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UNAIR NEWS – It is common knowledge that Indonesia has diverse traditions and cultural values. In East Java, one of the traditions is folklore tradition or Panji.

Panji tradition is a special art forms of East Java about the love story of Raden Panji (Panji Asmarabangun) from the Kingdom of Jenggala, especially his love story with Dewi Sekartaji (Princess Candra Kirana) from Daha Kediri Kingdom.

The review on this subject was discussed in detail in a public lecture titled “Tracing Panji and Sekartaji” Department of History Science Faculty of Humanities (FIB) on Friday, July 27. The speaker was German archeological researcher Dr. Lidya Kieven.

In her explanation, Dr. Lidya reviewed Panji series into its depiction elements. First is separation, men and women missing each other. Second, searching for each other. The two of them are on different journeys with their comrades.

Third is the science lesson, it is about the meeting with the hermit into exile. Fourth, leading to high knowledge, ie crossing the sea. And, the last is love in union.

“The couple (married, ed) are depicted sitting comfortably together in the relief of the temple,” she said.

According to Dr. Lidya, the embodiment of Panji tradition in East Java and Indonesia is very rich. It is formed in oral and written literature. There is also an ancient art on Buddhist Hindu sites and performing arts such as wayang beber and gedog.

Distribution of Panji Tradition

In addition to being in Indonesia, Panji tradition spreads in the region of Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, the tradition is in the form of performing arts with changing names and storylines. It is usually known as Inao.

Dr. Lidya said there are about 70 stories of Panji in the National Library of Indonesia Jakarta. In fact, there are about 200 stories of Panji stored in the Library of Leiden University, Netherlands.

In addition to the library, Dr. Lidya, Panji’s story can be found on statues and reliefs in East Java temples. For example, Penataran Temple in Blitar and Kendalisodo and Selokelir temples under the Mount Penanggungan.

“There are many reliefs in Blitar Penataran temple between 2006 and 2018. Most of the reliefs tells about rural life like ritual, planting rice, harvesting, and (storage, ed) barn,” she said.

From her presentation, Dr. Lidya concluded that Panji’s literature, art, and traditions can be a source of inspiration to appreciate tradition and support cultural identity including learning about the value of life. It means that Panji tradition is not only an object of arts, but also as a living heritage.

“Regardless the interpretation and function of Panji in the temples, the values apply to all human beings,” said the author of Tracing Panji and Sekartaji: Panji Tradition and its Transformation P°ù´Ç³¦±ð²õ²õÌýNowadays.

“Despite the bad things (farewell, ed), we seek and strive continuously to achieve goals (unification). With the willingness to receive help and doctrine by a counselor, peace and balance will be achieved, ” she added.

Enthusiasm of Participants

Attended by some students of Faculty of Humanities (FIB) UNAIR and SMA IT Al Uswah Surabaya, the guest lecture was lively. Abdullah Mudjahid Ramadan, a high student of IT Al Uswah High School, asked about the origin of Panji’s meeting with Candra Kirana.

Dr. Lidya revealed, it can actually be known based on the myth from the Dayak tribe. However, it still has historical links with the Kingdom of Jenggala and the Kingdom of Daha.

Meanwhile, about the guest lecture, Didin, the other students, was very excited and happy. Because, many things related to the new culture, especially the culture of East Java.

“So they must understand Panji puppet show, the story as well. In fact, I used to know Ramayana and wayang Gedog only. Now I know Panji Bannerman what it looks like, ” he said. (*)

Author: Fariz Ilham Rosyidi

Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i