The Figure of Kumbakarna in Wayang Performance: A True Knight Model in Serat Tripama by Mangkunegara IV

Abstract

This article focuses on the study of the figure of Kumbakarna who became a role model for the Javanese. Kumbakarna was seen as a true knight who never broke his promise in defending the country until the end. This characteristic was implied in Serat Tripama, a traditional parchment authored by Mangkunegara IV which depicts three role models, namely Bambang Sumantri, Karna, and Kumbakarna. This article aims to describe and analyze the figure of Kumbakarna as a true knight which reflects the thoughts and values held by Mangkunegara IV. This articleused a library research with a hermeneutic approach as a tool to interpret Mangkunegara's thoughts contained within Serat Tripama. The results and discussion of this article explains that the government under Mangkunegara IV is very concerned about their administrative duties, especially in teaching by giving examples of trueknight figures who can become role models for the people and the military in Indonesia. That there is no need to have a beautiful physique to become a true knight figure aside of a strong determination to love the homeland. This is depicted bythe figure of Kumbakarna who was willing to sacrifice his life to defend his country, Alengka Kingdom.

Keywords: Kumbakarna, Mangkunegara IV, Serat Tripama, True Knight, Wayang

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/86-02

Publication date:October 31^st 2020