Rukmanda
By Adi Sidharta
mention all dungeons waiting
and you have mentioned me
mention all storms
the bitterness of exile
the longing for the ketjapi
the stillness of silent nights
the memories of Periangan
and the listlessness of waiting
I who counted
the chain of seconds
for tens of years
dedicating all I had
to the feat of struggle
all the time, each moment
my soul breathed the spirit of youth
and if this very instant I were asked
I would sing "arise ye starvelings from your slumber"
now I am no more
I am one with the soil of my beloved land
but my song I'll finish
together with the dimming stars
with the last song of my heart
which beholds the shimmering dawn
and the buds continuing life
mention all dungeons
and you have mentioned me
but mention also loyalty
enthusiasm and heroism
for this too is me.
Source: Contemporary Progressive Indonesian Poetry, 1962
Poem Analysis:
Adi Sidharta’s Rukmanda is a poignant and evocative poem that delves into themes of struggle, sacrifice, and undying loyalty to one’s homeland. Through rich symbolism and vivid imagery, the poem portrays a speaker who reflects on their life of dedication to the cause of liberation, particularly the pain of imprisonment and exile. Yet, beneath the hardships, the poem also reveals an unyielding spirit of patriotism and heroism, encapsulating the speaker’s steadfastness even in the face of death.
The Central Figure: A Heroic Martyr
At the heart of Rukmanda is the voice of a speaker who embodies the role of a martyr—a figure whose life has been consumed by the struggle for freedom. The speaker’s identity is tied to both suffering and sacrifice, which is introduced early in the poem with the line: “mention all dungeons waiting / and you have mentioned me.” The imagery of dungeons symbolizes imprisonment, a metaphor for both literal incarceration and the broader sense of entrapment that comes from political oppression.
The speaker’s self-identification with the dungeon signifies the depth of their commitment to the cause of freedom. They have endured the most harrowing conditions, and in being associated with such symbols of suffering, the speaker elevates themselves to the status of a heroic figure. The repetition of “mention” throughout the poem reinforces this sense of identification—by mentioning oppression, exile, and hardship, the speaker is acknowledged, as their life is intertwined with these experiences.
Themes of Exile and Longing
The poem also speaks to the experience of exile, which is portrayed as both bitter and melancholic: “the bitterness of exile / the longing for the ketjapi / the stillness of silent nights / the memories of Periangan.” These lines evoke a deep sense of displacement and nostalgia. The mention of the ketjapi—a traditional Sundanese stringed instrument—represents a longing for cultural roots, as the speaker reminisces about the familiar sounds and traditions of their homeland.
“The memories of Periangan” adds a further layer of personal and cultural connection, as Periangan (or Priangan) refers to the highland region of West Java, Indonesia, which holds a significant cultural and historical meaning. By invoking this place, the speaker links their personal identity with their homeland, showing that even in exile, their thoughts and spirit remain anchored to their origins.
The “stillness of silent nights” further amplifies the sense of isolation and longing. Silence here suggests the absence of companionship, freedom, or hope, but it also reflects the quiet contemplation and inner strength of the speaker, who, despite being far from their land, is steadfast in their dedication.
Time as a Symbol of Endurance
Time plays a crucial role in Rukmanda, particularly in how the speaker endures their long years of struggle. The line “I who counted / the chain of seconds / for tens of years” reflects the painstaking passage of time in confinement. The image of counting seconds as a “chain” suggests the oppressive weight of time itself, as the speaker experiences each moment as a link in an endless cycle of hardship.
However, time is not just a burden—it also becomes a testament to the speaker’s resilience. Despite enduring “tens of years” of suffering, the speaker remains committed to “the feat of struggle.” Their dedication over time underscores their unwavering spirit, a key element in the poem’s portrayal of heroism. The passage of time, while painful, also becomes a measure of the speaker’s loyalty and perseverance.
A Song of Revolution and Hope
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its emphasis on song as a symbol of hope and resistance. The speaker declares, “if this very instant I were asked / I would sing ‘arise ye starvelings from your slumber,’” a direct reference to The Internationale, the famous socialist anthem. By invoking this revolutionary song, the speaker aligns themselves with a global tradition of resistance and worker solidarity, suggesting that their personal struggle is part of a larger, collective fight for justice and freedom.
The motif of song continues in the lines “my song I'll finish / together with the dimming stars / with the last song of my heart / which beholds the shimmering dawn.” Here, song represents the speaker’s enduring spirit and their desire to see the fruits of their struggle. The “dimming stars” suggest the end of life or a period of darkness, but the “shimmering dawn” symbolizes the hope of a new beginning, a future that will carry forward the speaker’s dreams.
In these lines, the speaker expresses a sense of fulfillment, knowing that their sacrifices were not in vain. Even though they are no longer physically present (“now I am no more / I am one with the soil of my beloved land”), their spirit lives on through the continuation of the struggle and the new life that emerges with each dawn.
Death and Legacy
Death is a central theme in Rukmanda, but it is not portrayed as an end—rather, it is a merging with the land and the cause. The speaker declares, “I am one with the soil of my beloved land,” signifying that their death has only deepened their connection to their homeland. By becoming part of the soil, the speaker’s life and sacrifices nourish the future generations who will continue the fight for freedom.
This idea is reinforced by the final lines: “mention also loyalty / enthusiasm and heroism / for this too is me.” While the speaker acknowledges the suffering they endured, they also demand to be remembered for their virtues. Loyalty, enthusiasm, and heroism are the defining qualities of the speaker’s legacy, qualities that transcend death and ensure that their contribution to the struggle remains significant. The speaker’s call to be remembered not only for their hardships but also for their unbreakable spirit reflects the poem’s ultimate message of hope, endurance, and pride.
Language and Structure
The language of Rukmanda is reflective, yet filled with quiet strength. The repetition of “mention” throughout the poem creates a rhythmic structure that reinforces the speaker’s identity as inseparable from both suffering and heroism. By repeating key phrases, Sidharta underscores the central themes of loyalty and sacrifice, while the conversational tone of the poem gives the impression that the speaker is directly addressing the reader or listener, inviting them to bear witness to their story.
The poem’s structure, moving from a reflection on hardship to a declaration of loyalty and legacy, mirrors the speaker’s journey from struggle to peace, as they ultimately find fulfillment in the continuation of their ideals. This progression from suffering to hope creates a sense of closure, allowing the speaker to rest, knowing that their work will live on.
A Poem of Sacrifice, Struggle, and Legacy
Adi Sidharta’s Rukmanda is a powerful exploration of the themes of sacrifice, struggle, and the unbreakable bond between a revolutionary figure and their homeland. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem portrays a speaker who has dedicated their life to the cause of freedom, enduring the hardships of exile, imprisonment, and the passage of time. Yet, despite the suffering, the speaker’s loyalty, enthusiasm, and heroism shine through, offering a vision of hope and continuity.
At its core, Rukmanda is a meditation on the power of resistance, the enduring nature of patriotism, and the legacy that individuals leave behind through their dedication to a just cause. The poem is both a tribute to those who have fought for freedom and a reminder that their spirit lives on, even after they have become “one with the soil of my beloved land.”