Pantun Kiasan: A Unique Indonesian Poetry Form

Pantun kiasan is a type of Indonesian poetry that has been around for centuries. It is a unique form of poetry that uses metaphorical and humorous language to convey a message. The word ‘pantun’ is derived from the Malay language, which literally means ‘poem’. The word ‘kiasan’ is derived from the Javanese language, which means ‘metaphor’.

Pantun kiasan is usually composed of four lines in pairs, with each line containing seven to twelve syllables. The first two lines are in the form of a metaphor, while the last two lines express a moral or a lesson. The message conveyed in the poem is often humorous and entertaining. In addition, the rhythm and rhyme in the poem are also very important in conveying the message.

The Origin of Pantun Kiasan

The origin of pantun kiasan can be traced back to the ancient Javanese kingdom of Mataram in the 16th century. It was during this period that Javanese royalty and nobility began to compose pantun kiasan poems as a form of entertainment. The poems were used to express feelings and to convey messages in a humorous and entertaining way. Over the centuries, the form of pantun kiasan has evolved and has become a popular form of Indonesian poetry.

Today, pantun kiasan is still widely used in Indonesia as a way to express feelings and to convey messages. It is often used in weddings and other social events to entertain guests. Pantun kiasan is also used as a form of storytelling, with the moral or lesson being the main point of the story. It is also used in songs and even in advertising campaigns.

Features of Pantun Kiasan

The main features of pantun kiasan are its use of metaphors and humorous language. As mentioned earlier, it consists of four lines in pairs, with each line containing seven to twelve syllables. The first two lines are in the form of a metaphor, while the last two lines express a moral or a lesson. The rhythm and rhyme in the poem are also very important.

In addition, another feature of pantun kiasan is its use of imagery. The metaphors used in the poem are often vivid and colourful, which helps to bring the poem to life. This is why the imagery used in pantun kiasan is often very creative and imaginative.

Examples of Pantun Kiasan Poems

One of the most famous examples of pantun kiasan is “The Wedding Pantun”, which is a poem composed by the legendary poet, Raden Mas Jodjana. The poem goes something like this:

Bunga mawar mekar di taman,
Berwarna merah dan putih,
Dalam cinta semoga bahagia,
Sampai ke hari tua nanti.

This poem is often used in weddings to wish the couple a lifetime of joy and happiness. Another example of pantun kiasan is “The Frog Pantun”, which is a popular poem composed by the poet, Raden Mas Jodjana. The poem goes something like this:

Kodok berlompatan di tepian,
Mari kita berteman sekalian,
Dalam cinta bahagia selalu,
Hingga ke hari tua nanti.

This poem is often used in social events as a way to remind people to remain friends and to always be happy with each other.

Conclusion

Pantun kiasan is a unique form of Indonesian poetry that has been around for centuries. It is a type of poetry that uses metaphors and humorous language to convey a message. The rhythm and rhyme in the poem are also very important in conveying the message. The imagery used in pantun kiasan is often very creative and imaginative. Examples of pantun kiasan poems include “The Wedding Pantun” and “The Frog Pantun”. Pantun kiasan is still widely used in Indonesia as a way to express feelings and to convey messages.

Conclusion

Pantun kiasan is a unique form of Indonesian poetry that has been around for centuries. It is a type of poetry that uses metaphors and humorous language to convey a message. The rhythm and rhyme in the poem are also very important in conveying the message. The imagery used in pantun kiasan is often very creative and imaginative. Examples of pantun kiasan poems include “The Wedding Pantun” and “The Frog Pantun”. Pantun kiasan is still widely used in Indonesia as a way to express feelings and to convey messages.