"Janger 1897 Saka" by Guruh Gipsy is a song that celebrates and reflects on the traditional Indonesian dance form called Janger. The lyrics showcase the history, evolution, and cultural significance of Janger, while also addressing the impact of modernization and the need for preserving cultural heritage.
The song opens with the repetition of "jangi janger" and "sengsengin sengseng janger," which are rhythmic phrases that mimic the sounds and movements of the Janger dance. This sets the energetic and lively tone of the song, encouraging people to join in and dance Janger.
Throughout the song, the lyrics mention various elements associated with Janger, such as the "kelap-kelap ngalap bunga" (collecting flowers), symbolizing the grace and beauty of the dance. The lines "Sengsengin sengseng janger, Serere nyoman ngeyorin" suggest the enthusiasm and joy that dancers bring to the performance.
The song also touches on the historical significance of Janger, stating that it was originally carved to adorn temples and performed with utmost passion and dedication. However, as time progressed, Janger became more popular with foreign tourists, and its traditional essence was diluted to cater to their tastes. This change is highlighted in the lines "Dulu memahat buat menghias pura, Sekarang memahat untuk pelancong mancanegari" (Once carved for decorating temples, now carved for foreign tourists).
The lyrics further mention other traditional Indonesian dances like Legong and Barong, which have also been shortened or modified for tourist entertainment. This reflects the impact of commercialization on cultural traditions.
The song emphasizes the need to preserve and value indigenous culture, as expressed in the lines "Boleh saja bersikap selalu ramah, Bukanlah berarti bangsa kita murah" (It's okay to always be friendly, but that doesn't mean our nation is cheap). It highlights the importance of being cautious and protecting one's original culture, as losing it would mean losing one's sense of identity and dignity.
Overall, "Janger 1897 Saka" serves as an ode to Janger, promoting the joy, unity, and cultural significance associated with the dance. It conveys a message about the need to preserve traditional heritage in the face of modernization and commercialization.