Gowok Film Review, Taken from Indonesian Folktales

Hello everyone, how are you? I hope you're well. I recently watched a film called Gowok. Gowok is a tragedy that once occurred in Indonesia. However, it's not historical. The incident occurred in Central Java. The film is set after Indonesia's independence.

Gowok can only be performed by women, and these women remain single forever. Gowok itself is considered a lesson for unmarried men, so that after marriage they can satisfy their partners. Is gowok the same as prostitution?

No, this work was different in ancient times. The practitioners were called "Nyai," meaning not just anyone. In fact, the men who performed gowok (boys who performed gowok) weren't just anyone. They were from the priyayi (priyayi) and the nobility. In fact, in several palaces in Indonesia, the kingdom had its own gowok. Back to the film?

This film also tells the story of caste in Indonesia, where the priyayi (priyayi) could not marry into the nobility. The tragedy begins with Rahayu's love for a nobleman. Due to the caste system, Rahayu's love is doomed. But does it end there? No.

Rahayu has a son named Kamanjaya, still very young. Kamanjaya becomes a tool for Rahayu to enter and be equal with the nobility. Rahayu takes numerous opportunities with her ex-boyfriend, who also holds power in Central Java.

Meanwhile, Kamanjaya is approaching the age of marriage. Deeming it necessary to learn to satisfy a future partner, Kamanjaya undergoes the Gowok process. This also marks the beginning of disaster. Kamanjaya falls in love with Ratri, a student of Nyai Santi. This Gowok tradition is not just any tradition. Gowok is taken from a unique Indonesian traditional book called 'Serat Centini'.

In this book, there is a prayer chanted during intercourse. Young men undergoing the Gowok process are given this prayer chant. If violated, death will follow. This is how it is in this film. The prayers recited in Serat Centhini are not just any prayers. How does this story end?

The film's ending is set in 1965, when the issue of communism was spreading in Indonesia. Kamanjaya, now Regent, still loved Ratri. They both made a love vow. As a result of this prayer recitation, Kamanjaya was unable to marry Ratri. Long story short, Kamanjaya had a son named Bagas, who also underwent the Gowok process.

Ratri, undergoing the Gowok process, recited a prayer recitation considered dangerous, causing Bagas to become uncontrollable. Bagas then discovered that he was not Kamanjaya's biological son. Tragedy ensued: Bagas killed Kamanjaya and pursued Ratri. Ratri survived. However, the Gowok procession disappeared. That's all I can say. See you in the next story.

Posted Using INLEO