Arthur Rimbaud in Java

Not many people, myself included, know that Arthur Rimbaud once lived in Java. I discovered this just a few days ago while reading an article on TV5 Monde titled "À Java, 150 ans plus tard, le mystère Rimbaud reste entier", published on October 15, 2024. I was fascinated by this fact because Arthur Rimbaud is one of my favorite poets, and yet I had no idea he had lived on my home island.

Intrigued, I did some research online, and indeed, in 1876, Arthur Rimbaud, who had enlisted in the Dutch colonial army, arrived in Salatiga, a small town on the island of Java. Even more surprising, he passed through Semarang (my hometown!). He took a train from Tawang Station, a station I know well, and traveled on to Ambarawa.

Sadly, in Indonesia, Rimbaud’s reputation is not widely recognized. Despite being one of France's most influential poets, his name remains unknown in Indonesia. That’s why I wanted to write this blog post; to introduce those who are unfamiliar with him to his incredible work.

Why is Arthur Rimbaud so respected as a poet in France and around the world? Rimbaud is known for his revolutionary and modern style. His work did not follow the formal structures and conventional themes of traditional French poetry of the time. He is considered a prodigy, having written most of his influential works while still a teenager! Despite his young age, his poems display a maturity, depth, and insight far beyond his age.

His writing was not only different in its form, but also challenged societal norms. Rimbaud’s influence has inspired poets, writers, and artists across the world. Bob Dylan has often cited Arthur Rimbaud as one of his favorite poets. Dylan acknowledged Rimbaud’s influence on his lyrical style, especially in his mid-1960s albums, where he experimented with surreal imagery and narratives. Jim Morrison was also known to admire Rimbaud and was influenced by him in his musical works.

Rimbaud's most notable works that I’d like to mention here, among many others, are "Le Bateau Ivre" (The Drunken Boat) and "Une Saison en Enfer" (A Season in Hell).

"Le Bateau Ivre" was written when Rimbaud was just 16 years old. It captures the chaotic and unpredictable journey of a boat lost at sea. The poem feels like dreamlike and surreal, often seen as a metaphor for personal freedom and creative thinking. This poem express an escape from the constraints of society and conventional norm.

"Une Saison en Enfer" is also one of Rimbaud’s most famous works. This poem reflects his inner rebellion against society, religion, and even himself. Written during a difficult time in his life at the age of 19, this poem expresses a disturbing exploration of self-destruction.

Rimbaud’s poetry was more than just a reflection of his inner feelings. It also demonstrates how language and literature can be used to express the complexities of human emotion and experience. This is why so many people, including myself, admire him.

Back to Rimbaud's time in Java, the details of his stay in Indonesia unfortunately remain undocumented and mysterious. Many sources state that his stay was brief, as he left the Dutch colonial army only a few months after enlisting. He likely left Java soon afterward. According to several online sources, during his brief time on the island, Rimbaud may have observed and even written about his experiences in Java, but most of these writings have either been lost or remain ambiguous (it's unclear whether he specifically talks about Java). So his time in Java remains a mystery, with little concrete evidence about his activities on the island.

« Si je désire une eau d’Europe, c’est la flache

Noire et froide où vers le crépuscule embaumé

Un enfant accroupi plein de tristesse, lâche

Un bateau frêle comme un papillon de mai. »

Citation from "Le Bateau Ivre" by Arthur Rimbaud. 1871.

Kallista Nadia Adrianne

Francophile and Education Enthusiast