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Joko Panjer and Lara Inten





Joko Panjer dan Lara Inten >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from East Java

A Girl and a Sheperd



"JOKO Panjer, take the cows home. It’s late and going to rain soon."

“Yes, father. I’m going home now. The cows are also full.”

The boy, Joko Panjer, was a shepherd. Every day his father always asked him to take the cows to the field to eat some grass. Joko Panjer was a nice and diligent boy. He always obeyed and helped his poor parents. One day, while Joko was busy looking after the cows, a little girl came to him.












“Hello, young girl. What’s your name? And what are you doing here? Where do you live?” Joko gave her some questions.

He was surprised to see a little girl on the field. He felt that the girl was not from his neighborhood. She dressed beautifully.

“My name is Lara Inten. May I be your friend? I don’t have a friend to play,” said the little girl.

“I’m Joko Panjer. Lara Inten, where do you live? Where are you from?”

“If I tell you, you don’t want to play with me. So, may I be your friend?”

Actually, Joko was also lonely in the field. Every day he did not have a friend to talk and play together. All of his friends were in the village. Since then, Lara Inten and Joko were friends. They always had a good time on the field. Sometimes, they played hide and seek and other times they just sang some songs. They were happy! In one afternoon, while Joko and Lara were playing, suddenly some men came to them. Those men were soldiers from the kingdom.

“Princess Lara, here you are. Now we know why you always disappear in the palace. Please come back with us, the king and the queen are waiting for you.”

“You are a princess? Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Joko to Lara.

“Joko, I already told you. If you know who I am, you don’t want to play with me. I want you to be my friend, because I am lonely.”

Lara Inten then returned back to the palace. She talked to her parents about Joko. The king and the queen then decided to ask Joko and his family to stay in the palace.

Now everyday, Joko and Lara could play together. Joko’s parents were very happy. Now the family were not poor anymore. ***










Moral Mesage:

The story of Joko Panjer and Lara Inten contains several moral messages that can be valuable for readers. Here are the key messages:

1. Value of True Friendship: The story highlights the importance of genuine friendship. Despite Lara Inten's royal status, she values Joko Panjer's friendship for who he is, not for his social standing. This teaches that true friendship is based on mutual respect and personal connection rather than status or wealth.

2. Kindness and Generosity: Joko Panjer's willingness to befriend Lara despite her mysterious background shows his kind and generous nature. His actions exemplify how kindness can lead to rewarding outcomes and change one's circumstances positively.

3. Non-Judgmental Attitude: Lara Inten’s choice to keep her identity a secret initially demonstrates the idea of not judging others based on their status or appearances. She wanted to be accepted for herself rather than her royal status, which underscores the value of accepting people for who they are.

4. Gratitude and Humility: Joko’s family’s eventual prosperity and happiness reflect their gratitude and humility. The story suggests that being appreciative and grounded, even in the face of new opportunities, is important.

5. The Power of Change Through Compassion: The story shows how acts of compassion and kindness can lead to significant positive changes. Joko’s simple act of friendship transforms not only his own life but also the lives of his family members.

In summary, the story teaches that true friendship, kindness, and acceptance are powerful forces that can lead to happiness and positive change. It also emphasizes that one’s true worth is not determined by social status but by the sincerity of one’s heart and actions.





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