A Series of Facts about Mr. Dal, the Creator of the Song 'Bintang Kecil', Who Once Broadcasted in the Japanese Era - Teaching and Becoming Favorite Students

Kapanlagi.com - Millennial and early gen-Z generations are certainly familiar with the names Ibu Sud and Pak Kasur. Their works have become daily consumption that colored their childhood.

Those songs such as Bangun Tidur, Naik Delman, Lihat Kebunku, or Dua Mata Saya have become masterpieces in the hearts of this generation's children.

Among those legendary songs, there is one song that is also deeply ingrained in the minds of children from the past. That song is Bintang Kecil.

Telling the beauty of nature, it turns out that this song also holds a very deep meaning! Most of us only realize as adults that this song actually has a message about the grandeur of dreams that we should have as children.

Not created by Pak Kasur or Ibu Sud, the song Bintang Kecil was written by a songwriter named Raden Gerardus Joseph Daldjono Hadisudibjo, or commonly known as Pak Dal.

1. Not So Famous

Although from the same generation, Mr. Dal is not as famous as the two well-known creators of children's songs. Mr. Dal himself was born in Playen, Yogyakarta, on July 11, 1909. Throughout his life, Mr. Dal dedicated himself as a music educator and songwriter focused on the growth of Indonesian children.

Although it sounds simple and easily digestible, especially for children, this song is actually the embodiment of Mr. Dal's perfection in creating songs after going through various experiences and long-lasting determination.

According to Historia.id, Mr. Dal was very productive when he was young, even overly productive. In fact, he could create up to six songs in a day. However, this productivity did not align with Mr. Dal's satisfaction as an artist and creator.

2. Losing Its Essence

He felt that his speed in creating so many works actually made his works lose their essence. Mr. Dal considered that the many songs he created every day were far from perfect, whether in terms of composition or lyrics.

Realizing this, he finally started to restrain his 'habit' of creating many songs every day. Mr. Dal then focused on transforming one of his songs until it reached a point of perfection that could satisfy his desire as a creator.

The result? Containing only four lines of lyrics, the song Bintang Kecil was born from a long process undertaken by Mr. Dal.

3. Little Star Song Lyrics

Little star, in the blue sky
So many, decorating the space
I want to fly and dance
Far high to where you are

At first glance, this song lyrics convey the beauty of the night to children when the stars are decorating the darkness. If looked deeper, the lyrics actually hold a much more beautiful meaning.

A star, no matter how small it appears, is actually big and shines brightly thanks to the reflection of the sun. The star appears small because it is located very high above the clouds.

4. That's How Dreams Are

That's how dreams are. No matter how small your dream is, it is still big and can shine brightly. Hang it as high as the stars above the clouds and strive to fly high to reach it.

Even more beautiful, Mr. Dal added the word 'dance' after the word 'fly'. While you work hard to fly and make your dream come true, don't forget to dance and have fun and be happy during the journey you experience. Don't make high dreams just an ambition and obsession.

5. Many Memories

Although not as popular as Mr. Kasur and Mrs. Sud as creators of children's songs, the name Mr. Dal is also well remembered for his contributions to Indonesian music.

When he worked as a radio broadcaster during music broadcast sessions on Indonesian radio, which was still occupied by the Japanese at that time, Mr. Dal often slipped Indonesian songs in between his sessions. Mr. Dal frequently broadcasted his own children's songs for radio broadcasts in Solo, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta.

After the Japanese power in Indonesia began to weaken, little by little Mr. Dal started to eliminate Japanese-language songs and replace them with Indonesian-language songs.

6. Broadcasting in the Japanese Era and Becoming Students' Favorite Teacher

In addition, Indonesian-language songs and children's songs made Mr. Dal close with the students at that time. He continued to deepen his knowledge of music theory for the perfection of children's songs. Mr. Dal himself taught students at the School of Teacher Education (SPG) - equivalent to high school level - in Yogyakarta.

With the teachings provided by Mr. Dal, the students felt comfortable and made him their favorite teacher at that time. "His teaching method is enjoyable," said a former student of Mr. Dal to Kompas.

Mr. Dal passed away in Yogyakarta on October 15, 1977. Although his body is no longer here, his great works will always be remembered throughout time.

(kpl/nda)