Archery is a sport well known for its focus and precision. While archery is usually practiced in a standing position, Indonesia has a unique traditional form where archers shoot while sitting cross-legged, called Jemparingan.
Jemparingan is a traditional Javanese archery deeply rooted in Indonesian culture. More than just a sport, it is a living art form that emphasizes calmness, focus, and philosophy, especially in Yogyakarta, where this tradition continues to thrive today.
How did this unique tradition develop, and what makes it different from modern archery? This article will take you on a journey to explore the history, philosophy, and cultural meaning behind Jemparingan, Indonesia’s traditional archery with a unique sitting style.
The Origin of Jemparingan
Jemparingan originated during the era of the Mataram Kingdom in Indonesia and is believed to have been practiced since the 18th century in Yogyakarta.
In its early days, Jemparingan was reserved for members of the royal family and palace warriors of the Mataram Kingdom. It was not only a form of entertainment but also a way to train discipline, precision, and concentration among royal soldiers.
Today, Jemparingan continues to thrive in both Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo), the two cities that were once part of the historic Mataram Kingdom. These regions remain the heart of traditional Javanese culture, keeping this unique form of archery alive for future generations.
What Makes Jemparingan Unique
The most unique aspect of Jemparingan is the shooting position. Unlike modern archery, Jemparingan is performed while sitting cross-legged, a position called lesehan in Javanese culture. This sitting posture represents humility, calmness, and focus, key values in Javanese philosophy.
The archers use traditional equipment, including the gandewa (bow) and jemparing (arrow), both usually made from bamboo or wood. The target in this traditional archery is also different. Instead of a circular board, Jemparingan uses a small cylindrical target called bandul or bandulan, placed about 30 meters away.
Another unique element of Jemparingan is the traditional attire worn by the archers. They dress in full Javanese traditional clothing, including a surjan (traditional shirt), jarik batik (batik cloth worn as a sarong), and a blangkon (batik headgear). This clothing reflects respect for tradition and the deep connection between sport and culture in Javanese society.
How to Play Jemparingan
In Jemparingan, every archer must sit cross-legged and slightly angled to the left side of the body. The archer holds the bow (gandewa) with the left hand and pulls the arrow (jemparing) using the right hand.
Players are expected to focus their mind and body while aiming at the target, a small cylindrical object called bandulan. When an arrow hits the target, a small bell placed above it rings, signaling a successful shot.
Interestingly, Jemparingan archers do not aim with their eyes. Instead, they hold the bow in front of their stomach area, allowing their inner feeling and intuition to guide the shot. This technique symbolizes simplicity, balance, and harmony, values that are deeply respected in Javanese culture.
The Meaning Behind the Sport
As both a sport and cultural art, Jemparingan teaches important life values such as patience, focus, and self-control, encouraging archers to remain mindful and calm throughout their practice.
Rooted deeply in Javanese wisdom, the sport guides archers to concentrate fully, maintain determination and enthusiasm, cultivate confidence without arrogance, and practice responsibility and perseverance.
This combination of technique and philosophy makes Jemparingan more than just a sport. It is also a form of meditation and self-reflection, where the goal is not only to hit the target but to achieve peace of mind, inner balance, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
Jemparingan Today
Today, Jemparingan is no longer practiced only by members of the royal family; it has also spread to the general public. Since 2019, people outside the palace have been allowed to practice and preserve Jemparingan, helping to keep this cultural art alive.
While Jemparingan has not yet become a nationally competitive sport, it is often featured in cultural festivals and traditional sport exhibitions. There is growing potential for Jemparingan to gain global recognition as part of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage, similar to well-known practices like pencak silat and sepak takraw.
References:
- https://sonobudoyo.jogjaprov.go.id/en/tulisan/read/sejarah-jemparingan--warisan-budaya-tak-benda-dari-yogyakarta
- https://www.kratonjogja.id/kagungan-dalem/14-jemparingan-gaya-mataram/
