The Symbolism of Heirloom Keris and Political Behavior in Indonesia
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Abstract
This study examines the keris as a cultural entity that reflects the harmonious relationship among humans, nature, and God from a Javanese cosmological perspective. Through a hermeneutic qualitative approach based on literature review, this study analyzes the keris as Mustikaning Eling, an artifact that functions as an existential reminder of humankind's divine origins. The results of the discussion show that the process of making a keris involves not only the technical skills of the craftsman, but also spiritual practices, asceticism, and inner communication, thus giving birth to a "sacred power" or sipat kandel which is believed to bring protection, authority, and legitimacy of power. Historically, the existence of the keris is closely related to the Javanese political power structure, especially in the palace environment which is the center of cultural reproduction and symbolic authority. The keris is not only a personal heirloom, but an ideological manifestation that confirms the hegemony of the king as God's representative on earth. Although modernization and secularization have permeated various aspects of life, the keris remains an important part of the collective memory of Javanese society, even undergoing reactualization within the context of national identity and cultural heritage. In conclusion, the keris is a holistic representation of spiritual, social, and political values, as well as a bridge between the past and the present. This research confirms that understanding the keris means understanding the Javanese perspective on power, inner consciousness, and cosmic balance.
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