Semut di Seberang Lautan Tampak, Gajah di Pelupuk Mata Tak Tampak

The Indonesian proverb "Semut di Seberang Lautan Tampak, Gajah di Pelupuk Mata Tak Tampak" is a profound reflection of human nature and perception. It translates to "An ant across the sea is visible, but an elephant on the eyelid is not." This saying encapsulates the human tendency to overlook the obvious while focusing on the distant and seemingly significant. This article will delve into the deeper meaning of this proverb and its relevance in today's world.

The Literal Meaning of the Proverb

"Semut di Seberang Lautan Tampak, Gajah di Pelupuk Mata Tak Tampak" is a metaphorical expression that highlights the irony of human perception. The ant across the sea represents distant issues or problems that we tend to focus on, despite their relative insignificance or irrelevance to our immediate lives. On the other hand, the elephant on the eyelid symbolizes the significant issues or problems that are right in front of us, yet we fail to acknowledge or address them due to our preoccupation with the distant ant.

The Psychological Perspective

From a psychological perspective, this proverb reflects a common cognitive bias known as "change blindness." This is a phenomenon where a person fails to notice significant changes in their immediate environment because their attention is focused elsewhere. In the context of the proverb, the elephant on the eyelid represents the significant changes or problems in our immediate environment that we fail to notice because our attention is focused on the distant ant across the sea.

The Societal Implications

The proverb "Semut di Seberang Lautan Tampak, Gajah di Pelupuk Mata Tak Tampak" also has significant societal implications. It serves as a critique of society's tendency to focus on distant or foreign issues while neglecting local or immediate problems. This can be seen in various contexts, such as politics, where politicians often focus on international issues while neglecting domestic problems, or in the media, where foreign news often receives more coverage than local news.

The Personal Relevance

On a personal level, this proverb serves as a reminder to pay attention to the issues and problems that are immediately in front of us. It encourages us to focus on the present and to address the problems that directly affect us, rather than being preoccupied with distant or irrelevant issues. This is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with information and news from around the world, which can distract us from our immediate surroundings and problems.

In conclusion, the Indonesian proverb "Semut di Seberang Lautan Tampak, Gajah di Pelupuk Mata Tak Tampak" is a profound reflection of human nature and perception. It serves as a reminder of the importance of focusing on the present and addressing the problems that are immediately in front of us. Whether on a societal or personal level, this proverb holds a timeless wisdom that is as relevant today as it was when it was first uttered.