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It is fair enough to admit that I was quite ashamed to be able to read it only recently. It hit me, just like that. I am not Javanese by blood, not that I want to be one, however similar to Endrasena -though in his case the Islamic belief- I was enchanted by its culture and beliefs. If Greek mythology was fascinating, Centhini was just simply astounding.

It was noted as one of the oldest Indonesian manuscripts, presumably older than Indonesia itself. In the form of poetry and songs, assembled by three royal scholars assigned by prince Anom Amengkunegara of Surakarta kingdom who was longing for freedom, it perfectly reflected the precious Javanese knowledge. It was presented by three royal princes and princess -Jayangresmi, Jayengsari and Rancangkapti- who were separated by war when another empire occupied their father’s kingdom.

And what a journey they had. As what most people have said, the best teacher in the world is experience itself. I have these mental pictures of the older java island when these stories occurred. As I said before, I was truly enchanted. Back then it was the era of Islamic kingdoms but I reckon, the Islamic influences were not as strict as nowadays. It was mixed with Javanese ancient beliefs. I wonder if this was the Kejawen religion or at least where it began. Don’t get me wrong, I recognized it amongst Bataknese elders back in my hometown. They might be Christian, but some traditions just cannot be left behind.

It is wrong to assume I know everything about Javanese now that I’ve read this book, it’s not fair to other historical books as well. I’ve heard about the Reog art, which originally emerged as a resistance movement, but here it was stated why they’re not allowed to have a sexual intercourse with the opposite sex. What was exactly the spirit behind the wayang shows, and how it even existed? The erotic exposure of Centhini just choked me, it’s so naked and straightforward but why it is really hard for Indonesians today to talk freely about it, or to approve sexual education for their children at schools?!

” … love is a masterpiece that changes lust into a breath. it is the biggest death, a sensuous delight off the physical pleasure.”
- Amongraga to Tambangraras

2 Responses to “Centhini: Kekasih yang Tersembunyi”

1. gita Says:
   October 15th, 2008 at 2:45 am

   mau pinjem dongggg….

2. Ophelia Says:
   November 3rd, 2008 at 10:59 am

   hey gita sebenarnya sih mau aja minjemin tapi bukunya lagi dipinjem temen trus yang daftar ngantri juga panjang hehe gimana yah

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