The term ponokawan was coined by Sunan Kalijaga, who was suggested as a specially chosen person of high rank, but they were not from the nobility, not officials or rich merchants, but by high rank, what was meant was a holy person who was truly close to Allah SWT, who did not need it. social status and prioritizing the benefit of society so that his presence is soothing, calming, and always looked forward to by levels of society from ordinary people, middle class, and even nobles, kings, or community leaders to serve as spiritual figures in solving life's problems. From the existence of ponokawan, in which several people have names and character characteristics that are not the same and are different, and to be clearer, more in-depth, here are the following:
Ponokawan has different names and character traits:
1. Semar character:
Semar's most important characteristic is in terms of remembering Allah and he has a role or duty to remind people to repent and make istighfar, which are values that are by Islamic teachings. Awareness of sins and mistakes, as well as efforts to improve oneself, are important principles in Islam.
2. Gareng Character:
The character Gareng comes from the word khoirun or nala khoerun which means goodness, this is often associated with the values of goodness and good deeds in Islam. Giving positive meaning to the character is why the character Gareng tries to show the importance of doing good deeds and contributing to the general good.
3. Petruk character:
a symbolic message of the existence of the Petruk character as something bad or not good, the prohibitions that must be avoided are by Islamic teachings which emphasize goodness, morality, and avoiding bad or sinful actions.
4. Bagong Figures:
Meanwhile, the Bagong character is immoral and tends not to do it, this reflects an understanding of the concept of immorality in Islam. Islamic teachings where there is more pressure to avoid immoral acts and adhere to established moral norms.
Reference : Punakawan and exemplary figures