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Folklore from East Java
Once upon a time in the Sindureja Kingdom, there lived a powerful king named Sidareja, who was known throughout the land for his wisdom and strength. He ruled his kingdom with a firm yet just hand, earning both respect and reverence from his people. Under his leadership, Sindureja flourished, its lands fertile, its trade thriving, and its borders secure from outside threats. Yet, despite his reputation for wisdom, King Sidareja was not without his whims and desires, often testing the loyalty and abilities of those who served him.
One fateful day, as the golden sun bathed the palace in its warm glow, King Sidareja sat upon his grand throne, adorned with intricate carvings that told stories of his victories. Summoning his trusted vice regent, Patih Sidapaksa, the king spoke with an air of authority that left no room for argument. “Patih Sidapaksa,” he began, his voice deep and commanding, “I desire the flesh of a young deer. It must be tender, fresh, and brought to me without delay.”
The king’s gaze was steady and expectant, a silent challenge to his loyal regent. Though the task seemed straightforward, there was an unspoken weight to the command. In the king’s court, such requests were often more than they appeared—a test of skill, courage, and unwavering loyalty. Patih Sidapaksa, ever faithful to his liege, knelt before the throne and bowed his head low. “As you wish, Your Majesty,” he replied with resolute determination, his voice unwavering.
The hall fell silent as the regent rose to his feet, his mind already turning to the mission ahead. He knew the king’s demands were not to be taken lightly, and failure was not an option. With a sense of duty burning within him, Patih Sidapaksa prepared to leave the grandeur of the palace for the untamed wilderness, unaware of the twists of fate that awaited him in the depths of the forest.
Patih Sidapaksa, ever loyal and obedient, set off into the dense forest with his bow in hand. His steps were steady as he navigated the overgrown path, pushing through thick underbrush with determination to fulfill the king’s command. He searched tirelessly for hours, exploring every corner of the quiet forest, accompanied only by the chirping of birds and the rustling leaves swaying in the breeze. At last, he spotted a young deer grazing peacefully under the shade of the tall trees.
Carefully, he crept closer, ensuring his movements were silent so as not to alarm the deer. His strong hands raised the bow, pulling back the arrow with utmost precision. But in his haste and eagerness to complete the task, his aim faltered. The arrow missed its mark, landing harmlessly in the dirt a few feet away.
Startled, the young deer leapt into the air and bolted deeper into the forest. Refusing to give up, Patih Sidapaksa gave chase. He ran through the thorny underbrush and over the tangled roots that spread across the forest floor, his breath quickening and his heart pounding in his chest. Yet the deer, swift and nimble, darted through the dense woods with ease, leaving Patih Sidapaksa struggling to follow its trail as the shadows of the forest deepened and a faint mist began to settle with the approaching dusk.
As the sun began to set, the deer led him deep into the jungle, where Patih Sidapaksa stumbled upon a modest hut. He knocked on the door, hoping for help or shelter. The door creaked open, revealing a young, beautiful girl standing before him. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a river of ink, and her eyes sparkled like the stars themselves. She was none other than Sri Tanjung, the daughter of Ki Buyut, a wise old man who lived in the heart of the jungle.
Patih Sidapaksa stood speechless, his heart taken by her beauty. “How can I help you, Sir?” she asked kindly, noticing his exhaustion.
“I... I... am searching for a young deer,” Patih Sidapaksa stammered, caught off guard by her grace.
Sri Tanjung smiled softly, sensing his fatigue. “There are many deer in the jungle, but night is falling, and the darkness will make hunting difficult. You should rest and continue tomorrow morning. My father and I will be glad to welcome you for the night.”
Patih Sidapaksa gratefully accepted her invitation. He introduced himself, and she led him inside the hut. They spoke through the night, and by morning, Patih Sidapaksa had already decided: he would ask for her hand in marriage. And to his delight, Sri Tanjung, too, had fallen in love with him.
