Mpu Tantular (c.14th century) was a famous Javanesepoet ofJavanese literature who lived in the 14th century, during the reign of kingHayam Wuruk. Tantular was a Buddhist, and was respectful to other religions. This can be seen in two items ofkakawin orpoetry, theKakawin Arjunawijaya andKakawin Sutasoma.[1][2][3] One of the verses from the Kakawin Sutasoma was later taken as the motto or motto of theRepublic of Indonesia: "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" or different but one.[4][5]
Mpu Tantular | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Old Javanese Writer |
| Known for | Bhinneka Tunggal Ika |
| Notable work | Book of Arjunawijaya,Book of Sutasoma |
The name Mpu Tantular itself means, tan (not) and tular (affected). Thus, the image of Mpu Tantular as his name implies is that of a mpu (scholar, thinker, poet) who has a firm stand, and is not easily influenced by anyone.[2]
Mpu Tantular'sKakawin Sutasoma was quoted byMohammad Yamin in formulating the nation's motto, namelyBhinneka Tunggal Ika. The quote from the phrase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is found in the canto 139stanza 5. Translated word for word, the wordbhinnêka means "variety" and consists of the wordsbhinna andika, which are combined. Thesingle word means "one." The wordika means "it". Literally, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is translated as "The Diversity of One," which means that despite being diverse, the Indonesian people are still one unit. This motto is used to describe the unity and integrity of the Nation and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia which consists of various cultures, regional languages, races, ethnicities, religions and beliefs. As head of theFaculty of Philosophy ofGadjah Mada University,Rizal Mustansyir, writes, "the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika explains clearly that there is diversity in various aspects of life that makes the Indonesian nation a unified and unified nation."[6]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)| International | |
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