Poets and Posttruth

National Poetry Day is celebrated every April 28 in memory of Chairil Anwar who died on that date, 75 years ago. This year, the day before the commemoration day, Joko Pinurbo (Jokpin) died in Yogyakarta in the early hours of the morning and the next day he was buried to coincide with a day glorified by the world of Indonesian literature.

Jokpin, winner of various literary awards with a number of poems that can be enjoyed by readers in English, German and Mandarin, once said that no poet has been able to match Chairil's talent, creativity and self-discipline when trying to be like Chairil, who is known for being melancholic and sentimental ( Pinurbo, Studying Poetry, Diva Press, 2019).

A contemporary poem with a unique taste that is rarely discussed, but actually proves the principles of Chairil and Jokpin that small things in human relationships can be captivating if handled carefully.

For Jokpin who believes that to be brave you have to be brave and persistent, Chairil is often only imitated by his "baper" without absorbing his "coolness". Pretending not to repeat the already abundant discussion about Chairil Anwar, Jokpin looked into the poem "Tuti Artic" written by Chairil in 1947.

A current-flavored poem that is rarely discussed, but actually proves the doctrines of Chairil and Jokpin that small things in human relationships can be captivating if processed carefully. Jokpin interprets Chairil's discipline as persistence and accuracy in processing words. These two things are what connect Chairil and Jokpin.

Full of social criticism

Chairil Anwar and Joko Pinurbo never really leave because their works are always present in our daily lives. Chairil is an inspiration that, according to Jokpin, is capable of breaking through language barriers for all groups, from officials to thugs.

The focus of our two poets is not limited to personal matters. Each one pays close attention to broader social and ethical issues in their time. Don't expect small talk here. The poems of Chairil and Joko Pinurbo discuss the disappointment and frustration that arise when observing the complexity of the real world.

Chairil's poem entitled "Law" (1943) narrates the story of veterans who were abandoned after the war ended, even though when they were recruited, the prospective officers were promised a new dawn and their services would be remembered (The Snatched and the Snapped, Gramedia Pustaka Utama, 2024). This poem is a reflection of the social and political realities of that time which ignored the defeated and weak.

Seasoned with humor that is often self-deprecating, Chairil and Jokpin's work is honest, interesting and yet striking.

Jokpin's poem, "Party" (2019), in Khong Guan Banquet (Gramedia Pustaka Utama, 2020) no less presents dark humor: "Behind wasteful democracy and brutally, there was a prayer distribution party to commemorate the officers who worked overtime and died in the sound business for a meager salary."

With a style full of humor and satire, Jokpin boldly throws criticisms towards the poor social conditions when the truth is manipulated for political interests. Seasoned with self-deprecating humor, the works of Chairil and Jokpin are very honest and both interesting and poignant.

These two poets, with their unique style and works, have become brave critical voices that speak out the truth amidst the turbulence of the times. Their poems reflect concerns about a world that is losing its meaning.

Herald of truth in the post-truth era

The departure of Chairil at the age of 27, and Joko Pinurbo, 61 years old, have provided Indonesia with life teachers who have empathy and depth. Jokpin's disappointment with client politics, for example, reflects the current political chaos, where the truth is often manipulated for personal gain and power.

By examining the works of Chairil and Jokpin through a post-truth lens, we can highlight the relevance of the two poets' poetry in facing the challenges of contemporary society. Chairil did not have time to see a world that could not be silent and contemplative because it was swallowed by the chaos of (dis)information.

Jokpin is more "fortunate" to navigate through this turbulent time. He has witnessed the erosion of truth, the rise of authoritarianism, political manipulation, and fake reality.

Like Chairil who was futuristic, Joko Pinurbo also writes poetry without intending to preach. He observes how the younger generation engages with a world that is greatly influenced by social media and information technology.

He pays attention to the way the younger generation engages in a world that is heavily influenced by social media and information technology.

From the intriguing poem "Cell Phone" when the winner of the toad car prize draw is called to send a photo to match with the toad, to the old poem from 2022: "I slept covered in money, when I woke up, suddenly my body was naked”, Jokpin invites us to laugh at human ignorance and greed.

The focus on daily situations allows readers to connect deeply in this post-truth era. Readers are invited to reflect, empathize, and understand the world that is plagued by falsehoods (especially by the authorities, politicians and capitalists) as well as injustice towards pedicab drivers, meatball sellers, beggars, the unemployed, and other marginalized groups.

In an era when the truth is increasingly blurred, abused and manipulated (Haryatmoko, New Ways of Leadership & Education, Gramedia Pustaka Utama, 2020), the work of Chairil Anwar and Joko Pinurbo is becoming increasingly relevant. They both, in their own ways, show us that poetry has the power to fight lies and injustice.

Like its predecessors, Jokpin navigates the theme of disappointment and the complexity of human existence through word play and touching poetry. Sometimes, when being asked to review or comment on other poets can be "torturous," Jokpin uses this opportunity to learn, draw inspiration, and "steal ideas" from other writers (Pinurbo, 2019: 6).

Apparently, our poets are inspired by the English poet, T.S. Eliot, who joked that good writers borrow, while great writers steal.

Also read: Joko Pinurbo's Great Legacy for Indonesian Literature

What is clear is that for Joko Pinurbo, poetry is an endless journey. He steals and searches. Poets cannot stop learning because writing poetry means worshiping while reasoning, as quoted at the beginning of this article.

The closing verse of "Borrowed Body" makes clear Joko Pinurbo's ability to convey deep emotions simply and gracefully: "Body, go peacefully/ If you are no longer at peace, stay with me./ Go peacefully while I love you.” (Borrowed Body and Other Poems, Lontar, 2015: 7).

Joko Pinurbo returned what had been stolen, sought and borrowed.

Adios, Joko Pinurbo. The world of poetry always loves you!

Novita Dewi, Professor of Literature at Sanata Dharma University