Anita Kurnia Rachman, Wahyudi Siswanto, Dwi Sulistyorini
In an era where local traditions are increasingly marginalized by globalized media, the study of indigenous oral traditions becomes crucial for preserving cultural identity and ethical frameworks. This study examines how positive and optimistic emotions are portrayed in tembang dolanan anak-anak (Javanese children's songs) and how these representations embody moral and aesthetic values grounded in Javanese philosophy. These traditional songs offer profound insights into the emotional and ethical foundations of Javanese culture, serving as vital tools for shaping children's character and promoting social harmony. Employing a qualitative interpretive design informed by aesthetic hermeneutics and cultural semiotics, this research analyzes ten selected traditional songs, scrutinizing their lyrical structure, rhythmic patterns, and symbolic meanings. This interpretive approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of how specific emotional and moral values are intricately woven into the songs' artistic elements. The findings reveal that emotional expression in tembang dolanan functions beyond mere artistic pleasure; it acts as a sophisticated medium for moral education and cultural preservation. Specifically, positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and togetherness illustrate "present harmony," manifesting through empathy and social unity (guyub rukun). Conversely, optimistic emotions like hope, perseverance, and faith represent "future harmony," rooted in patience, sincerity, and acceptance (nrimo ing pandum). Collectively, these expressions articulate the core Javanese concept of rasa, where moral goodness is intuitive and felt before it is intellectually reasoned. Consequently, the study highlights the significant pedagogical potential of tembang dolanan in cultivating ethical awareness through beauty and shared experience. Integrating these songs into contemporary educational curricula could significantly enhance children's emotional literacy and moral growth while safeguarding Javanese local wisdom. Future research is encouraged to explore digital and participatory learning environments to revitalize these cultural artifacts for new generations. Copyright (c) 2025 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
