For those of you who have been to Bali or are Balinese, you must be familiar with the song “Ratu Anom”. This song is often sung as a children’s song (sekar raré) for lullabies or while playing. Its calm and soothing tone is indeed pleasant to the ears.
But did you know? Behind its simple and repetitive lyrics, there is a deep meaning about life, leadership, and history! Let’s break it down together in a casual way.
Lyrics of Ratu Anom
Ratu anom
Ratu anom
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah?
Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah?
Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan
Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah?
Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah?
Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan
Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan
Enyen ento menyuling?
Dong pirengang,
Dong pirengang mangkin
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah?
Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah?
Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan
Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan
Enyen ento menyuling?
Dong pirengang,
Dong pirengang mangkin
Dong pirengang mangkin
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba
Word-by-Word Meaning of the Lyrics
Before diving into the meaning, let’s first look at the translation of the main lyrics:
“Ratu anom metangi meilen-ilen”
Meaning: The young king (Ratu Anom) wakes up and goes for a walk/has fun to entertain himself.
“Dong pirengang munyin sulinge di jaba / jaba tengah”
Meaning: Try listening to the sound of the flute outside the yard / in the middle courtyard of the temple.
“Enyen ento menyuling di jaba tengah? Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan”
Meaning: Who is that playing the flute in the middle courtyard? It is Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan.
Meaning of the Song Ratu Anom
At first glance, the story seems to be about a young leader who wakes up and hears a beautiful flute sound from outside the palace. But if we dig deeper, there are several cool messages within:
1. Satire and Advice for Young Leaders
The term “Ratu Anom” refers to a young leader or the next generation. The phrase “metangi meilen-ilen” (wake up and have fun) is actually a subtle advice.
This song reminds leaders or today’s youth not to be lazy, wake up late, or only think about personal pleasure after waking up. As future leaders, they must be sensitive to their surroundings.
2. Sensitivity to the People (The Sound of the Flute)
The sound of the flute (munyin suling) outside the palace (di jaba) symbolizes the voice of the people. The flute instrument reflects simplicity.
Thus, through this song, the “Ratu Anom” is asked to listen to the aspirations, complaints, or conditions of the people outside the palace walls. A good leader is one who is willing to open their ears and heart to the common people.
3. Homage to a Historical Figure
The mention of the name Gusti Ngurah Alit Jambe Pemecutan is not without reason. He is a real historical figure, a noble from the Badung Kingdom (Pemecutan). The inclusion of his name in this song is a form of respect and a real example of a leader who is close to art, culture, and his people.
Conclusion
The song “Ratu Anom” is actually a way for Balinese elders in the past to educate their children. Through an easy-to-remember song, they instilled leadership values from an early age.
The moral message is simple but impactful: “Don’t be a selfish and lazy generation. Wake up, listen to your surroundings, and be a person who is useful to others.”
So? Has your perspective changed after knowing its meaning? It’s really exciting how our culture always has creative ways to embed life advice!
