Rewang

The Javanese man and woman work hand-in-hand in the Batik-making process.

Rewang (from Javanese ꦫꦺꦮꦁ​) is a form of traditional cultural Javanese mutual cooperation and prosocial behavior, widely practiced and adhered to by the native Javanese people on the Indonesian island of Java. The term Rewang specifically refers to the individual intention and act of assisting others to ease their work, whereas the communal work itself is better known as Gotong royong. Both terms are of Javanese origin and are commonly used within Javanese society.

Nomenclature

The term rewang (ꦫꦺꦮꦁ​) originates from the Javanese language and is inherited from Old Javanese rewaṅ or rowaṅ, which literally means "companion." This term (and its derivatives) appeared in several ancient Old Javanese inscriptions and manuscripts, dating from the 1st century to the early 12th century.

Cultural significance

Although nowadays Rewang is more commonly associated with 'women's duties,' it was originally a gender-neutral concept, initiated by both men and women. It emphasizes the pure intention to help or assist others who are in charge of something, usually but not necessarily a significant event. For instance, Javanese people come together to assist their neighbours in preparing for events like weddings or even simple family gatherings, contributing to tasks such as food preparation, cleaning, and more.

Rewang can be seen as a pure form of community empowerment, always performed with the intention of providing support and easing the burden of others. In Javanese philosophy, taking care of one another is essential, as it is believed that humans, being naturally social creatures, cannot thrive in isolation or rely solely on themselves.

Rewang in Wayang

Main article: Wayang

The Wayang kulit figure representing Rewang.

Not only does Rewang function as a form of mutual cooperation in Javanese society, but it is also brought to life through cultural arts. The Wayang (Javanese puppetry) is one of the mediums used to express and preserve these traditional customs. It is hoped that Rewang will be preserved for future generations through Wayang performances.

Practice among Javanese diaspora

Main article: Javanese diaspora

Although not as prevalent as in the Javanese homeland on Java, Rewang is still practiced by the Javanese diaspora living outside the island. For example, Javanese communities in the Sumatran regions of Lampung and Langkat continue to perform Rewang during major events. A similar practice can be observed among Javanese diaspora communities in the Americas, particularly in the Caribbean and South America (e.g., Suriname).

See also

• Nyama braya