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A long time ago, in the prosperous kingdom of South Sumatra, there lived a wise and powerful king. He had a daughter, the beautiful and kind-hearted Princess Siti Fatimah. Her grace and charm were admired by many, yet none of the young men in the kingdom dared to ask for her hand. They knew the king had high expectations—only a wealthy and noble man could marry his beloved daughter.
One day, a grand ship from China docked along the Musi River. Aboard the ship was Tan Bun Ann, a prince and a merchant seeking fortune in new lands. His reputation as a skilled trader had spread far and wide. Upon arriving at the palace, he respectfully approached the king.
"Your Majesty, I have come to trade in your prosperous land. With your blessing, I wish to stay for a time and conduct my business," Tan Bun Ann said, bowing before the ruler.
The king, always seeking opportunities to enrich his kingdom, considered the proposal. "Very well," he agreed. "You may stay, but half of your profit must be given to the kingdom."
Tan Bun Ann humbly accepted the condition, and thus, he began his trade in South Sumatra. His business flourished, and he became a frequent visitor to the palace. There, he met Princess Siti Fatimah, and from the moment he laid eyes on her, he was captivated. Her beauty was matched only by her kindness, and he longed to know more about her.
Determined, Tan Bun Ann discreetly inquired about her. He learned that she remained unmarried, for her father sought a wealthy son-in-law. This knowledge fueled his ambition. He worked even harder, hoping to prove himself worthy.
In time, Siti Fatimah took notice of Tan Bun Ann's determination and gentle heart. They began to meet in secret, sharing stories of their cultures and dreams for the future. As the days passed, their love blossomed, growing stronger with each stolen moment together.
When Tan Bun Ann felt ready, he approached the king to formally ask for Siti Fatimah’s hand in marriage. The king, however, was not easily persuaded. "If you wish to marry my daughter, you must prove your wealth and devotion. Bring me nine large jars filled with gold," he declared.
Tan Bun Ann, eager to fulfill the king’s request, immediately wrote to his parents in China, explaining his love for the princess. His parents rejoiced at the news and sent the nine large jars filled with gold, carefully hidden beneath layers of vegetables to deter thieves.
When the shipment arrived at the Musi River, Tan Bun Ann rushed to inspect the jars. But upon opening the first jar, he found only rotten vegetables. A sense of dread filled his heart. Had something gone wrong? He opened the second jar, then the third, only to find the same thing. Furious, he believed his parents had betrayed him.
"They promised me gold, yet they send me nothing but waste?!" he cried in anger. Overcome with frustration, he hurled the jars into the river one by one.
As he lifted the last jar, exhausted and heartbroken, he smashed it upon the ground. The jar shattered, revealing its hidden treasure—glimmering gold coins spilling onto the earth.
Horror washed over him as he realized his grave mistake. Without hesitation, Tan Bun Ann leaped into the river, desperately trying to recover the gold he had foolishly thrown away.
Siti Fatimah, watching from the riverbank, called out to him, but he did not return. Fear gripped her heart as she waited. Minutes turned to hours, but Tan Bun Ann never surfaced.
Determined to be with him, she turned to her guards and whispered her final words: "If you ever see a mound of earth rising from this river, know that it is my grave."
With that, she too plunged into the river, vanishing beneath the waters.
Days passed, and just as she had foretold, a small mound of land began to emerge from the Musi River. The mound grew and grew, until it formed an island. In honor of their tragic love story, the people called it Kemaro Island—derived from the word kemarau, meaning drought, as the island never floods even when the river’s waters rise.
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| Pulau Kemaro |
This story underscores the importance of patience, perseverance, and the dangers of misinterpretation. Tan Bun Ann’s impatience and quick judgment led to a heartbreaking tragedy. His failure to carefully examine the truth resulted in irreversible consequences, reminding us that impulsive actions can lead to regret. It teaches us the value of patience, thoroughness, and understanding in our decisions.
Beyond this, the tale reveals that true wealth is not measured by material riches alone. Kindness, love, and inner virtue are the greatest treasures of all. May this story serve as a timeless reminder of the profound meaning of genuine wealth.
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| Fantasy island |
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