Five Famous Traditional Weapons of Central Java Indonesia

VIVA – Indonesia has a variety of cultures, such as dances, traditional houses, and even traditional weapons. These weapons are used as tools to protect themselves and defend the territory. One of the regions in Indonesia that has a variety of traditional weapons is Central Java.

Central Java has traditional weapons that were more advanced in ancient times than in other parts of the archipelago. Central Java has many legendary and famous weapons to this day.

But over time these traditional weapons have now become a legacy of the archipelago's culture. Here are five traditional weapons that originated from Central Java, as reported by GoodnewsfromIndonesia.

Keris is one of the most famous weapons compared to other traditional weapons in Central Java. In the past, keris was used as a form of self-identity. There are differences in the shape of keris based on social levels.

The kings' keris will have a different shape from the soldiers' kris. Actually, this weapon can also be found outside the Central Java region such as in Sumatra, Bali, and Sulawesi. However, keris is more famous in Central Java because it has a magical element that is rarely considered to have a certain master.

Along with the times, the keris is no longer used as an identity or as a tool for personal needs. Until now, the weapon is more functioned to be used as a complement to traditional clothes.

This weapon has a different shape from weapons in general. The shape is like a konde stick, in ancient times used by Javanese women as a way to maintain the dignity of women as a means to protect themselves from unwanted things.

In the past, this weapon was used for women who were assigned to be telik Sandi or spies. Made of iron with sharp edges this weapon can be used to kill. Condroso is usually only used during emergencies.

Kudi is a weapon similar to a cleaver. Functioning as a hard object cut tool, this weapon is often used by the Banyumas people in everyday life. Its slightly curved shape, bulging base, and top that resembles a bird's beak have been adjusted based on its function. Based on the various functions that other sharp tools do not have, this tool also indirectly reflects the Banyumas people who are simple and flexible in doing things.

This weapon from Central Java is a knife-like weapon equipped with a skeleton made of teak wood. This weapon is not as famous when compared to keris or other weapons. But in ancient times people used wedhung weapons for several purposes to calm down.

5. Plintheng

Plintheng is a wood formed by the letter Y and cooled with rubber at the right and left ends plus a piece of animal skin in the middle of the rubber. In ancient times, plintheng was used as a weapon. Plintheng was used by placing pebbles as bullets which were then pulled to create a strong spring force.

But in the past, besides being used as a weapon, it was also used as a means of entertainment for Javanese children to play. Until now, there are still some children in the area who still play with plintheng or commonly known as this catapult.