Sahabat Javanologi, have you ever heard the Javanese proverb “Rukun agawe santosa, crah agawe bubrah“? This wise saying encapsulates the essence of Javanese culture and provides a guiding principle for a harmonious and prosperous society.
Translated into English, the proverb means “Unity brings peace, division brings destruction”. This simple phrase conveys a powerful message that highlights the importance of cooperation and unity in achieving a peaceful and prosperous community.
The first part of the proverb, “Rukun agawe santosa,” emphasizes the importance of harmony and cooperation in achieving a state of peace and contentment. This notion is deeply rooted in Javanese culture, which values consensus, cooperation, and social harmony as fundamental principles of community life. In Javanese culture, the concept of rukun is often associated with the practice of gotong royong, which is a traditional form of communal work in which members of a community come together to achieve a common goal.
On the other hand, the second part of the proverb, “Crah agawe bubrah,” warns of the dangers of division and conflict. In Javanese culture, conflict and discord are seen as major sources of social and economic problems, and are therefore to be avoided at all costs. This idea is reflected in the Javanese saying, “Siji-siji ora bakal bubar,” which means “Unity is invincible.”
In today’s world, where conflicts and divisions seem to be increasing, the wisdom of this Javanese proverb is more important than ever. It reminds us that our strength lies in our ability to work together, to put aside our differences, and to focus on our common goals. It teaches us that only through unity can we achieve lasting peace and prosperity for ourselves and our communities.
In other words, Sahabat Javanologi, the proverb “Rukun agawe santosa, crah agawe bubrah” offers a timeless wisdom that is relevant to all of us, regardless of our cultural backgrounds or beliefs. Let us strive to live by this principle, to embrace unity and cooperation, and to work towards a brighter and more harmonious future for ourselves and for those around us.
Author: David Aria WIjaya
