Tumpek Landep in the AI Era: Don't Just Sharpen Objects, Hone Your Mind Too!

Tumpek Landep has long been synonymous with the purification of keris, weapons, and vehicles. However, amid the rapid flow of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), what needs to be sharpened is the human mind.

In the contemporary context, ‘sharpness’ appears in a new form: words, information, and algorithms. AI can write, analyse, and even shape opinions in seconds. The problem is that this sharpness is not always accompanied by wisdom.

Researcher at the Center for Dharmic Studies (CDS) and academic at the Universitas Hindu Negeri (UHN) I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar, Gede Endy Kumara Gupta, believes that the meaning of Tumpek Landep needs to be drawn deeper, not stopping at objects.

“So far, we have focused on sharp objects, such as keris or even vehicles. But now, we are starting to see it as a day to sharpen the mind,” said Endy on Saturday (18/4/2026).

Endy explained that in Hindu tradition, the mind has four dimensions: manas, ahamkara, buddhi, and chitta. However, in the current context, two things are key: buddhi (intellect) and ahamkara (self-identity).

“Buddhi is like a knife that must be sharpened to distinguish right from wrong. Meanwhile, ahamkara is the hand that uses it,” said Endy.

The issue in the digital era, according to Endy, arises when buddhi and ahamkara are imbalanced. The excessive flow of information makes it difficult for people to discern, while weak self-identity leads to misguided use of knowledge.

“Discerning information is the ability of buddhi, but buddhi works according to ahamkara for good or bad,” emphasised Endy.

AI technology in this situation only amplifies the impact. AI accelerates the production of information but does not determine its value. Without conscious and wise human control, sharpness turns into a source of problems. Tumpek Landep becomes relevant as a simple reminder: technology may become more advanced, but control remains in human hands.

Celebrating Tumpek Landep in the AI era should not stop at symbolic rituals. This celebration also needs to be translated into attitudes of caution in absorbing information, firmness in discerning truth, and awareness of self-identity amid the constant flow.

“What needs to be sharpened today is no longer just tools, but the way of thinking and awareness in using them,” emphasised Endy.