Mpu Tantular: The Life Story of a Poet, Scholar, and War Strategist
Telling the life journey of the most famous poet, scholar, and war strategist of his time, to the point that one of his works became the national motto of the Indonesian nation. Mpu Tantular was a great poet from the Majapahit Kingdom who lived in the 14th century, famous for the depth of his thoughts that explored the meaning of unity in diversity.
Around the year 1331, a sage named Tantular was born in the land of East Java, at a time when the Majapahit Kingdom was at the height of its glory under the rule of Prabu Hayam Wuruk. From his early years, Mpu Tantular grew and learned in the palace environment, one rich with noble values and spiritual traditions. During this time, the Majapahit skies were filled with the spirit of greatness, and him is a seeker of knowledge strove to understand life by delving deeply into philosophy, literature, and spirituality. As a devout Buddhist, Mpu Tantular held the teachings of his faith close to his heart. Yet, he also witnessed the greatness of other religions flourishing around him, especially Hindu Shaivism, which was practiced by many of the people in Majapahit. His respect and fascination for this diversity led Mpu Tantular to contemplate deeply: "Should our differences separate us, or should they unite us?" He saw these differences as a natural part of life, like the colors in nature that together create beauty.
The Glory of the Majapahit Kingdom (Source: Private Collection)
In his search for the meaning of life, Mpu Tantular poured his thoughts into a literary work, a kakawin that would later be known as Sutasoma. In it, he wrote a phrase that emerged from the depths of his soul, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", meaning “though we are different, we are still one.” Through these words, Mpu Tantular hoped to inspire anyone who read his work to see that differences should not divide us but rather strengthen our unity. Thanks to the support of the rulers of Majapahit, Mpu Tantular and other poets were granted the freedom to think and create. They gathered to discuss, share stories, ideas, and love for their homeland. The kakawin literary works flourished, becoming a place where they could plant wisdom and noble life philosophies.
High Respect for Hindu Shiva Religion (Source: Personal Collection)
The name "Tantular" comes from the word "tan", meaning “not,” and "tular", meaning “influenced.” Through this name, he sought to be a poet who would remain unwavering in his beliefs, steadfast in principles of truth and humanity. Mpu Tantular believed that words have the power to touch the soul, and with this belief, he aimed to leave a legacya timeless message on the importance of harmony in diversity. Now, though his physical form is no longer present, Mpu Tantular believed his thoughts remain alive, flowing in the spirit of generations of the Nusantara who take pride in unity. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not just a slogan; it is a dream etched in the life story of Mpu Tantular.
The King's Attention to Community Life (Source: Personal Collection)