The next day, after hunting successfully and capturing the young deer, Patih Sidapaksa returned to Sri Tanjung’s hut. He told her of his intentions, and with her heart full of joy, she agreed to marry him. They both returned to the palace, where King Sidareja awaited them.
The King was pleased with the deer and rewarded Patih Sidapaksa handsomely, but when his gaze fell upon Sri Tanjung, he was struck by her unparalleled beauty. In his heart, a dark desire grew—he wanted her for himself. But Patih Sidapaksa, loyal to his mission and his love, was a barrier to his plans. So, the King devised a wicked scheme.
He summoned Patih Sidapaksa to his court and gave him a difficult task: "Bring me three golden rings from the distant Kingdom of Indran," the King commanded. “Only then will I allow you to marry Sri Tanjung.” Patih Sidapaksa was taken aback, for Indran was known as a kingdom of criminals and thieves, a land where none who entered ever returned. But Patih Sidapaksa, determined to fulfill his promise to Sri Tanjung, accepted the task, vowing to return.
Before he left, Patih Sidapaksa promised Sri Tanjung that he would come back for her. “Wait for me,” he said softly, taking her hands in his.
When Patih Sidapaksa departed, the King wasted no time in making his move. He approached Sri Tanjung, offering her riches and the title of Queen. “Marry me, and I will make you a queen,” he said. But Sri Tanjung, ever faithful to her love for Patih Sidapaksa, refused.
“I cannot,” she replied. “I have already given my heart to him, and I promised to wait for his return.”
Furious, King Sidareja imprisoned Sri Tanjung in the deepest part of the palace, hoping to force her into submission. But Sri Tanjung remained steadfast in her love, holding onto the promise made to Patih Sidapaksa.
After what felt like an eternity, Patih Sidapaksa returned to the palace, having completed his dangerous mission and secured the three golden rings. But to his horror, Sri Tanjung was not there to greet him. Instead, the King lied, telling him that she had asked for his hand in marriage, seeking to become a queen.
At first, Patih Sidapaksa believed the King’s words, but a doubt gnawed at his heart. When he finally saw Sri Tanjung again, imprisoned and broken, she spoke words that would seal her fate.
“Throw me into the river,” she said quietly, her eyes full of sorrow. “If the river smells sweet, then I am innocent. But if it smells foul, then the King is the one who lies.”
With a heavy heart, Patih Sidapaksa followed her request. He carried her to the river, and with one last tearful glance, he threw her into the waters. Miraculously, the river smelled sweet and fragrant, like jasmine flowers on a spring morning. It was a sign of her innocence.
Devastated, Patih Sidapaksa realized the truth too late. The love of his life was gone forever. As her body was swept away by the river, the people gathered in mourning. They named the river "Banyuwangi," a name derived from the words "banyu" (water) and "wangi" (fragrance), forever remembering the purity and tragedy of Sri Tanjung.
The Kingdom of Sindureja, once full of pride and prosperity, fell into sorrow. Patih Sidapaksa’s heart was broken, and the King’s reign was overshadowed by guilt. As for the people of Banyuwangi, they never forgot the tale of Sri Tanjung—the innocent girl who loved with all her heart, and the tragic fate that befell her.
Thus, the name Banyuwangi lives on, a reminder of a love lost and a justice denied, carried forever in the sweet fragrance of the river's waters.
Read More story: Princess Mandalika (The Story of Bau Nyale)
Moral Message:
This story teaches us the importance of honesty and loyalty in relationships. Sometimes, desire and betrayal can destroy everything, leading to tragedy. It also reminds us not to rush decisions and to always strive to trust the ones we love.
Banyuwangi Festival or can be abbreviated as B-Fest is an annual event held by the Government of Banyuwangi Regency in October to December every year. This event is held to celebrate the anniversary of Banyuwangi Regency on December 18th. The event was first held in 2012 during the reign of Bupati Abdullah Azwar Anas.
