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Cindelaras

The Tale of Cindelaras: A Story of Truth, Justice, and Unbreakable Bonds

Indonesian Folklore Homepage

 Cindelaras | Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from East Java

Once upon a time, in the lush and prosperous kingdom of Jenggala, ruled a wise and just king named Raden Putra. He had a beautiful and beloved queen, Ratu Ayu, who was admired for her grace, wisdom, and kindness. However, the king’s heart had been swayed by the charms of a concubine, Sari Dewi, who was equally beautiful but had a malicious nature hidden behind her radiant facade.

Sari Dewi, consumed by jealousy of the queen’s position, harbored a dark desire to become the king’s one and only queen. She resented the queen’s grace and influence over the king, and so, she devised a cruel plan. She conspired with the palace healer, a man skilled in the art of deception, to accuse the queen of treason. They claimed that Ratu Ayu had plotted to poison the king, a lie that would have disastrous consequences.

Raden Putra, blindsided by the malicious plot, believed the healer’s deceitful accusations and was filled with rage. In his fury, he ordered the queen to be banished from the palace and sent into the perilous jungle as punishment, with the hope that she would never return. Unbeknownst to the king, the queen was pregnant with his child, and this harsh punishment would change the course of their lives forever.

Ratu Ayu, heartbroken and alone, wandered deep into the jungle, unsure of what the future held. Her strength was tested as she navigated the wilderness, but she never lost hope. Several months later, in the quiet solitude of the forest, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She named him Cindelaras, which means "the son of hope." She raised him in secret, away from the eyes of the palace, teaching him how to survive in the jungle and the ways of the world, all the while yearning for the day she could reunite with the king.

As Cindelaras grew, he became a strong and handsome young man, well-liked by the animals of the forest and the villagers who lived nearby. One day, while helping his mother gather firewood, a mysterious eagle swooped down and dropped an egg at his feet. Intrigued, Cindelaras took the egg home, where he carefully cared for it, nurturing it as if it were his own.

From the egg hatched a small chick, and over time, the chick grew into a magnificent rooster. The rooster was no ordinary bird; it had a magical ability. It was fiercely competitive, and whenever it fought against other roosters, it won effortlessly. But its most remarkable trait was its ability to sing a song that seemed to carry a hidden message:

“My master is Cindelaras. He lives in the jungle. His father is a king. His name is Raden Putra.”










At first, Cindelaras thought little of the rooster’s strange song. But as days passed, the rooster sang the same melody over and over again, and Cindelaras could not ignore it any longer. Disturbed, he confided in his mother about the mysterious song, and that was when she told him the truth: he was the son of Raden Putra, the king of Jenggala. His mother, the queen, had been unjustly banished to the jungle while carrying him, and she had never betrayed the king. The truth struck Cindelaras like a thunderbolt, and he made up his mind: he would go to the palace and claim his birthright.

With the magical rooster by his side, Cindelaras set off toward the palace. Along the way, he encountered several villagers who heard of his rooster’s extraordinary abilities. One by one, Cindelaras’ rooster faced off against other roosters, each time emerging victorious. Word of his rooster’s remarkable prowess spread far and wide, eventually reaching the ears of King Raden Putra.

The king, intrigued by the tales of the great rooster, sent for Cindelaras to come to the palace. When Cindelaras arrived, the king proposed a challenge: the two roosters would face off in a battle, with the winner claiming a magnificent prize. If Cindelaras' rooster won, he would receive the king's most valuable jewels. However, if the rooster lost, Cindelaras would be thrown into prison.

The two roosters fought fiercely, but in a matter of minutes, Cindelaras' rooster triumphed. The crowd cheered, but the moment was far from over. The magical rooster sang its song once again, and this time, King Raden Putra listened closely.

“My master is Cindelaras. He lives in the jungle. His father is a king. His name is Raden Putra.”









The king was stunned, and his heart raced as the realization hit him. He turned to Cindelaras, demanding to know who he was. Cindelaras, with a steady voice, told the king the whole truth. He spoke of his mother, the queen, who had been falsely accused and sent into exile. He revealed that he had come to the palace to meet his father, whom he had never known.

