The Legend of Mas Merah

Forgotten Love: The Legend of Mas Merah in Nusantara

Edisi Bahasa Indonesia: Legenda Mas Merah

Nusantara Folklore

In the past, in Sarawak, Salam and Amran were two brothers. Salam secretly admired Rukiah, a good and

Bunga Merah

 beautiful girl, while their father intended for Amran to marry another girl, who turned out to be Rukiah.

Salam's heart was broken, but fate led him to Salmah in Medan Labuhan, despite her engagement to someone else. When Salam played the violin and sang songs, Salmah, whom he called 'Mas Merah', was astonished.

Salmah didn't favor her betrothed and they parted ways. However, when Salmah and her family were pursued by thieves and tied to a sail mast, Salam heard her cries for help, despite his friend Husein's attempts to stop him.

Ultimately, Salam managed to rescue Salmah from the thieves. Salmah's father, H. Kasim, finally approved of Salam.

Salam then became a fisherman on Kampai Island, where he encountered Tu Awang, a compassionate fishing boss. Tu Awang aided Salam, ultimately leading to his marriage with Salmah.

They lived happily until both succumbed to smallpox. Before their passing, Salam requested to be buried near Salmah and planted a cape flower as a symbol of their enduring love.

The song "Mas Merah," sung by Salam, narrates his love for Salmah, becoming a pivotal moment in their story.

Thus, the tale of "Mas Merah" becomes intertwined with the relationship between Salam and Salmah, signifying significant events in their lives.

Moral Message: Wisdom, Love, and Courage

This story bears resemblance to traditional tales or folklore in the archipelago, particularly as the Malacca kingdom holds a vital role in the region's history and narratives. While rooted in Malaysian elements, it may also resonate with popular Indonesian folklore, especially in its exploration of wisdom, love, and courage, commonly recurring themes in folktales across the region.

Mas Merah