To People's Bandung
By Sabar Anantaguna
wherever they come from, the people are the people
wherever they are, times are with the people
and the wind touches every bossom:
the free heart of africa
the revolutionary heart of asia
those who have come
are lovers, fighters all
children of the sun
sparks of multi-coloured fireworks
and the colour grows at the waist of the mountain
and embraces the faith of bandung
those who are here
are all beloved, are fire all
children of the earth
who with flowers combat death
and the flower grows at the waist of the mountain
and embrace the solidarity of bandung
wherever they come from, the people are the people
wherever they are, times are with the people
and the wind touches the free heart:
the song of revolution
peace in all the world.
Source: Contemporary Progressive Indonesian Poetry, 1962
Poem Analysis:
Sabar Anantaguna's poem To People's Bandung is a vibrant and powerful celebration of solidarity, resilience, and revolutionary spirit among the people of Bandung, a city that holds historical significance as a center of anti-colonial struggle and social justice movements. The poem encapsulates the essence of unity among diverse peoples, emphasizing their shared struggles and aspirations for freedom and peace. Through rich imagery and rhythmic repetition, Anantaguna crafts a message that resonates with themes of love, struggle, and hope.
Unity in Diversity
The opening lines—“wherever they come from, the people are the people / wherever they are, times are with the people”—set the tone for the poem's celebration of unity. Anantaguna emphasizes that regardless of background or origin, the essence of humanity remains the same. This assertion underlines the collective identity of people, suggesting that their struggles and aspirations transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
The repetition of the phrase “the people are the people” serves to reinforce this idea, creating a rhythmic cadence that echoes throughout the poem. By stating that “times are with the people,” the poet acknowledges the historical significance of the people's struggles, suggesting that they are not isolated incidents but part of a larger narrative of resistance against oppression.
Imagery of Revolution and Freedom
The poem introduces powerful imagery of nature and freedom, notably in the lines “the free heart of Africa / the revolutionary heart of Asia.” Here, Anantaguna connects the struggles of different continents, emphasizing that the fight for freedom is a universal endeavor. The imagery of the “free heart” evokes a sense of vitality and resilience, suggesting that the spirit of revolution is alive and thriving across the globe.
The poet characterizes those who have come to Bandung as “lovers, fighters all / children of the sun.” This description encapsulates a duality of passion and resilience, indicating that the people’s fight for justice is fueled by love for their land and each other. The metaphor of “sparks of multi-coloured fireworks” adds a dynamic visual element, symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of the revolutionary spirit.
The Symbolism of Flowers and Solidarity
In the second stanza, Anantaguna employs the imagery of flowers to symbolize beauty, peace, and the resistance against death. The lines “who with flowers combat death” suggest that the struggle for freedom is not solely a violent confrontation but also a peaceful resistance rooted in love and compassion. The flower serves as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, highlighting the idea that beauty can emerge even in the face of adversity.
The repetition of the phrase “the flower grows at the waist of the mountain” reinforces the connection between nature and the people’s struggle. It suggests that the fight for justice is grounded in the land itself, symbolizing both the strength of the people and their deep connection to their homeland. This imagery evokes a sense of solidarity among the people of Bandung, illustrating their collective determination to overcome obstacles.
A Call for Peace and Revolution
The concluding lines—“and the wind touches the free heart: / the song of revolution / peace in all the world”— encapsulate the essence of the poem. The wind symbolizes change and the dissemination of revolutionary ideas, suggesting that the spirit of Bandung extends beyond its geographical boundaries. The phrase “the song of revolution” indicates that the struggle for freedom is not only a physical battle but also a cultural and spiritual awakening.
By ending with the call for “peace in all the world,” Anantaguna emphasizes the universal desire for harmony and justice. This message of peace complements the poem's revolutionary spirit, highlighting the interconnectedness of struggle and aspiration for a better future. The closing lines serve as a reminder that the fight for freedom is ultimately about creating a world where all people can live in dignity and harmony.
Structure and Language
To People's Bandung is structured in a way that allows for a rhythmic flow, enhancing the poem's celebratory tone. The repetition of key phrases creates a sense of unity and collective identity, echoing the themes of solidarity and revolution throughout the poem. The stanzas are crafted to build momentum, culminating in a powerful call for peace and change.
Anantaguna’s language is vivid and evocative, employing strong visual imagery that invites readers to engage with the poem on multiple levels. The use of nature-related imagery—flowers, mountains, and the wind—creates a rich tapestry that connects the people’s struggle to the land itself, reinforcing the idea that their fight for justice is deeply rooted in their identity.
A Celebration of Solidarity and Hope
Sabar Anantaguna’s To People's Bandung is a powerful tribute to the spirit of unity, resilience, and revolutionary struggle. Through its evocative imagery and rhythmic language, the poem captures the essence of collective identity among diverse peoples, emphasizing their shared aspirations for freedom and peace. Anantaguna’s exploration of the interconnectedness of struggle across continents serves as a reminder that the fight for justice transcends geographical boundaries.
Ultimately, the poem stands as a call for solidarity and hope, encouraging readers to recognize the power of collective action in the face of adversity. By celebrating the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of resistance, To People's Bandung resonates as a timeless message of empowerment, urging all to stand together in the pursuit of justice and peace for all.