'Macapat' contest aims to help keep Javanese traditions alive
'Macapat' contest aims to help keep Javanese traditions alive
JAKARTA (JP): The nearly-forgotten Javanese tradition of
Macapat, or sung poems, will be 'remembered' during a three-day
contest to be held at the Stage restaurant in Ratu Plaza, South
Jakarta, starting today.
The contest, with nearly 150 participants, is an attempt not
to leave behind the culture which has developed in Java since the
17th century, said head organizer Sides Sudyarto DS yesterday.
The contest, being held for the 14th time, has been organized
by the Macapat organization Radyo Agung Jakarta in cooperation
with the Stage restaurant and Jakarta's Culture Agency.
"It is impossible to 'revive' the tradition because actually
it is not only macapat which is facing extinction, but also
Javanese culture in general," Sides said. "This contest is not
meant as an effort to revive but rather to mourn this forgotten
tradition."
In some areas in Java the tradition has totally disappeared.
Yogyakarta, Solo and Jakarta are currently known as places where
Macapat is still sung.
Macapat actually contains philosophy on Javanese morals and
ethics. Its lyrics speak about a harmonious life and educative
teachings, such as appeals to be close to God or not to go to
sleep too early since people won't have time to reflect on their
lives.
Javanese usually sing the Macapat at weddings as well as baby
naming and circumcision ceremonies. Singer Nyi Condrolukito and
the late composer Narto Sabdo both helped popularize this
Javanese art form.
But today, with modernity, macapat is gradually being left
behind like some other Javanese cultures.
"Today, even in the macapat organization itself, it is
difficult to hold a discussion in 100 percent Javanese. We have
to speak Indonesian because many members no longer master
Javanese," Sides said.
He added that with the extinction of macapat, ethics and moral
values of Javanese have changed as well.
Currently there are around 52 Macapat groups in Jakarta, all
of whom are members of the Radyo Agung organization.
"The number of contest participants this year has decreased
significantly since two years ago when over 300 participated,"
Sides said. (als)