A long time ago, Sumatra Island was known as Andalas Island. At that time, the land we now know as one was still divided into two great islands, separated by a narrow strait of shimmering water. These twin lands were home to two ancient kingdoms: the prosperous Kingdom of Alam and the struggling Kingdom of Daru.
In the Kingdom of Alam, the people lived in harmony with nature. Gentle rains nourished the earth, and sunlight warmed the vast fields where crops grew tall and golden. Forests were thick and green, rich with fruits, flowers, and birdsong. Their king, Sultan Alam, was known across the land for his wisdom and kindness. He ruled with a gentle heart, listening to the needs of his people, and guiding them like a father would his children. Under his leadership, the people of Alam knew peace, abundance, and joy.
But across the strait, life was very different in the Kingdom of Daru. The land was dry and cracked, and the rivers that once flowed freely had dwindled into trickles. Trees struggled to grow, and the sky often turned its face away, withholding rain for weeks at a time. The people toiled, but their efforts bore little fruit. Their suffering was made worse by their ruler, Sultan Daru, a king with a hard heart and a hunger for power. He taxed his people heavily and cared little for their plight, turning his gaze only toward wealth and conquest.
As time passed, the contrast between the two kingdoms grew starker. One thrived while the other withered, and the winds began to carry whispers—of envy, of sorrow, and of a fate yet to unfold...
Sultan Daru, consumed by jealousy, could no longer bear the prosperity of his neighbor. While his own people suffered under parched skies and withering crops, he looked across the strait with burning envy at the lush forests and laughter-filled villages of Alam. His heart darkened further, and a dangerous desire took root within him—to seize Alam Kingdom and claim its riches as his own.
Driven by this greed, Sultan Daru ordered his army to cross the strait and attack. But no matter how many times they tried, his soldiers failed. Many were gripped with fear even before setting sail, for they knew the tales of the creature that dwelled in the strait. A great dragon, ancient and wise, called the waters its home. This dragon was no ordinary beast—it was a guardian and a loyal friend to Sultan Alam. With eyes that glowed like moonlight and scales that shimmered like emerald waves, the dragon rose whenever danger approached the kingdom, coiling through the sea and sky to protect it.
Sultan Daru, frustrated by repeated failure, turned to his most trusted advisor. "Tell me how to defeat that wretched beast," he demanded.
The advisor, after much thought and study of old scrolls and songs of the ancients, gave a grave answer:
“The dragon cannot be defeated by mere soldiers. It would take the strength of two great giants, siblings of stone and storm—Seulawah Inong and Seulawah Agam. Only they could match the dragon's might.”
Hearing this, Sultan Daru wasted no time. “Find them!” he ordered. “Tell them I will grant any wish, offer any treasure, if they can slay the dragon!”
The giants, intrigued by the promise, agreed. Towering and fierce, with voices that rumbled like thunder and footsteps that shook the earth, they made their way toward the strait. Word of their approach reached the dragon, who flew swiftly to Sultan Alam, his voice heavy with worry.
“My friend,” said the dragon solemnly, “I have guarded your kingdom for many years. I have turned back armies and frightened away invaders. But these giants are not like the others. If they succeed in defeating me, the sea will shake. The two islands will be pulled together and become one. You will feel the earth tremble. And after that, many fish will be found on the beach—this will be the sign. But listen well: do not let your people stay to harvest the fish. Instead, you must lead them to the highlands. The higher, the better. Tell them to climb hills and mountains. Only then will they survive.”
Sultan Alam, though heartbroken, nodded with understanding.
And then, the battle began.
The giants roared into the strait, their weapons raised. The dragon met them with fiery breath and powerful coils, the sea churning around them. The clash shook the heavens—waves crashed, winds howled, and lightning lit the sky. At first, the dragon held his ground, fierce and unyielding. But slowly, exhaustion crept into his wings. The giants were relentless, each blow heavier than the last. The battle raged until finally, with a mighty roar and a final surge of flame, the dragon fell—his body sinking beneath the waves.
The sea grew still. The sky fell silent. But below the surface, something ancient stirred...
With the dragon gone, the sea calmed, and the path across the strait opened like a welcome gate. Sultan Daru wasted no time. He and his soldiers marched proudly across, the giants leading the way, unaware of what was to come. Their hearts brimmed with triumph, believing the island of Alam would soon be theirs.
