Javanese language

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