Serat Centhini

Serat Centhini is a Javanese Literature Book that was originally written in Javaness Language and writing in the form of song Macapat and were written in 1814 and completed in 1823. (Note: Macapat Song is some of Javanese song with a certain rhythm, a certain number of syllabes, the end of certain words in one stanza song, very popular in the Java community to reflect specific events using a song that fits with atmosphere like posed. Some of Macapat song name such as: Maskumambang, Mijil, Sinom, Kinanti, Asmaradana, Gambuh, Dandanggula, Durma, Pangkur, Pocung, Megatruh, Jurumedung, Wirangrong, Balabak and Girisa).

The original book entitled Serat Suluk Tambangraras written as the idea of KGPA Among Amengkunagoro III, son of Pakubuwono IV, king of Surakarta (1788 - 1820). Next, he replaced his father as a king called Pakubuwono V ( 1820 - 1823 ). While the writing and preparation carried out by:

1. Ki Ng. Ranggasutrasno, the royal poet.
2 R. Ng. Yasadipura II, the royal poet.
3. R. Ng. Sastradipura, royal scribe.
4. Prince Jungut Manduraja, royal officials of Klaten.
5. Kyai Kasan Besari, Great Scholars of Panaraga.
6. Kyai Mohammad, Surakarta Palace Supreme Ulema.

The Original book is still in Sanapustaka in Surakarta Palace. There are severals copies in Reksapustaka Mangkunegaran. Paheman Radya-Pustaka Sriwedari, Sana Budaya Museum in Yogyakarta and Gajah Museum in Jakarta and probably also in other places.


This book consists of 12 (twelve) volumes and totally page about 3500 pages. Contains a kind of "Ensiklopedia of Javanese Culture" because it contains almost all know-how, customs, legends, stories and emotional and physicals science that circulated among the Java community in periode of 16-17 century and some still using until now.

The source of my writing is based on Serat Centhini that has been transcribed from Javanese writing into Latin writing, but still uses the Javanese Language Tribe. This transcription consists of 12 (twelve) volumes. This transcription has been done by Kamajaya, the Chairman Centhini Foundation, Yogyakarta and published by Centhini Foundation, 1991. References are also taken from Pustaka Centhini book - Ichtisar. All contents written by Ki Sumidi Adisasmita, UP Indonesia publisher, Yokyakarta, 1975.

Until now there is not yet the translation of Serat Centhini into Indonesian language. Once, Yayasan Centini has tried, but paused untill 1 volume only. there might be a financing difficulties, may also the time factor and specific level challenge.

The contents of Serat Centhini is very remarkable that covered many facets of Javanese Culture. The main story is about two sons and one daughter of Sunan Giri III ( Giri Parapen) escaped when conquired by Sultan Agung from Mataram in 1636. His first son named Jayengresmi accompanied with two santri(student) named Gathak and Gathuk, Separated from his brother and sister, Jayengsari and Niken Rancangkapti, accompanied with a santri named Buras.

The story of the journey to escape from the pursuing soldiers of Sultan Agung was recorded in the story of the journey by discovering the many events meetings with various leaders accross Java who told many stories, legends, customs and many emotional and physical science. This story is also about the story of Mas Cebolang journey a santri who will be Niken Rancangkapti''s husband and changed his name to be Seh Agungrimang.