The Origin of the Name Semarang

The Origin of the Name Semarang: The Legend of the Rare Tamarind Trees

Edisi Indonesia: Asal Usul Nama Kota Semarang

Long ago in Java, during the time when the Demak Kingdom was the center of Islamic propagation, there lived a nobleman and scholar named Raden Made Pandan. Revered for his wisdom and piety, he set out westward with his son, Raden Pandanarang, in search of a new land to establish a center for teaching Islam.  

After days of journeying through forests and hills, they arrived at a fertile region near the coast, surrounded by what is now known as Bergota Hills. In this place, Raden Made Pandan cleared the forest, established an Islamic school, and began spreading his teachings. Over time, the area flourished into a thriving community visited by many seeking religious knowledge and farming opportunities.  

Before passing away, Raden Made Pandan entrusted his son with the responsibility of continuing his mission—to teach Islam and care for the fertile land they had nurtured together. Raden Pandanarang faithfully carried out his father’s wishes. He became a respected teacher and a successful farmer, reaping abundant harvests from the fertile soil.  

One day, while working on the fields with his followers, Raden Pandanarang noticed an unusual phenomenon. Among the lush green trees growing abundantly, a few tamarind trees stood sparsely apart, unlike what was usually seen. This sight sparked curiosity and admiration among everyone.  

“Look,” said Raden Pandanarang, pointing toward the trees, “in this fertile land, tamarind trees grow sparsely. This peculiarity is a blessing. Let us name this place Semarang, derived from the word asem, meaning tamarind tree, and arang, which in ancient Javanese means sparse. With this name, we honor the uniqueness and fertility of this land.”  

The word arang, in this context, does not refer to its modern meaning as charcoal, but rather its older Javanese meaning, "sparse" or "not dense." This naming reflects how nature can provide us with unique and memorable signs. Thus, the name "Semarang" was born, marking the history of a place that has since grown into a great city.  

The name stuck, symbolizing the uniqueness and blessings of the region. Over time, Semarang grew into an important town. During the era of the Demak Kingdom, it became a center of Islamic propagation and agriculture. During the Dutch colonial period, Semarang transformed into one of the three major ports supporting trade in the Dutch East Indies, alongside Jakarta and Surabaya.  

To this day, the story of the rare tamarind trees remains a cherished symbol of Semarang's origins. It not only commemorates the efforts of Raden Pandanarang in spreading Islam but also reflects the area's growth into a hub of civilization in Central Java. 

Moral Lessons:  

1. Stewardship and Responsibility 

   - Raden Pandanarang’s dedication to his father’s legacy teaches the importance of honoring responsibilities, not just for personal benefit but for the greater good of society.  

2. Gratitude for Nature’s Blessings

   - The sparse tamarind trees, though seemingly an anomaly, inspired a meaningful identity for the land. This shows how observing and appreciating nature can foster wisdom and creativity.  

3. Legacy of Knowledge and Service

   - The story emphasizes the enduring value of knowledge, faith, and service. Raden Pandanarang's commitment transformed a wilderness into a prosperous community, reminding us that meaningful progress requires vision and effort.

The Legend of the White Crocodile of Kali Bekasi

The Legend of the White Crocodile of Kali Bekasi: The Tale of the Mighty Warrior, the Silat Maiden, and the Miracle of Bhagasasi River

Indonesian Edition: Legenda Buaya Putih Kali Bekasi

Long ago, in a region that is now known as Bekasi, there was a great river that served as the lifeblood of the surrounding land—Kali Bekasi. However, during the era of the Tarumanegara Kingdom, the area was not yet called Bekasi. This river, flowing through fertile land, was once known as Chandra Bhaga or Bhagasasi, named after the inscriptions found in Tugu, which narrate the river's origins.

On the banks of the Bhagasasi River, lived a powerful and skilled warrior who had mastered the Bhagasasi martial arts. He was a mandor (overseer) who resided near the river, always dressed in the traditional attire of a warrior, with a large machete at his side. His home, located not far from the river’s flow, witnessed not only his strength but also the beauty of his daughter.

Sri Rini, the daughter of this warrior, was renowned for her beauty and her unmatched martial arts skills. Known far and wide, from what we now call Jakarta (Sunda Kelapa) to the surrounding regions such as Bogor and Depok, she was famous for her unique and unpredictable fighting techniques. However, despite her beauty and strength, she had yet to find a husband, for her father, a respected warrior, was determined to find a suitable match.

Thus, the warrior announced a great contest: "Whoever can defeat my daughter's martial arts will be given her hand in marriage!"

This announcement attracted warriors from all over, from the distant lands of Bekasi (which had yet to be known by that name) to places like Depok and Bogor. Many tried their skills, but none were able to defeat Sri Rini.

Then, one day, a young man arrived, fair-skinned yet mysterious, for his skin was not human but scaly. He entered the contest and displayed an astonishingly swift and powerful fighting style, resembling that of a crocodile. In an instant, he defeated Sri Rini.

The warrior, impressed by the young man's abilities, accepted him as a son-in-law. A grand celebration followed, with seven days and nights of festivities, including gamang kromong music and bajidor performances.

A year later, the couple was blessed with a son. However, the husband, who had now taken human form, revealed a secret to his wife. "My dear, I must tell you the truth about myself. I am the king of the white crocodiles of Kali Bhagasasi," he confessed.

His wife was shocked, and he continued, "In my land, there is a cruel king of the crocodile people, and only a human descendant can defeat him. I have come to the human world to find such a descendant, and now that I have a child with you, I must return to my world to defeat the tyrant."

With those words, the husband and their son transformed into giant white crocodiles and dove into the depths of Kali Bhagasasi, heading toward their mysterious realm.

The wife, heartbroken and confused, could only watch them disappear. From then on, she visited the banks of Kali Bhagasasi daily, cleaning the river to keep its waters pure and clear. For her, maintaining the cleanliness of the river was the only way to ensure the safety and comfort of her husband and child in their distant world.

She passed down a message to her descendants: "Take care of Kali Bhagasasi with all your heart. Never disturb the inhabitants of this river, for if the river remains clean, our lives will also be protected."

And so, the legend was passed down through the generations. Though today the river is known as Kali Bekasi, the story of the white crocodile and the warrior lives on in memory. The moral of the story is clear: taking care of Kali Bekasi or Kali Bhagasasi means protecting life itself. By maintaining the cleanliness of the river, we ensure the sustainability of all life that depends on it.

Moral Message:

This tale teaches us that preserving the cleanliness of our environment, especially our rivers, is essential for maintaining life. Kali Bekasi, now part of our daily lives, must be cared for and protected. A clean river ensures balanced life for all creatures that depend on it.