Michael-Raphael Citrasena Nareshwara Cakti Gutomo Putrawenas

Behind The Names

When William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet and came up with the celebrated quote of ‘What’s in a name’, he obviously had no acquaintance with mine. There has been some awe, bewilderment, discontent, and curiosity from some crowd upon my extensive name, especially but not limited to my non-Indonesian colleagues and friends. This explanation tries to put an end to those queries.

‘Citrasena’ was the name of an imperial commander taken from the ancient scroll of Mahabharata, meanwhile ‘Nareshwara’ in Sanskrit literally means emperor, and the word ‘Çakti’ is a description of having magical and miraculous quality. Since it is not common for Javanese paternal line to inherit family name, the phrase ‘Gutomo-Putrawenas’ was added to serve as surname; ‘Gutomo’ derived from the paternal line and ‘-Putra’ is the Indonesian word for son. Adjacent to it is the word ‘Wenas’ which was adapted from the maternal family line.

In addition to the extended list of names, another gallant Christian name of Michael was officially given at the baptism ceremony in St. Therese Catholic Church, Jakarta. The same church will also witness the Confirmation Sacrament and yet another additional name of Raphael seventeen years later by His Eminence Julius Cardinal D., the Archbishop of Jakarta.

As if there is not enough of an option to choose from, I have been called with two other different names in two different communities. My first and second degree family members have always referred to me as ‘Ade’ which means little brother. This is the call name that amongst all others I have already represent the actual me, being the youngest sibling.

Another name, which I hope does not represent the actual me, is Porky - well, perhaps other than body weight. This name originated from a call sign during high school when I joined the mountaineering group where every member was given a specific yet sometimes ludicrous call name. Since then onwards, my close friends have been calling me with it.

Some people thought that having such names is uncomforting. Indeed there are times, especially form-filling periods where writing my name alone may take a minute longer than any other person. But that is exactly the case, I am not any other person and I am profoundly proud with my given names for they symbolize myself and those who care about me the most: the Big Guy, my family, and my friends.