INFOBUDAYA.NET — Indonesia is a nation rich in cultural diversity and literary heritage. Among the many forms of traditional literature, puisi rakyat (folk poetry) holds a special place as a medium for conveying cultural values, spirituality, and social ethics. One of the most prominent works in the Malay literary tradition that remains relevant today is Gurindam Dua Belas, the magnum opus of Raja Ali Haji, written in 1846 on Penyengat Island, Riau Islands. This piece is far more than a series of poetic verses—it is a profound expression of life wisdom rooted in religious teachings, life experience, and the social realities of its time.

Gurindam Dua Belas consists of twelve sections, each containing couplets in which the first line poses a premise and the second offers its consequence. While its structure is simple, the content is deep and layered. Raja Ali Haji composed the text in classical Malay, rich with metaphors, Sufi terminology, and poetic expressions touching on spirituality, morality, and society. The context behind the creation of this work cannot be separated from the internal conflict within the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and the pressures of colonialism. Amidst such turmoil, Raja Ali Haji used literature as a moral and cultural compass to educate society and safeguard Islamic culture and values.

Each section of Gurindam Dua Belas delivers structured moral teachings. The first section emphasizes the importance of religion as the foundation of one’s identity and personal worth. Without faith, a person is considered to have lost their life’s meaning. Here, spirituality becomes the central axis of Raja Ali Haji’s ethical philosophy. The second section continues this theme by outlining the consequences of neglecting the pillars of Islam, underscoring that religious practice is not merely personal but fundamental to social integrity.

The third and fourth sections shift toward self-control and moral discipline. Bodily senses such as the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, and feet must be guarded, as they are sources of both virtue and vice. The heart is described as the throne within the body—if it is ruled by envy or lies, the entire being collapses. This illustrates Raja Ali Haji’s profound insight, combining Islamic ethics with psychological and social awareness.

Sections five through seven guide understanding human character and conduct. A person’s nobility is measured by their manners and behavior, their pursuit of knowledge, and their readiness to learn. Raja Ali Haji also stresses the importance of early education, avoiding slander, and the power of gentle speech. In a society that values decorum and civility, kind words foster harmony while harsh words breed discord.

In the eighth and ninth sections, Raja Ali Haji sternly warns against betrayal, arrogance, and exposing the flaws of others. He criticizes immoral behavior born of unchecked desires and temptations. The frequent references to Satan are not only religious but symbolic of the destructive impulses that arise when faith and reason are ignored.

The tenth section highlights the importance of nurturing relationships—with parents, children, spouses, and friends. Harmony in these relationships is grounded in respect, responsibility, and fairness, which are essential to a just and moral society.

The final two sections reinforce messages about leadership and integrity. A wise and just ruler creates a prosperous society. The king and his ministers must work in unity, like a garden protected by thorny fences. In the deeply hierarchical Malay world, the concept of entrusted authority is crucial. Raja Ali Haji asserts that only leaders who are faithful to divine law and value knowledge are worthy of admiration.

Ultimately, Gurindam Dua Belas is not merely a literary work, but a cultural legacy that encapsulates the noble values of Malay civilization. In the face of modernization and globalization, it remains a clear mirror through which we can reflect—on who we are, where we come from, and how we ought to live as cultured and faithful human beings. Reading gurindam is not about memorizing beautiful verses, but about internalizing its timeless lessons. In a world often overwhelmed by noise, self-interest, and deceit, Gurindam Dua Belas speaks as a quiet voice of conscience—gentle yet powerful.

References:

PDBI – Gurindam Dua Belas

PDBI – Gurindam 12