Javanese language

I read with interest Mochtar Buchori's article in The Jakarta Post (June 14, 1995), and I would like to comment on it. My reaction is not merely because I am Javanese myself, but I am trying to be a true Indonesian, residing and living almost 45 years in Jakarta, among Javanese and other non-Javanese friends.

We all know that as soon as a group of people of the same province gather, they tend to use their local language rather than Bahasa Indonesia. The Batak say Horas bah (hello), the Sundanese address you with mangga gan (yes, sir), and the Javanese make an excuse with nuwun sewu if something turns out to be wrong. This cannot be avoided.

Do you then feel irritated if you hear them talk in their local language? Obviously, such things happen everywhere. So it is no use feeling irritated all the time. Being a majority, the Javanese are dominant in many ways of life, and that is why the use of Javanese appears to be excessive, which, according to Buchori's observation, causes irritation and unease in some circles of Indonesian society.

You cannot and may not prevent a Javanese feeling impolite in addressing another highly-respected Javanese in bahasa, because there is another expression in Javanese which is more just and more polite. If I meet a Javanese whom I respect, I will not greet him with Apa kabar, pak? (How're you?) but I would rather greet him with Sugeng, Pak? (You are in good health, aren't you?). A Javanese gentleman usually responds with pangestu (with your good wishes, I'm all right).

I learned that in several circles, Javanese as well as non- Javanese, the word sowan is being widely used and generally accepted in Indonesian society. Sowan means making a call on a person of higher rank, to replace the Indonesian word menghadap which does not sound polite enough, at least to a Javanese.

Buchori further observes that there are people who feel that such practices, especially the use of excessive Javanese or Kawi (Old Javanese) expressions alienates non-Javanese ethnic groups. The use and habit of using Javanese expressions cannot be regarded as forcing Javanese words into Bahasa Indonesia, but it must be seen as an enrichment and a contribution to our national language. We all understand that Indonesia is a multi-cultural nation with so many customs and traditions. The existing differences may not become contradictory in our multi-cultural richness.

It is wrong to think that the use of Javanese words and expressions must be regarded as not so innocent because they basically come from arrogance. As observed by Buchori, the Indonesian language is not capable of adequately expressing nuances of politeness. It is absolutely wrong to accuse the Javanese of being arrogant in using or adopting names that sound distinguished, names that clearly set them apart from ordinary people. When my wife gave birth to my children I did not name the boy Pramono Haryono-Putro, but Pramono; and for the girl not Kusumaindah but only Kristiani. On the other hand, you may not expect me to name my daughter Juminten and my son Samiun. You know what I mean? Adopting certain names does not necessarily suggest nobility with a touch of class.

It is true that dignity and authority will not automatically be derived from names only, but rather from performance. However, a well-chosen name may well contribute and generate good performance, dignity and authority.

ALOYSIUS HARYONO

Jakarta