Javanesian - Culture in Indonesia is very interesting to learn. One of them is Keris. Keris has been recognized by UNESCO since 2005. Keris is a sharp weapon typical of Indonesia. The word keris itself comes from the word "ke" and the word "iris" , when combined it means a tool to cut something. Keris has a curved shape or straight and has both sharp sides. This traditional sharp weapon is found in several areas in Indonesia, such as Java, Madura, Bali, Sumatra and South Sulawesi.
Keris has a broad meaning. But in fact have similarities. As can be seen its meaning in Javanese and Arabic. Jarwadhasa Keris word in Javanese is 'keranaris' . 'Kekeran' means obstruction and restraint. 'Aris' means calm. Keris can be associated with human life, namely a person must remind each other and control themselves wisely so that they do not become arrogant human beings (Sutrisna, 2009: 50).
According to Moesa Al Mahfoed, Keris comes from the word 'haris' (Arabic) which means guardian of personal safety. From these two opinions, it can be seen that Keris is a self-guard to always act well in order to survive.
In ancient inscriptions the term keris has been found. The inscription showing the year 748 Saka or 842 AD in the form of a bronze plate found in Karangtengah mentions several types of offerings. The offerings include kres, wangkiul, tewek punukan, wesi penghatap . Kres is Kris (Harsrinuksmo, 2004: 24).
In the fifth or sixth century AD, keris is thought to have started to be made in Java with a simple form. The shape of the keris that we currently know is estimated to have been made only around the 12th century or 13th century AD. The peak of dudaya keris was in the Majapahit era. Because the keris culture at that time had spread to the Riau area, the Malay Peninsula, Palembang, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, the Southern Philippines, to the Surathani and Pathani areas in southern Thailand (Harsrinuksmo, 2004: 27).
Keris is a native Indonesian culture, although the ancestors of the Indonesian people are generally Hindu-Buddhist. Because in fact there is no strong evidence of the existence of a keris in the Hindu-Buddhist religion. Other evidence is the existence of reliefs depicting weapons in the form of a keris on temples in Java where there are no such reliefs in temples in India or other countries.
In the life of the Javanese, Keris has an important and meaningful role. Not only as an heirloom but also a powerful sharp weapon. The terms commonly used for this keris are luk , dhapur , and prestige . Luk means bend. Dhapur and prestige display the suggestive power of the master. It is undeniable that there are many kinds of Keris. So that the style of the keris in each type has a different meaning and function.
When I interviewed Slamet Suwondo in Wonorejo Village, Srengat District, Blitar Regency, Monday (25/8/19) he said that the function of the Keris could be explained directly or indirectly. Directly that is notified orally. Meanwhile, this indirect one uses the terms either meditating or studying.
The function of this keris has changed from time to time. At the time of Singhasari to Mataram Sultan Agung, Keris as a multifunctional and multi-meaning object. This keris is often found as the ultimate weapon and a sign of an important event.
Keris is interpreted deeply by the Javanese, because it is not only seen from the external function but also the symbolic meaning behind its physical form. This symbolic meaning is associated with the behavior of life and the mindset of the Javanese. The existence of a keris is closely related to economic, political, belief, time and place aspects of a keris maker's master being raised (Gustami, 2007: 56).
The Javanese use the Keris as a means of self-defense, a means of religious rituals and fertility, to achieve happiness and prosperity in life. Keris is also seen as sacred which has supernatural and magical charisma (Gustami, 2007: 57).
The keris is a mystery in the life of the Javanese. The form of transformation of values and norms of life has been firmly entrenched or permeated in people's hearts. This is closely related to the existence of supernatural powers.
The unique and distinctive position of the keris is reflected in the life of the Javanese people in the behavior and attitudes of the Javanese towards a keris. Respect for the keris is manifested by the Javanese. This is related to the ethics of the keris.
In modern times, the keris has undergone many shifts. However, for the Javanese who Njawani still maintain the existence of the Keris. Until then, Keris still has a deep influence in their lives.
Keris is not only a form of culture, but also the result of human work from a system of ideas and actions in the context of people's lives. So, we should be grateful for this keris and preserve it because it is considered to have an important value in the life of the Javanese people. And, appreciate the creations of the master's intention accompanied by prayer.