Indonesian Folklore (Folklor Indonesia): Tales from Nusantara (Archipelago): Malin Kundang

Malin Kundang | Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from West Sumatra

Once upon a time, in a remote village on the coast of West Sumatra, lived a family of fishermen. Because they were poor, the father decided to sail across the ocean for better work. Unfortunately, Malin's father never returned home, and his mother had to make a living.

Malin was a smart kid, but he was a little naughty. He often chased the chickens and hit them with a broom. One day, when Malin was chasing chickens, he tripped over a stone and hurt his right hand. The wound became a scar and could not be erased.

Malin felt sorry for his mother, who worked hard for the family. Malin decided to leave his home and might return when he becomes rich.

Malin Kundang's mother disagreed, because her husband never returned. But Malin insisted, and then she agreed to let Malin go aboard a merchant ship. Malin Kundang learned much about seamanship from the experienced crews.

On the way, suddenly the ship was attacked by pirates. All of the merchandise traders were seized by the pirates. Most of the crew and passengers on the ship were killed by the pirates. Malin Kundang was lucky; he was hiding in a small space under the woods, and the pirates couldn't find him.

Malin Kundang drifted until the ship became stranded on a beach. With the remaining power, Malin Kundang walked to the nearest village. The land was very fertile. With patience and hard work, Malin gradually managed to become a wealthy man. He had a lot of merchant ships with more than 100 people. After becoming rich, Malin Kundang married a girl.

The news of the wealthy and married Malin Kundang was heard by his mother. She felt grateful and very happy that her son had succeeded. Malin's mother has gone to the dock every day since then, waiting for her son, who may return home one day.

After a long marriage, Malin and his wife set sail with a lot of crew. Malin's mother saw the arrival of the ship. She saw two people who were standing on the deck of the ship. She believed they were Malin Kundang and his wife.

Malin's mother was headed toward the ship. Once close enough, Malin's mother saw the scar on his hand. She was sure that the man was Malin Kundang.

"Malin Kundang, my son, why did you go so long without any message?", she said, hugging Malin Kundang.

Malin Kundang became enraged when he saw the old woman dressed shabbily and hugging him, despite the fact that he knew the old woman was his mother. This was because he was embarrassed when it was known by his wife and his crew.

Malin Kundang's mother was furious.She had not expected him to become disobedient. Not long after that, Malin Kundang sailed again. Later, a violent storm destroyed the ship.

At the same time, Malin Kundang's mother was praying with anger and shouted, "Lord, if true, he is Malin, my son. I curse him to become a rock!"

Malin Kundang's body slowly became rigid and finally shaped into a rock. Until now, the stone of Malin Kundang can still be seen at a beach called Pantai Air Manis, in the southern city of Padang, West Sumatra.

Reference: Wikipedia.org