Javanese poetry contest held to mark anniversary of Yogyakarta’s Pakualaman royal court

Wed, May 3, 2017 / 02:45 pm

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A contestant listens to macapat using earphones while waiting for her turn. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Participants of the macapat competition cram before performing at the Pakualaman royal court, Yogyakarta. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Bananas are available for snacks while participants wait for their turn during the macapat contest at the Pakualaman palace, Yogyakarta. JP/Aditya Sagita
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A panel of three judges listen and assess a performance. JP/Aditya Sagita
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A participant makes a gesture of respect before performing at the Pakualaman royal court, Yogyakarta. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Mbah [grandma] Giyem duckwalks as a gesture of respect to the royals. Despite her advanced age, she still participates in the macapat competition. JP/Aditya Sagita
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The audience watches the macapat competition at Pakualaman royal court, Yogyakarta. JP/Aditya Sagita
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A participant holds a picture of herself that she bought from a photographer after her performance. JP/Aditya Sagita
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The trophy from the royal court for the women’s category is displayed on a table. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Macapat participants walk home after competing in the event. JP/Aditya Sagita

To celebrate the 211st anniversary of Pakualaman royal court in Yogyakarta, horse racing and jemparingan (archery in sitting position) contests as well as a macapat (Javanese poetry) competition. The contest winners vied to win crown-shaped trophies.

Macapat has been used as a medium for Javanese people to learn and understand their culture through documented old manuscripts. Ancient Javanese literature teaches moral values, wisdom, history, religion and life lessons.

The macapat competition was also held to reintroduce Javanese culture to the younger generation, which has become alienated from their own culture. Through macapat, the younger generation could learn poetry verses that have been passed down through the ages. The verses contain moral values taken from old manuscripts that are kept at Widyapustaka library at Pakualaman palace.

The macapat competition was divided into four categories -- elementary school students, junior high school students, high school students and the general audience -- and was participated in by 185 people. [yan]