consciousness as they sway their upper bodies to the rhythm of the music.

Initially, the Salai Jin dance was not performed by just anyone. Only those with the ability to ward off evil spirits were allowed to participate. However, as the dance gained popularity and became a tourist attraction, it underwent some modifications. The use of incense has become optional, and the dancers’ attire has evolved to include more modern styles and vibrant colors.

Although spirit possession is less common nowadays, the mystical elements of the dance are still preserved through the music, facial expressions, and movements of the dancers. This is intentional, as the dancers recognize that the mystical aspect is a key attraction of the dance. In fact, the Salai Jin dance is often performed to welcome state guests visiting Ternate.