Pantun is a traditional form of poetry originating from the Malay-Indonesian cultural heritage. It typically follows an A-B-A-B rhyme scheme and is often used in everyday conversations, ceremonies, or performances to convey emotions, advice, humor, or wisdom. The first two lines (called sampiran) set the context, while the last two lines (called isi) carry the main message. Pantun is concise, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in cultural values. Here are some examples of pantun, their English translations, and references for further reading.

1. Pantun About Love

Bahasa Indonesia:
Ke hutan mencari rotan,
Rotan panjang dibuat kursi.
Sudah lama aku simpan,
Rasa cinta di dalam hati.

English Translation:
To the forest to gather rattan,
Long rattan is crafted into a chair.
For a long time, I’ve held on,
To the love I keep with care.

Meaning: This pantun expresses unspoken love and the patience of holding it in one’s heart.

2. Pantun About Advice

Bahasa Indonesia:
Pergi ke pasar membeli mangga,
Mangga dibeli manis rasanya.
Hidup ini penuh warna,
Bijaklah melangkah pilih jalannya.

English Translation:
To the market, we go to buy mango,
Its sweetness lingers in every taste.
Life is a journey with colors to show,
Be wise in choosing your path in haste.

Meaning: This pantun gives advice about being wise and making thoughtful decisions in life.

3. Pantun About Friendship

Bahasa Indonesia:
Layar terkembang perahu melaju,
Angin bertiup membawa harapan.
Sahabat sejati selalu bersatu,
Walau jarak tak jadi halangan.

English Translation:
The sail unfolds, the boat moves fast,
The wind carries hope through the sea.
True friends will always hold steadfast,
Even if distance keeps them apart.

Meaning: A pantun about the power of true friendship that endures, even when separated by distance.

4. Pantun About Gratitude

Bahasa Indonesia:
Mentari pagi hangat menyapa,
Burung bernyanyi di atas dahan.
Hidup bahagia penuh makna,
Jika bersyukur setiap harapan.

English Translation:
The morning sun warmly greets,
Birds sing sweetly on the tree.
Life feels meaningful and complete,
When gratitude makes the heart beat free.

Meaning: This pantun emphasizes the importance of gratitude in achieving happiness and fulfilment.

5. Pantun About Humor

Bahasa Indonesia:
Ke pasar membeli ikan nila,
Jangan lupa membawa kantong.
Kalau hati suka si dia,
Bilang saja tanpa berbohong.

English Translation:
To the market to buy some tilapia,
Don’t forget to bring your bag.
If your heart feels fond of someone,
Just speak the truth, don’t hold it back.

Meaning: A humorous pantun encouraging honesty, especially in matters of love.

6. Pantun About Motivation

Bahasa Indonesia:
Pagi hari memetik melati,
Harumnya semerbak sampai ke taman.
Jangan takut gagal berkali-kali,
Kegagalan adalah awal kemenangan.

English Translation:
Morning comes with jasmine to pick,
Its fragrance spreads across the garden.
Don’t fear failure, however it seems,
Each failure builds the path to your dreams

Meaning: This pantun inspires persistence and resilience, reminding us that failure is part of the process toward success.

7. Pantun About Life

Bahasa Indonesia:
Pohon rindang tempat berteduh,
Hembusan angin membawa damai.
Hidup ini tak selalu mudah,
Namun tetaplah jalani dengan ramai.

English Translation:
A shady tree offers a place to rest,
The breeze blows gently, bringing peace.
Life is not always easy,
But go on with joy, and never cease.

Meaning: A pantun about embracing life’s challenges with a joyful and positive attitude.

8. Pantun About Patience

Bahasa Indonesia:
Pohon pisang daunnya hijau,
Buahnya manis jika matang.
Bersabarlah walau tak lekas,
Segalanya indah pada waktunya datang.

English Translation:
Banana trees with leaves so green,
Its fruit is sweet when it ripens.
Be patient even if it’s unseen,
Everything beautiful comes in its season.

Meaning: This pantun teaches the value of patience, as rewards come in time.

9. Pantun About Dreams

Bahasa Indonesia:
Tidur malam bermimpi indah,
Matahari pagi bersinar terang.
Raihlah mimpi walau susah,
Usaha keras takkan terbuang.

English Translation:
Nighttime dreams are beautiful sights,
The morning sun shines bright and bold.
Chase your dreams with all your might,
Hard work will turn them into gold.

Meaning: A motivational pantun about pursuing one’s dreams with dedication and effort.

References and Resources

1. “Gurindam Dua Belas” by Raja Ali Haji
2. “Anthology of Malay Pantu” by Muhammad Haji Salleh
3. Perpustakaan Nasional Indonesia (National Library of Indonesia)
4. Local Cultural Studies
5. Online Resources
   Websites like Pantunpedia provide a compilation of pantun for various themes and occasions.

If you have any suggestions for our upcoming articles, feel free to share them in the comments!

Cheers,

Ni Luh Windiari, HPI-Certified Interpreter & Legal Translator
Bahasa Interpreters, Your Indonesian Interpreters in Bali and beyond