The king’s face turned pale with guilt. He had been deceived by the healer and the concubine. The healer, once a trusted advisor, finally confessed to his role in the false accusations, admitting that the queen was innocent and had never plotted against the king.

Raden Putra’s heart broke as he realized the grave mistake he had made. He immediately ordered the concubine, *Sari Dewi*, to be imprisoned for her treachery, and he sought out his wife, Ratu Ayu, in the jungle.

After a long and arduous journey, the king finally found the queen in the jungle, where she had lived in solitude, raising their son. The queen, though initially shocked, forgave the king, understanding the pain and sorrow he had endured. Raden Putra apologized for his wrongful actions and promised to never again be swayed by deceit. He brought his wife and son back to the palace, where she was crowned queen once more.

From that day forward, the kingdom of Jenggala flourished under the wise and just rule of King Raden Putra and Queen Ayu. And as for Cindelaras, he grew into a respected and powerful young man, beloved by the people for his wisdom, bravery, and compassion. The story of his journey to find his father and the magical rooster that led him to his destiny became a legend, passed down through generations as a tale of love, justice, and redemption.







Moral of the Story:

The story of Cindelaras teaches us about the importance of truth and justice. It shows that false accusations can lead to unnecessary suffering, but with perseverance and courage, the truth will eventually be revealed. It also emphasizes the bond between a parent and child, and how fate can guide us to unexpected reunions. Additionally, the tale reminds us that kindness, loyalty, and integrity will always triumph over deceit and manipulation.








Did you know?


Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most remarkable chickens — from the mysterious, jet-black Ayam Cemani to the elegant Pelung with its melodious crow. Each breed carries a piece of the archipelago’s soul, shaped by its islands, climates, and cultures. With hundreds of local varieties, Indonesian chickens are not only symbols of beauty and resilience but also living links to the ancient junglefowl that once roamed these lands.


🐓 Why so many breeds come from Indonesia:

Indonesia’s vast geography — over 17,000 islands — creates countless isolated environments. Over centuries, chickens adapted to different climates, diets, and human traditions. This natural and cultural diversity encouraged selective breeding by local communities, giving rise to unique traits such as:

  • Distinct colors and feather patterns (like Ayam Ketawa’s “laughing” crow or Ayam Pelung’s song).

  • Cultural symbolism, with certain breeds used in rituals, performances, or as status symbols.

  • Ancient lineage — Indonesia is part of the original range of the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), the wild ancestor of all domestic chickens. That means many Indonesian breeds still carry traits close to the earliest chickens in history!

So in short — Indonesia didn’t just inherit chickens; it helped shape the world’s chickens. 🪶



Meet the Ayam Pelung, or Pelung chicken—a remarkable breed hailing from the lush landscapes of Cianjur, Indonesia. These aren’t your ordinary backyard chickens; the males are celebrated as “singing roosters”, famed for their melodious, far-carrying crows. In fact, locals hold lively crow-singing contests, where roosters compete to prove who has the most enchanting voice.

But it’s not just their songs that impress—these birds are statuesque! A fully grown male can weigh 5–6 kg (12–15 lb) and tower up to 50 cm (18 in) tall, standing proud like a feathery champion of the barnyard. 🐓🎶







The Ayam Cemani is a mysterious and mesmerizing chicken from Cemani village, near Surakarta on the island of Java, Indonesia. Cloaked entirely in black—from feathers and beak to even internal organs—this bird has fascinated breeders and collectors for decades.

Its journey beyond Java began in 1998, when Dutch breeder Jan Steverink brought it to Europe. Today, the Ayam Cemani thrives in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, enchanting poultry enthusiasts with its striking appearance and legendary rarity. 🖤🐓




 



Meet the Ayam Ketawa, or “Laughing Chicken”, from Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) in South

 Celebes, Indonesia. Locally, it’s affectionately called Ayam Gaga. At first glance, it might look like an ordinary chicken, but listen closely… and you’ll hear something extraordinary!

