The Belanger Tradition of the Sasak People: An Ethnoscientific Study of Cultural, Chemical, and Ecological Dimensions

The Belanger tradition of the Sasak people is a holistic hair-cleansing ritual that integrates cultural values, ethnochemical knowledge, and environmental sustainability. This study, conducted through interviews and observations in Lombok, reveals that Belanger is not just a physical treatment but also a spiritual purification practice that strengthens community bonds and transmits intergenerational knowledge. The natural ingredients used, such as coconut milk, hibiscus leaves, and kaffir lime, have bioactive properties that provide conditioning, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and cleansing benefits. The practice is environmentally sustainable, using biodegradable and locally sourced materials, contrasting with the chemical waste from synthetic shampoos. The research concludes that Belanger is a convergence of indigenous wisdom and empirical science, serving as a cultural heritage and a model for sustainable cosmetic practices and science education.