Meaning of Lonte and the History of Prostitution from Past to Present

Kapanlagi.com - Maybe you have often heard the word lonte in everyday life. Whether it appears as a curse or to refer to a profession. But, what exactly is the meaning of lonte?

For people who are in an environment where it is common to use foul language when angry, they may only consider the meaning of lonte as a curse. That assumption is understandable because people often use that word when they are angry, annoyed, or emotional.

But actually, the meaning of lonte not only stops at curses or insults. Its meaning is not always negative. The term lonte is closely related to prostitution that has existed for a long time. Well, if you are interested in knowing more, please read the discussion about the meaning of lonte and the history of prostitution from past to present.

1. Meaning of Lonte

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

The meaning of lonte according to the Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) is a vulgar term to refer to a woman. Lonte is another term for a promiscuous woman, a woman of immoral character, a prostitute, a harlot, a jobang, a cabo, a munci. All of these terms have negative meanings that should not be used as insults to others.

According to Urbanasia, the word lonte is borrowed from the Javanese language. Based on the Javanese Dictionary 'Baoesastra Djawa' (1939) by W.J.S Poerwadarminta, lonte comes from the word 'lonthe' which means brem (a small beetle) or palanyahan. Referring to that dictionary, the meaning of lonte refers to a type of brown-colored beetle that appears in the evening and likes to gather around light or fire.

These beetles can also emit a pleasant aroma. Over time, the term 'lonte' is used to refer to someone who has a similar image to that insect. Going out in the evening, emitting a pleasant aroma, and being attracted to light. This image is considered closely related to the habits of sex workers in nightlife establishments.

2. Meaning of Lonte and Prostitution in Ancient Java

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

After knowing the meaning of 'lonte' and its origin as a borrowed word, now you may be curious about the history of prostitution, especially in Java. Considering that the term is taken from the Javanese language, it can be detected since when there have been sex workers in Java. According to information from the Historia website, prostitution has existed since ancient Java. Even at that time, there were already officials who supervised, regulated, and taxed it.

According to Dwi Cahyono, an archaeologist and history teacher at Malang State University, the words 'jalir' and 'kajaliran', which mean sex workers, often appear in literary works and inscriptions. In literary works, for example, the word 'jalir' appears in 'Kakawin Bharattayuddha', 'Kitab Tantri Demung', 'Kidung Sunda', and 'Nitisastra'.

In addition, the term 'juru jalir' to refer to a pimp also appears in several inscriptions from the 9th century AD. For example, on the back side of the Waharu I Inscription in 795 Saka (873 AD) and the Garaman Inscription issued by Mapanji Garasakan from the Janggala Kingdom in 975 Saka (1053 AD). However, there are also interpretations that 'Juru Jalir' means official government officials who collect taxes.

That means, if the term is mentioned in literary works or inscriptions from that era, it is likely that prostitution has indeed existed since ancient Java.

3. The History of Prostitution during the Indonesian Revolution

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

The image of a prostitute or lonte is indeed negative. In KBBI (Indonesian Dictionary), it is even stated as a vulgar word. It is often used as an insult and curse. However, the meaning of lonte is not always negative, you know, KLovers. You can look back and see the services of prostitutes during the Indonesian revolution.

At that time, Soekarno invited officials to enter localizations or brothels to hold meetings. This was done to deceive the enemy, namely NICA spies who were trying to capture Soekarno. According to Historia, localizations were not only safe, but also a source of accurate information.

"Prostitutes are the best spies in the world," said Sukarno in Untold Story: Bung Karno: The Voice of the Indonesian People written by Cindy Adams.

The history of the revolutionary struggle is not only about educated people, youth, and soldiers fighting for independence. The role of thieves, thugs, and prostitutes should not be underestimated. Sex workers also strive to gather information and sabotage their opponents.

In the modern era, prostitution has also rapidly developed following technology. If in the past they worked through direct physical contact, now prostitution practices have become more diverse. There are telephone services, commonly known as Phone Sex (PS), and there is also Video Call Sex (VCS) that utilizes voice and video features as alternative media, without physical contact.

So, KLovers, that is an explanation about the meaning of prostitutes and their history from time to time, which apparently is not always negative.

(kpl/gen/ans)