Indonesian Folklore (Folklor Indonesia): Tales from Nusantara (Archipelago): Malin Kundang

Malin Kundang: The Tale of the Disobedient Son and the Consequences of His Arrogance

Malin Kundang | Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from West Sumatra

Once upon a time, in a remote village on the coast of West Sumatra, there lived a humble family of fishermen. They were known for their hard work but faced hardships due to their poor fortune. The father, a man of great resolve, often spoke to his son, Malin, about the dreams of a better life.

“Malin,” he would say, gazing out at the endless sea, “there is a world beyond this village, full of opportunities. One day, I will find it for us.”

But one fateful day, the father decided to set sail across the ocean in search of better work. His departure was shrouded in uncertainty, and as the days turned into months, hope faded. Tragically, Malin's father never returned home, leaving his mother to struggle alone.

“Mother, I wish I could help you,” Malin often said, watching her toil tirelessly on the fishing nets. Her hands were rough from the work, and her face wore the marks of hardship. “You deserve a life without worry.”

Malin was a clever boy, though sometimes a bit mischievous. He had a habit of chasing the village chickens, laughing as they squawked and flapped their wings. One sunny afternoon, as he chased a particularly swift hen, he stumbled over a hidden stone, falling hard to the ground.

“Ouch!” he cried out, clutching his right hand. Looking down, he saw blood trickling from a wound. “What have I done?” The scar that formed would remain with him, a reminder of his youthful recklessness.

Days turned into years, and as Malin matured, he became increasingly aware of his mother’s struggles. One evening, as they shared a simple meal, he looked at her, the love in her eyes mingled with exhaustion.

“Mother, I need to find my own way,” Malin said, his voice firm. “I want to go out into the world and become rich. I promise I will return for you.”

His mother looked at him, sorrow etched on her face. “Malin, you must understand. Your father left for the sea and never returned. I fear for your safety. Please, stay with me.”

“I have to go, Mother,” he insisted. “If I stay here, we will always be poor.”

Reluctantly, she nodded, tears in her eyes. “Then be careful, my son. Remember, I will always wait for you.”

Malin boarded a merchant ship, filled with excitement and determination. The seasoned crew taught him the ways of the sea, and he quickly became adept at seamanship.

However, fate took a dire turn when their ship was ambushed by ruthless pirates. Malin hid in a small space beneath the deck, heart racing as he heard the clash of swords and the cries of men.

“Where are the rest of the crew?” a pirate growled, searching the area. Malin held his breath, praying he would not be found.

As the chaos subsided, he crept out to find the ship stranded on a desolate beach. With the last of his strength, Malin made his way to the nearest village, where he discovered fertile land and kind people.

“Welcome, traveler!” a villager said, noticing Malin’s weary appearance. “You can stay here and work. We can help you.”

With determination and hard work, Malin transformed his life. He became a prosperous merchant, owning numerous ships and employing over a hundred people. In time, he married a beautiful girl from the village, and together they celebrated their success.

“Look at what we’ve built, my love!” Malin said one evening, gazing over the bustling docks filled with ships. “This is only the beginning.”

Meanwhile, in the distant village, Malin’s mother awaited news of her son. Every day, she walked to the dock, her heart filled with hope.

“Maybe today is the day he returns,” she whispered to herself.

Years passed, and one day, a grand ship docked at the harbor. Malin’s mother rushed to the shore, her heart racing as she spotted a familiar figure on deck.

“Is it you, Malin?” she called out, hope shining in her eyes.

Malin, now wealthy and proud, stood beside his elegant wife. When he saw the old woman approaching, a wave of embarrassment washed over him. He turned to his wife, trying to maintain his composure.

“Stay back!” he shouted, feigning anger. “You’re embarrassing me in front of my crew!”

The joy in his mother’s eyes turned to confusion and hurt. “Malin, my son! It’s me, your mother! I’ve waited for you all these years!”

“Do not touch me!” Malin snapped, pushing her away. “You’re just a poor fisherman’s wife. I have a reputation to uphold!”

His mother’s heart shattered. “After all I’ve sacrificed for you, how could you turn your back on me?”

In her despair, she raised her hands to the heavens. “Oh Lord, if this is truly my son, I curse him to become a rock for his disobedience!”

The wind howled, and a violent storm erupted. Malin’s ship began to shake and break apart. He felt an inexplicable force gripping him, rendering him immobile.

“Mother, no!” he cried, but his voice was lost in the storm.

Slowly, his body turned rigid, transforming into cold stone. The storm calmed, and the sea returned to its peaceful state, leaving behind only a massive rock upon the shore.

To this day, the stone of Malin Kundang can still be seen at Pantai Air Manis, in the southern city of Padang, West Sumatra. Locals tell his story, a cautionary tale of pride, betrayal, and the everlasting bond between a mother and her child.

Moral Message

The moral of the story of Malin Kundang emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing one's parents. Pride and disobedience towards parents can lead to serious consequences. This tale serves as a reminder of the significance of gratitude and love for our parents, as well as the dangers of arrogance and neglecting our roots.