Sultan Alam, on the other hand, stood with quiet sorrow. His heart ached at the loss of his loyal friend, the dragon who had protected his kingdom for so long. But he remembered the dragon's final words, and without hesitation, he called out to his people.
"Leave your homes! Climb the hills, reach the mountains! Do not stay behind—not even for the fish!"
His people trusted him, and though confused, they obeyed.
And then… the earth began to shake.
It started as a low rumble, like the distant growl of thunder. But within moments, the ground quaked violently. Trees swayed, birds fled, and cracks appeared in the soil. Just as the dragon had foretold, the waters of the strait began to pull back. The sea emptied, revealing a shimmering carpet of stranded fish glistening under the sun.
Sultan Daru, his men, and the giants cheered with delight. Greed lit their eyes. They rushed toward the shore, shouting, laughing, scooping fish into baskets and sacks.
But the earth had not finished its warning.
A roaring sound, louder than any storm, rose from the sea. Far in the horizon, a wall of water began to form—vast, towering, unstoppable. It raced toward the shore with terrifying speed. Before anyone could react, the tsunami struck.
The waves crashed with fury, swallowing the soldiers, the giants, and even Sultan Daru himself. Their cries were silenced in an instant. The sea, which had once granted them safe passage, now became their grave.
From the safety of the mountains, Sultan Alam and his people watched in silence, their eyes wide with grief and awe. The king knelt to the ground and whispered, “Thank you, my friend. Your warning saved us.”
As the days passed and the waters settled, something extraordinary happened.
In the place where the dragon had fallen, a new island rose from the sea. Its shape curved like the body of the great beast, with ridges that resembled its scales and cliffs like its wings. People began to call it Sabang Island, in memory of the noble dragon who gave his life to protect Alam Kingdom.
And so, two islands became one, joined forever by fate and the sacrifice of a guardian whose legend would be told for generations. 🌿🐉🌊
✨ Epilogue
And so, the island of Sabang stands quietly to this day, a reminder of a dragon’s sacrifice, a kingdom’s wisdom, and the dangers of greed. The sea still whispers the tale to those who listen closely, and the hills that rise above the waves hold the memory of those who once heeded the dragon’s warning. Let this story remind us: when power is used with kindness, it can protect. But when desire blinds the heart, even giants can fall.
Note: In the past, Sumatra was often referred to as Andalas, and the idea of the land being split into two great islands is symbolic of the division between the Kingdoms of Alam and Daru, reflecting their contrasting fates. This division was not geographical, but rather a representation of the growing discord between the two lands.
🌟 Moral Messages:
-
Greed leads to destruction.
Sultan Daru’s desire to take over Alam Kingdom and control what wasn’t his ultimately led to his downfall. Instead of finding peace in his own land, he let envy cloud his judgment. -
Respect nature and its guardians.
The dragon symbolizes nature’s power and protection. Those who live in harmony with nature, like Sultan Alam, are safeguarded. Those who try to exploit or destroy it, like Sultan Daru, face consequences. -
Wisdom and humility can save lives.
Sultan Alam listened to the dragon’s warning and acted quickly to protect his people, showing how thoughtful leadership and humility are key in times of danger. -
True strength lies in compassion and foresight—not brute force.
The giants may have defeated the dragon with force, but it was foresight and love that saved Sultan Alam’s people. -
The legacy of kindness lasts longer than power.
In the end, it was the dragon—who protected out of friendship—who was remembered, not the mighty giants or the ambitious king.
🌊✨ Fun Fact: Sabang, Indonesia's Edge of the Map!
Did you know? Sabang isn’t just any city—it’s the northernmost and westernmost tip of Indonesia! 🌍 Nestled in the Aceh Special Region, this charming municipality is made up of Weh Island and a handful of smaller isles, surrounded by the sparkling Andaman Sea. 🏝️
The city’s heartbeat lies on Weh Island, just 17 km north of Banda Aceh. With a cozy population of around 32,000, Sabang may be small, but it holds a BIG place in Indonesia’s geography—sitting proudly at coordinates 95.5° E and 6.0° N. It’s the place where Indonesia begins… or ends, depending on where you stand! 🧭🇮🇩
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