The word of janur derived from Javanese language means young leaves of big palma tree, especially Coconut, Arenga pinnata, and MeÂtreoxylon rumphii or Metroxylon sagu. Janur is used as the tool of daily life for some indigÂenous in the archipelago.
Nia S. Amira
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The Balinese, JavaÂnese, and Sundanese normally utilize janur as part of their daily activity, mostly usÂing young coconut leaves and made into plaited or arÂranged. Stringing young coconut leaves is part of InÂdonesian culture which was the result of idea, feeling, and inÂtention of human kind, highlight the aesthetics and the philosophy that beÂgan from everyday’s human life.
Penjor is one of the stringing arts using young coconut leaves, made by the Balinese as decoraÂtions to welcoming the guests. It is usually placed in front of the gate or at the edge of the street’s alley heading to the house of the people having party. Besides Penjor, BaliÂnese also make traditional conÂtainer box made from the same material used as a plate to put the offerings they usually prepare 3x a day for God.
Similar to the Balinese, janur in Java normally placed in front of house of those havÂing celebration to welcome the honor guests, while KemÂbar Mayang consisted of twins janur decorated beautifully with various seasonal fruits of just certain flowers that will be put on both sides of the aisle bride. Kembar Mayang is a symbol of the union of two individuals in the future life. Mayang means twins.
Coconut tree contains a very deep philosophy for BaliÂnese, Javanese, and Sundanese. From the tip of the trunk to the tip of the root of the tree, it can be used for the sake of human life. Coconut tree trunks can be used as a pillar of the house. We can take the advantage of coconut fruit for making coconut oil and coconut milk There are many advantages of coconut trees for human being.
Indonesia is rich in natural reÂsources, especially in herbs, ornaÂmental plants and flowers. Janur is an exotic creative artwork and very typical of Indonesia, which full of philosophy, powerful as a cultural heritage and local wisdom that should be preserved, as well as an inspiration for creativity.
Young coconut leaves that have been separated from the petiÂole and leaf child’s bones may be plaited or arranged into a variety of forms in the art of janur, the art that requires precision and soft feeling from the maker.
Abdul Rahman (80) originally from Pondok Gede, Jakarta who now lives in Depok, still devoted to his work as a janur maker. Initially about 55 years ago, Abdul Rahman who had worked as casual labor in Meester Market, Jatinegara met a middle age man from Bogor. At that time Abdul Rahman had the big intention to be the janur seller. The man from Bogor offered him to sell the limes. The offer was immediateÂly welcomed.
After 3 months of probation, his adoptive father gave all the earned income from sellÂing the limes to AbÂdul Rahman for his first trade finance. Abdul Rahman felt very touched.
“Honest and Sincere is my way of life,†said the grandfather who still looks healthy and fresh at his elderly age. Abdul Rahman looks at very carefully stringing strand by strand of young coconut leaves with greenish yellow color which he forms as a penjor’s buffer.
Janur lives in each pulse of InÂdonesian people; from the birth process, growth, life’s events, marÂriage, and death.
When asked whether he is willing to transfer his knowledge to the young mothers who always want to learn something new, Abdul Rahman, a humble grandÂfather looked very happy and in his low voice with a smile he nodded to agree. BeÂfore, there was a young Balinese woman who wanted to learn the art of making janur.
Abdul Rahman, a figure rich in experience but down to earth and does not seek excessive material like most janur makers who take benefit of using certain moments. His loyal customers keep coming every day booked classic homeÂmade janur which look very fine and very charmingly strung from corner to corner of the works. His loyal customers who are from upÂper class in the city, always come to him ordering janur for their homes decoration at certain cerÂemonies.
Each set of the arrangement looks very beautiful and has high artistic value because it made wholeheartedly. Abdul Rahman continued his work, on that sunny morning he was completing one circuit leaf that will be used as a decoration of the wedding cerÂemony with a price range of 200 thousand rupiah for 1 piece of work and when the client needs the arrangement to be delivered to Jakarta and surrounding areas, they only add 100 thousand rupiah for the transport. The art of janur is timeless, and it is part of the loÂcal wisdom which weneed to preÂserve.
