By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Historically, the Lancang Kuning Boat (the yellow fast was a warship or a mode of transportation utilized by Riau Malay soldiers to preserve the sovereignty and honor of the nation (like a carrier vessel). Its existence is evidence and a symbol of a shared identity with the Riau Malay population. As demonstrated by the words of the song “Lancang Kuning,” he plays a crucial role in preserving the dignity of the nation. It’s only that little has been done to look for messages inside the lyrics of written songs. Lancang Kuning is still only recognized by the song lines that are sung, the emblem that is portrayed, the motto that is repeated, or his name. In reality, the written poetry includes profound historical, sociological, and theological values that govern the identity and honor of the Malay Archipelago. Its existence is not a work of fiction, but rather the result of children’s patriotic actions.
Due to the lack of written history and research that have not been widely disseminated, it appears that this is merely a legend (fiction) because its past is not widely known. In Malay culture, “each word has a meaning, each meaning includes a message, and each message is a string of prayers and hopes” Because “the Malay message is full of knowledge and instruction, hums that lead to courtesy, lessons that teach how to construct a civilization, and always leads to Allah, the Highest, and the Prophet Muhammad”
When tracing each word in the song’s lyrics “Lancang Kuning”, it is a true story that culminates with a message brimming with insight that must be brought to light. Messages that should serve as life’s compass. These messages consist of:
First, the name of “Lancang Kuning” is derived from the word “lancang” which means to drive fastly, and “kuning” as the color of golden yellow that represents affluence. To develop a civilisation, the message “drive fastly” home the point that the Malay population must be dynamic and socially sensitive. The Malay people never sit idly by, much less abstain from repeated begging. Self-esteem is preserved and is also maintained. Movement “advance forward” (dynamism) with certainty in the element of creating civilization, without abandoning parts of piety (self and society), as well as sustaining custom and religion in life. In contrast, the color golden “yellow” signifies sovereignty, dignity, and affluence. Based on religious beliefs, this color represents a prosperous and great nation, majesty, splendor, and holiness. Due to its abundant natural resources, the emblem of wealth is able to support and thrive all individuals in a just and civilized manner. The glory emblem is evidence that the Malay leadership was able to construct the splendor of a high-civilization nation. Messages of the istiqomah attitude toward cultural norms, based on Islamic teachings, encapsulate the holiness concept. With this message, every step will be taken by all elements to elevate the level of protector of the country, the grandeur of its civilisation, and to preserve self-purity by prioritizing a culture related to the Islamic faith. While the golden yellow represents dignified power (royal) by conveying the notion that the Malay people have a high level of education. Maintaining one’s dignity and self-respect despite one’s elevated status and expansive territory. The use of power not to castrate, but to create and preserve the dignity of the nation.
Second, the name of the ship is “Lancang Kuning.” The metaphor that life is a ship. Sailing through the “oceans” of global life on the different waves of existence. Occasionally, tremendous waves occur. Due to this, it is vital to be resilient and prudent when facing collisions. When you are courageous in the midst of a storm, you must recall the ebbing waves. When the “water is calm,” we frequently become less vigilant, complacent, and forget the eventual destination of the “voyage” that is being undertaken. The ship’s arrival at the “Divine dock” represents the conclusion of life (afterlife). Each pier provides a bridge to the decision based on the load carried when sailing, either good fortune (heaven) or misfortune (hell). Allah said: “Have you not observed that the ship floats on the sea by Allah’s grace, so that He may reveal some of His signs to you? (power). Indeed, there are signals for those who are really patient and grateful ” (QS. Luqman: 31).
Third, Lancang Kuning, as a watercraft, represents the human body. The safety of the yellow sassy depends heavily on the captain who carries it. As the life’s compass, the skipper represents a heart that never forgets Allah. The body will be secure when the heart is directed by trust. The entity accountable before Allah for all actions. If the heart lacks faith, then the body (bodies) will perish. It resembles an excerpt from the verse “if the captain doesn’t comprehend, the ship’s address will sink.” A happy existence may only be attained if the heart is led by religion. Allah declares: “And they were not commanded save to worship Allah by purifying their obedience to Him in practicing the straight religion, and to establish prayer and pay zakat; and this is the straight religion” (Surah al-Bayyinah: 5).
Lancang Kuning is a story about Islam and its passengers, the people. There are some honorable, bright, wise, and well-informed individuals among the passengers on the ship. When the ship is in the middle of the “ocean of life” and is being battered by waves, the passengers should have watched out for one another to ensure that the ship remains balanced, reaches its destination, and is not destroyed by the storm. However, there are still passengers who are dumb, selfish, easily provoked, “lickers,” deceitful, and easily seduced to conduct crimes that jeopardize the ship and the passengers’ safety. Damage to the ship will occur as “termites consume wood.” This type will ruin the ship, cause it to leak, lose its equilibrium, and sink easily. If this occurs, everything will be submerged. The Messenger of Allah reminded him of this through his words: “Evil is like to a group of individuals who draw lots on a ship. Later, some will be at the top of the ship, while others will be at the bottom. Those at the bottom who wish to obtain water must, of course, pass the ones above them. They stated: “I wish we could simply drill a hole to avoid disturbing those above us. Everything would perish if those at the top allowed those below to do whatever they pleased. However, if those above restrict those below from doing so, the ship’s passengers will undoubtedly be safe and secure” (Narrated by Imam Bukhari).
