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The Centhini Story, or Serat Centhini as it is
known in Java, is one
of the oldest surviving manuscripts in Indonesia. Dating back to
1814,
it is an encylopaedic work in 12 volumes encompassing art, music,
divination, erotic knowledge, religious speculation and mysticism
and is written in the form of suluk, or mystic poem. It was the
inspiration of crown prince Anom Amengkunagrara III of the
Surakarta royal palace; he later became King Paku Buwono V
and ruled over the central Javanese Kingdom of Surakarta from
1820 to 1823. The work was composed by two court scholars,
Yasadipura II and Rangga Sutrasna, and tells the tale of two
princes and a princess who escaped the Giri Kingdom when it
was attacked by Sultan Agung of the Mataram Kingdom in 1635.
At each stage of their journey, everyone they encounter introduces
ideas that give the reader a lively insight into the Javanese way
of life.
Ketsy Pringgoharjono set up PT Preserve Indonesia in 2003 with the
aim of preserving Indonesian culture and promoting the country's
unique culture. Based in London, she is also the founding secretary
of Indonesia-Singapore Friendship Association. The reception is
kindly
sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.
Members’ Priority Booking Period to 1 November then open
to the public.Asia House Members and concs £4, Non-members
£7
Tickets available from Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street,
London Tel: 020 7307 5454
enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk mailto:enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk
Picture caption: © Fendi Siregar from The Centhini Story,
Marshall Cavendish, 2006
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