The Birth of Javanese Script

[:id]Legenda ajisaka[:en]The legend of Ajisaka[:]

Every region in Indonesia has its own language and script, one of which is the Javanese script. Despite modern influences and the dominance of Latin letters, Javanese script remains an integral part of Javanese literature and daily communication in Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java. Many schools continue to teach it as part of the curriculum.

Javanese script, also known as Hanacaraka, Carakan, or Dentawyanjana, originates from India’s Brahmi script through the intermediary of the Kawi script. It follows an abugida writing system and is closely related to the Balinese script. This script, used between the 15th and 20th centuries, also influenced the writing systems of other regional languages such as Sundanese, Madurese, Sasak, and Malay. Additionally, historical languages like Sanskrit and Kawi also adopted this script.

However, the Javanese script did not appear out of nowhere. A legendary story tells of two loyal companions whose unwavering devotion led to the creation of the script. This is the story of Aji Saka, the young prince who embarked on a journey to Java.

Aji Saka’s Journey to Java

Long ago, a young man named Aji Saka traveled from Hindustan to the land of Java. He was accompanied by two loyal followers, Dora and Sembada. Their destination was the prosperous kingdom of Medang Kamulan.

During their journey, they stopped to rest on an island called Majeti. Before proceeding to Medang Kamulan, Aji Saka entrusted his sacred dagger to Dora, instructing him to guard it with his life. He gave one strict command: the dagger should not be handed over to anyone, unless Aji Saka himself came to retrieve it.

With that, Dora stayed behind on Majeti Island while Aji Saka and Sembada continued their journey to Medang Kamulan.

The Tyrannical King of Medang Kamulan

Upon arriving in Medang Kamulan, Aji Saka and Sembada took refuge in the house of an elderly woman named Nyai Sengkeran. Soon, Aji Saka’s wisdom and knowledge attracted many locals, including the royal minister, who sought to learn from him.

The minister lamented the cruelty of his king, Prabu Dewata Cengkar, who ruled with an iron fist. The people lived in fear, for the king had an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Each day, a villager was sacrificed to satisfy his gruesome hunger.

Determined to put an end to this tyranny, Aji Saka devised a clever plan and presented himself before the king, offering to be the next sacrifice. The king, amused by Aji Saka’s bravery, eagerly agreed. However, Aji Saka proposed one condition: he would willingly be devoured if the king granted him land as wide as his headscarf.

Blinded by greed, Prabu Dewata Cengkar accepted without hesitation. As Aji Saka unraveled his scarf, it magically stretched farther and farther, covering the palace grounds. The king, desperate to see the scarf’s end, followed its length until he reached the edge of a cliff. At that moment, Aji Saka used his magic to hurl the king off the cliff into the raging sea, where he transformed into a white crocodile.

With the king’s death, the people of Medang Kamulan were finally free. In gratitude, they crowned Aji Saka as their new ruler, bringing peace and prosperity to the land.

The Tragic Fate of Dora and Sembada

Despite his victory, Aji Saka still had unfinished business. He remembered the dagger he had left with Dora on Majeti Island and sent Sembada to retrieve it.

Upon arriving on the island, Sembada found his old friend and conveyed Aji Saka’s request. However, Dora refused to hand over the dagger. He remained faithful to his master’s command: only Aji Saka himself could claim the dagger.

Sembada, equally loyal to Aji Saka, insisted that the request came directly from their master. But Dora stood firm. What began as a simple disagreement soon escalated into a fierce battle. Bound by their unwavering loyalty, neither yielded. In the end, both warriors perished in the fight.

Back in Medang Kamulan, Aji Saka was devastated upon learning of their deaths. Overcome with grief and regret, he honored his two loyal companions by composing a sacred verse:

Ha Na Ca Ra Ka (There were two messengers)
Da Ta Sa Wa La (Who had a disagreement)
Pa Dha Ja Ya Nya (Both were equally strong)
Ma Ga Ba Tha Nga (Both perished together)

This poem became the foundation of the Javanese script, created by Aji Saka as a tribute to his fallen friends. The script was designed to record history and preserve knowledge for future generations. It also serves as a symbol of loyalty, courage, and duty.

The Enduring Legacy of Javanese Script

With the creation of the Javanese script, Java’s rich culture and history were immortalized. This writing system remains a vital part of Javanese heritage, used not only for the Javanese language but also for other regional languages in Indonesia.

The legend of Aji Saka is recorded in an ancient manuscript called Serat Manik Moyo, written by Karta Mursadah and republished in 1852. This manuscript contains the earliest known version of the story of Aji Saka and the origin of the Hanacaraka script.

Moral Lessons

Aji Saka’s journey teaches us the value of determination and purpose. Just as he remained steadfast in his mission, we too should stay focused on our goals while adapting to the challenges we face.

Additionally, his story reminds us to respect local traditions and leave a positive impact wherever we go. Meanwhile, the tragic tale of Dora and Sembada highlights the importance of loyalty and the consequences of unwavering devotion.

The story of Aji Saka is more than just a folktale—it is a reflection of the values that define Javanese culture: wisdom, honor, and sacrifice.

Reference: This article is adapted from Indonesiakaya.com

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