True to its name, this chicken’s crowing sounds like laughter, and at times, it even mimics the gentle cooing of a turtle dove. A feathery comedian of the barnyard, the Ayam Ketawa is sure to bring a smile to anyone who hears its unique call. 🐓😂





The Ayam Sumatra, or Sumatra chicken, hails from the rugged landscapes of Sumatra, Indonesia. Originally prized for their fierce spirit, these chickens were first brought to the U.S. and Europe in 1847 as fighting cocks, dazzling spectators with their agility and courage.

Today, the Sumatra has traded the arena for the spotlight of exhibition halls, admired for its sleek beauty and proud posture. The Black Sumatra even earned its place in history in 1883, when it was officially added to the American Standard of Perfection, cementing its legacy as a breed of elegance and distinction. 🐓✨













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The Unlucky Mr. Lebai

The Unlucky Mr. Lebai – A West Sumatran Folktale About Indecision and Missed Opportunities

Pak Lebai malang >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from West Sumatra


:


Pak Lebai was a wishy-washy man. He often changed his mind at the last minute, even after making a decision. Some said he thought too much, others said he simply couldn’t make up his mind. He lived alone in a quiet village by a wide, winding river. Each day, he would paddle his small sampan up and down the river, either fishing or visiting friends in nearby villages. The river was his road, his companion, and sometimes, his place to think.

One sunny afternoon, as Pak Lebai leisurely rowed his sampan along the calm waters, he heard someone call out to him from the riverbank.

“Pak Lebai! Pak Lebai!”

It was his neighbor from the east side of the river, waving excitedly.

“Can you come to my house tomorrow? I’m having a big party,” the neighbor shouted. “We’ll have gulai kepala kerbau—you can take home the buffalo’s head!”

Pak Lebai’s face lit up. He loved parties, especially village feasts where food was served in abundance. The thought of juicy meat, savory dishes, and the prized buffalo’s head made his stomach rumble with joy. He nodded cheerfully, promising to come.

But just a little while later, as he was still paddling downstream, another voice called out—this time from the west side of the river.

“Pak Lebai! Don’t forget to come to my house tomorrow! I’m also having a big celebration!”

Now Pak Lebai’s smile faded into a frown. Two parties? On the same day? Both invitations were tempting. Both hosts were his neighbors—and both promised delicious food. One party was on the east side of the river, the other on the west. He stared at the water, as if hoping the river itself would tell him where to go.

The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. What if the food is better on the east side? But what if the party on the west has more guests and better entertainment? What if the buffalo’s head on one side is bigger than the other?

Pak Lebai couldn’t decide. And in true Pak Lebai fashion—he kept changing his mind over and over again.







"I’ll go to the east side," Pak Lebai muttered to himself, stroking his chin. "He’s richer than the other host. Maybe I’ll even get two buffalo heads instead of one!" His eyes gleamed with hope. He imagined the big feast, the laughter, and the aroma of freshly cooked dishes floating through the air. “Yes, yes,” he nodded eagerly. “He’ll surely treat me well.”

The next morning, with high hopes and a hungry stomach, Pak Lebai set out early. He paddled his sampan vigorously, cutting through the morning mist that hovered above the river. The current was calm, and the rising sun painted golden ripples across the water’s surface. He hummed a tune as he rowed, dreaming of rendang, dendeng, and a juicy buffalo’s head to take home.

But along the way, he spotted a group of villagers returning from the very party he was heading to.

"Where are you going, Pak Lebai?" one of them asked.

“To the east side! I’ve been invited!” he replied proudly.

They exchanged looks and burst into laughter.

"That party? It was awful," said one of them. "Not many buffalo heads at all. Just some plain rice and soup. He’s too stingy to serve anything fancy."

Pak Lebai’s smile faltered. His heart sank a little, but he puffed out his chest. “I don’t care,” he insisted. “He’s still my friend. I’m sure he’ll save the best for me!”

