UNS — Alumni Association (IKA) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, in collaboration with the Center for Excellence (PUI) Javanologi, held Wedangan discussing the ‘Tosan Aji in Local Wisdom’ on Wednesday (9/2/2022).
The online event invited three speakers with keris knowledge, the Chief of PUI Javanologi UNS, Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, M.Hum., Ph.D., Empu Basuki Teguh Yuwono, M.Sn. from Padepokan Keris Brojobuwono, and cultural practitioner, KRT Gaura Mancacaritadipura, as speakers.
In his opening remark, a representative from IKA UNS, Dr. Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, stated that Keris is the product of advanced metallurgy technology and the advantages owned by Javanese culture that need to be appreciated. Although many think that Keris is a mystical creation, its production process has reliable scientific knowledge that is appropriate to be discussed on the academic stage. This opinion was supported by Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Dr.rer.nat Sajidan, M.Si., who stated that Keris is a noble creation that contains philosophical thought and diverse variety posing as local excellence at the international level.
As the person behind the enlistment of Keris as cultural heritage by UNESCO, KRT Gaura Mancacaritadipura shared the enlistment process in UNESCO. The Damartaji Foundation, led by Haryono Haryoguritno, received the duty from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to meet 49 enlistment criteria. He mentioned that the international community had paid attention to Keris, and it was used as a palace token, leading to many Keris being kept in museums abroad.
Empu Basuki Teguh Yuwono, M.Sn., also emphasized that the remaining mistake is the thought that Keris is merely a weapon and mystical tool, while it also serves as a means of communication and a memento that makes people become better people. As a professional in the Keris-making process, the smith acts as an artisan who creates Keris as an embodiment of their thoughts. As a local cultural work, Keris is also identical to the global culture. “We do not need to worry about bringing Keris to the global community. (Because) when more people access Keris, more people will understand its meaning,” Empu Basuki stated.
He added that Keris is local art and culture on the global stage and a symbol of local wisdom with a special position in the global culture. Therefore, to introduce this work to the local people, the professionals could use modern language that focuses on the millennials and ensure that the materials are understandable.
Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, M.Hum., Ph.D., added material on purwaka keris, which reach its heyday during Sultan Agung Hanyakrakusuma who require every person to own a keris. Keris, therefore, is a mark of technological advancement, specifically in metallurgy in the past. Humas UNS
Reporter: Erliska Yuniar Purbayani
Editor: Dwi Hastuti