12 Massages

This work focuses on Tembang Macapat, a form of Javanese sung poetry that is currently in decline. While still taught in Javanese literature classes, there are very few young individuals who will carry on this expressive tradition to future generations. I am particularly intrigued by the fundamental principles underlying the texts; these texts convey facts and messages but do not express hope. I shared my concerns and factual information about the environmental crisis with Imam, who then translated them into this Tembang.