"National Literary Critic Maman S. Mahayana Praises the Music, Poetry, and Life Story Works of the Head of Pakuan University Central Library."
🕗 Source: Central Library | 📜 Editor: Ferry Budianto S.Kom
"Illustration: National Literary Critic Maman S. Mahayana Praises the Music, Poetry, and Life Stories of the Head of Pakuan University Central Library."
UNPAK — National literary critic Maman S. Mahayana has expressed his appreciation for the creative works of the Head of the Central Library of Pakuan University, which embrace the concept of “Music–Poetry–Life Stories.” The appreciation was conveyed during the discussion session titled “Exploring the Works: Music–Poetry–Life Stories”, organized by the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Pakuan University, at Gramedia Botani Square on May 22, 2026.
In his remarks, Maman noted that the works present a unique blend of music, poetry, and life experiences, crafted in a deeply personal and emotional manner. He emphasized that the works go beyond conventional poetry musicalization, offering instead a distinctive form of artistic expression that integrates musical rhythm, poetic texts, and life narratives into a unified and meaningful whole.
According to Maman, the work was not created to challenge any particular musical genre or to demonstrate the superiority of poetry. Rather, it serves as a creative space that represents human experiences, particularly those related to childhood, family, love, loss, and life’s memories. He noted that the strength of the work lies in its ability to transform simple life experiences into artistic and emotionally meaningful expressions.
Maman also highlighted the important role of poetry within the work, which is further enriched by musical rhythm. He observed that the relationship between music, poetry, and life stories is constructed in an integrated manner, allowing the emotional message to resonate more deeply with listeners.
In his review, Maman compared this creative approach to the works of renowned musicians and poets such as Rhoma Irama, Ebiet G. Ade, Iwan Fals, and Bob Dylan, all of whom are widely recognized for the lyrical depth and social messages embedded in their works. However, he emphasized that the creative works of the Head of the Central Library of Pakuan University are not intended to compete with these prominent figures, but rather represent an initial step toward building a distinctive creative identity and artistic expression.
In addition to appreciating the overall concept, Maman noted that the themes explored are closely connected to everyday life and resonate strongly with the public. Several works, including “Mother and Me,” “Childhood,” “About My Feelings at That Time,” and “Shattered,” were praised for their ability to evoke nostalgia, emotional wounds, family affection, and personal experiences that are easily understood by audiences.
For Maman, the courage to present a work that bridges multiple forms of expression deserves recognition, as it represents a new creative approach that combines literature, music, and reflections on life within a single artistic medium. He expressed hope that the work will inspire more people to continue creating and to explore new paths of creativity within Indonesia’s artistic and cultural landscape.