He continued paddling, though a small seed of doubt had taken root in his mind. As he neared the riverbank, just within reach of the east side, that doubt blossomed into worry.

What if they’re right? What if he really is stingy? What if I go all the way there and get nothing but bones?





With a loud sigh, Pak Lebai stopped paddling. He looked longingly toward the east side, then suddenly turned his sampan around. “Forget it! I’ll go to the west side instead. Maybe they still have something good left!”

Now in a rush, he paddled harder than ever, racing against time. The sun was higher now, and the river shimmered with heat. His arms ached, but he didn’t stop. He was determined not to miss the second party.

But just as he approached the western shore, another group of villagers passed by in their boats.

“Pak Lebai? Where have you been?” one called out. “The west-side party is already over!”

“Over?” he gasped, nearly dropping his paddle. “No! It can’t be!”

His face fell, his strength vanished. All that paddling, all that indecision—and now he had missed both parties. The delicious food he had dreamed of, the buffalo’s head he had hoped to bring home—all gone.

Frustrated and heartbroken, Pak Lebai floated silently on the river. He was exhausted from going back and forth, his arms sore and his pride wounded. Unable to do anything else, he leaned back in his sampan and fell asleep, his hat drooping over his face.

The river, ever gentle and unbothered by human troubles, continued to carry him along. By the time he woke up, he had drifted far from his village, arriving in a place he didn’t recognize.

When news of his misadventure spread across his village, the people couldn’t help but chuckle. “Poor Pak Lebai,” they said. “He kept changing his mind until he missed everything!”

And from that day on, he was known as Pak Lebai Malang—the Unlucky Mr. Lebai. His name became a reminder: if you can’t make up your mind, you might just end up with nothing at all. 🐃⛵💭







💡 Moral Message:

“Too much hesitation leads to regret. Those who cannot decide in time may miss all the good that life offers.”


 (Alternate in proverb style: "He who chases two buffaloes catches none.")






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Towjatuwa and the Sacred Crocodile

Towjatuwa dan Buaya Keramat >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from Papua

ONCE upon a time in Papua, Towjatuwa and his wife lived by the Tami River. They were very happy. They had been waiting to have a baby and after some time, his wife got pregnant. The pregnancy was in the ninth month.

Soon, his wife would give a birth. The days passed by, but his wife was still unable to give birth. She had a problem that made her in greater pain. To help her give the birth, Towjatuma needed a sharp stone. He wanted to have an operation to help his wife.







So, he went to the river side to find a sharp stone. While busy looking for the stone, he heard a noise. He was so scared. He knew the river was full of crocodiles. Just before he left, a big crocodile was in front of him! The crocodile was different from any other crocodiles. It had feathers. The feathers were like kasuwari's. Towjatuma was ready to run, suddenly the crocodile talked.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to harm you. What are you doing here?" asked the crocodile politely.

Towjatuma was really scared. He was really amazed to see a crocodile talked like humans. After a while, he then answered.

"I'm here to find a sharp stone. My wife is pregnant and she has a problem. She cannot give birth. So, I want to do an operation," explained Towjatuma.

"I will help you. Go home now and I'll come to your house tomorrow," said the crocodile.

Towjatuma immediately went back to his house. When he arrived, he explained about the crocodile to his wife. On the following day, the crocodile came to Towjatuma's house. With his magical power, the crocodile helped her to give birth. The baby was a boy. The crocodile named him Narrowra.

"Towjatuma, I already helped you. Now I ask you to help me. Your son Narrowra will grow as a great hunter. He has great skills in hunting. He can catch many animals. However, don't hunt my friends, the crocodiles. You have to tell Narrowra not to hunt crocodiles. And not only Narrowra, all your descendants have to protect crocodiles. If they hunt and eat crocodile meat, all your descendants will die," said the crocodile.

"Yes, I understand. I will never forget your help. So I will teach my child and all my descendants to protect you and your friends," said Towjatuma. Since then, Towjatuma and his descendants promised to protect the crocodiles from other hunters. They also protected other animals that lived in the river. ***


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