REPRESENTATION OF NATURE AND LOCAL WISDOM IN MALAY PANTUN
A CULTURAL ECOLOGICAL DISCOURSE TOWARDS HUMAN SUSTAINABILITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/ishel.v2i1.70936Keywords:
Malay pantun, nature, local wisdom, cultural ecology, ecocriticism, human sustainabilityAbstract
The Malay pantun is a traditional poetic form rich in the thoughts, cultural values, and local wisdom of the Malay community. The presence of natural elements in these poems is not merely an aesthetic ornamentation (pembayang); rather, it serves as a dynamic medium to convey life philosophies, moral values, social relationships, and ecological awareness. This paper examines the representation of nature and local wisdom in Malay pantun through the lens of cultural ecology to promote human sustainability. Utilizing a qualitative approach based on textual analysis, this study examines selected Malay pantun sourced from Kurik Kundi Merah Saga: Kumpulan Pantun Lisan Melayu and Pantun Melayu: Bingkisan Permata. The analysis is guided by ecocriticism, cultural ecology, and the concept of local wisdom to scrutinize the relationships between humans, nature, culture, and human values. The discussion reveals five primary dimensions: nature as a reflection of the intellect and soul (akal budi), flora as a symbol of local wisdom, the maritime environment as cultural memory, nature as a moral and social teacher, and local wisdom as the foundation of human sustainability. The findings indicate that the traditional Malay community possessed a deep sensitivity toward their environment and positioned nature as a vital source of ecological wisdom, moral values, and social resilience. Therefore, the pantun should be re-read as a cultural ecological text crucial for values education, the preservation of cultural identity, and the formation of a civilized, sustainable society.
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