Fourth, “Master” generally refers to a leader. To fulfill his responsibilities, a “skipper” must have a clear direction compass and destination where the “ship will be tied.” Islam is a guiding light for the Malay people. With a religious compass, he will not become disoriented while transporting his ship. With purposefulness, he will concentrate on the planned direction. A “skipper,” on the other hand, must interpret natural happenings (verse kauniyah) as a message from Allah to uphold his caliphate. The capacity to comprehend “natural wisdom” will develop cosmic sensitivity. Such a captain (leader) will be able to behave sensibly, comprehend his duties and responsibilities, be straightforward with his objectives, adhere to religion and culture, safeguard the environment, comprehend the hopes and concerns of the people, and make judgments that are fair. Such is the nature of the captain, who is intelligent enough to comprehend the mission in order to preserve the cohesion and strength of all passengers. This will be accomplished when the captain comprehends the mission he carries. But if the “skipper lacks understanding,” and does not comprehend and comprehend the directive that is carried out, then “the ship will sink,” it will be completely wrecked.
If there is someone in the “ship” who want to perform evil and cause the ship to leak, then a skilled sailor must prevent and ban him from committing evil. The figure of a sailor who always carries a lamp illuminates the ship, not burns it. The objective is to ensure that all passengers on board are always visible and safe. However, if nothing prevents it (a nonexistent sailor), darkness falls, the ship sinks, and the passengers drown in the “ocean of life.” Always be on the alert for “termites in the wood” that consume from the inside out. Muhammad Abduh recalled that “the light and truth of Islam become obscured and impeded by Muslims who perpetrate wickedness.” While he did not make any steps to avoid the recurrence of these Munkar, neither did his colleague. The “ship” leakers are always attempting to devise new ways to cause the ship to sink. This figure has always existed throughout the ages, so long as the world ship has existed.
Fifth, “Lancang Kuning sails the night” denotes bowing in tahajud (a kind of sholat at night to pray to Allah), asking for forgiveness and guidance from the One, while being guarded. The stillness of the night is utilized for self-reflection in order to quiet and purify the spirit from worldly passions. Even while the day is spent performing caliphate duties, the night is always filled with servitude. The day nourishes the body, while the night nourishes the soul. The combination of the two results in the glory that God has promised. This is in agreement with His words: “And during the majority of the night, pray for you as an additional act of worship, in the hope that your Lord may raise you to a place of praise” (QS Al-Isra’: 79).
Sixth, “The bow toward the deep sea” as a metaphor of life’s aspiration to attain the pinnacle of faith and breadth of knowledge. Have both in totality. God’s majesty can be known and experienced by those who have faith. In the meantime, the breadth of knowledge will provide maturity in the execution of the mandate as His caliph on earth. The more humans realize the servanthood (creature) aspect of their caliphate responsibilities, the deeper their faith and the broader their knowledge. A second interpretation of “towards the deep sea” is that life is becoming increasingly complex and fraught with obstacles. Be prudent in managing the rhythm (dynamics) of life’s waves so that the ship can convey all passengers (the people) to their desired destination. Those who refuse to learn about religion or avoid those whom Allah has entrusted with His knowledge will not have a clear sense of life’s direction or purpose. Consequently, they will lead a misdirected existence in the center of the ocean of life. Religion instructs humans on the purpose of life in order to prevent them from straying, and knowledge enhances life. Islam states that the sole aim of human life is to be mardhaatillah (pleased and beloved by Allah) and rahmatan lil ‘aalamiin (love for the universe).
Seventh, the Lancang Kuning Ship is a symbol of the Malay people’s maritime prowess. They recognize Indonesia’s territorial waters. For this reason, enhancing maritime defense is the most important aspect in protecting a nation’s sovereignty and bringing prosperity to its people. This demonstrates how Datuk Laksamana maintained the security of the Republic of Indonesia in the Malacca Strait. With “Lancang Kuning” safeguarding Indonesian waterways against foreign influence (colonizers). The territorial seas are the key to prosperity and civilization from a socioeconomic standpoint. It is not surprising that when a nation is able to govern its waters, it will be prosperous and powerful. This is bolstered if the defense of the marine area can bring about stability and justice. Thus, foreign countries will come and bring their “wealth” to this country. If this occurs, then prosperity will be reached for all people.
Historically, the majority of the great empires that formerly existed in the archipelago were situated in sea. The kingdoms of Siak Sri Indrapura, Kutai, Sriwijaya, Majapahit, Tarumanagara, Ancient Mataram, and Singasari, among others, acquired civilization and prosperity. They were all vast empires with advanced cultures. Even in world history, it is known that Egypt flourished because of the Nile, Arabs advanced because of the Red Sea, Turkey was powerful because of the Suez Canal, and even little Singapore controlled the waters of the Malacca Strait.
Indeed, the marine region dominated the early golden age of the archipelago. People enjoy affluence, harmony, and tranquility. This became the economic and geopolitical focus of other nations (colonizers) seeking to dominate the region. The marine power of the “Lancang Kuning” was capable of wiping out everyone. In the present day, however, people “leave” aquatic locations and travel to land places. As a result, civilization and progress concentrated on arid regions. While the territorial seas appear to be deserted, abandoned, left behind, and regressed, nothing but memories remain. Naturally, when the maritime area is weak or “left and behind,” it is easy for foreign countries to “rob” the nation’s pride and dignity with the entry of drugs that kill future generations, abundant natural resources are easy to rob openly, geo-political threats and intimidation, radicalism easily infiltrates, and nationalism is increasingly emasculated and the meaning of nationality is “eroded” due to the sharp differences in development between waters and latitudes. This is one of the causes of difficulties that arise when development and policy neglect the power and potential of the maritime region. This appears to be the meaning of “Lancang Kuning” for this nation, including the Republic of Indonesia. Poetry is full of meaning, but it is sometimes viewed as useless music without a message. In truth, the message communicated is the same. Messages that are timeless and always pertinent to theory and actuality. Wa Alahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by Riska Saputra, S.Pd
Alumni from the English Education Study Program in STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
