History of Jemparingan, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yogyakarta

Jemparingan is a traditional archery art originating from the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate, better known as the Mataram Yogyakarta style. This sport has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia on February 21, 2024. As an important part of Javanese culture, Jemparingan is not only a sport, but also a means of learning the values ??of the philosophy of life. The Origin of Jemparingan Initially, Jemparingan was only played by the Mataram royal family and palace soldiers. This game was not only entertainment, but also a medium for training dexterity and concentration for the soldiers. Over time, this archery art spread to the general public and became one of the traditional activities that were often competed in. In Javanese, Jemparingan comes from the word jemparing, which means arrow. This tradition has its own uniqueness compared to archery in general. If modern archery is done by standing and aiming using the eyes, Jemparingan is actually done while sitting cross-legged and relying on intuition. This technique reflects the depth of Javanese culture that highly values ??harmony between body, mind, and soul. The Development of Jemparingan in Society Along with the spread of the influence of the Mataram Kingdom, Jemparingan began to be known outside the kingdom. This game was then adapted by the general public, especially in the Yogyakarta area and its surroundings. Until now, Jemparingan is not only part of the palace tradition, but is also often used as a competition in various cultural events, both at the local and national levels. The increasing popularity of Jemparingan is also influenced by communities that continue to preserve it. They do not only focus on the sporting aspect, but also introduce the philosophical values ??contained therein. The Uniqueness of the Jemparingan Technique One of the things that makes Jemparingan unique is the aiming technique that does not use the eyes. The bow or gendewa is positioned in front of the stomach, and the archer must rely on feeling to hit the target called wong-wongan or pendulum. This target is in the form of a vertical pole with a diameter of about 3 cm and a length of 30 cm. The cross-legged sitting position is also a characteristic of Jemparingan. This position symbolizes simplicity and balance, which are highly respected in Javanese culture. The combination of technique and philosophy makes Jemparingan more than just a sport, but also a form of meditation and self-reflection. Philosophy in Jemparingan Jemparingan has a deep philosophy known as pamenthanging gandewa pamenthanging cipta. This philosophy means stretching the bow in line with the concentration of the mind. In everyday life, this teaching reminds us that to achieve our goals, one must focus and have strong determination. By doing Jemparingan, archers not only learn to master the technique, but also train their patience, consistency, and self-confidence. This is in line with the Javanese outlook on life which prioritizes harmony and inner peace. Jemparingan as a Cultural Heritage The determination of Jemparingan as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia is an important step in preserving this tradition. With this official recognition, it is hoped that the younger generation will increasingly know and appreciate Jemparingan as part of the nation's cultural identity. Many communities and arts groups in Yogyakarta continue to hold Jemparingan training and competitions. Not only that, several schools and educational institutions have also begun to integrate this art into their extracurricular programs. These preservation efforts have received support from various parties, including local governments, cultural communities, and the general public. Cultural festivals featuring Jemparingan as one of its main attractions are also increasingly being held. Jemparingan is one of the cultural heritages that teaches us about the importance of harmony, concentration, and balance. More than just a sport, this traditional archery art reflects the noble values ??that are characteristic of Javanese society. By preserving Jemparingan, we are not only preserving ancestral traditions, but also strengthening Indonesia's cultural identity in the eyes of the world. Hopefully Jemparingan will remain alive and continue to be passed down to future generations as one of the prides of the archipelago's culture.