Si Tanggang: A Tale of Success, Arrogance, and Regret
Folklore from the Riau Islands
Long ago, on a small island in the Riau Archipelago, surrounded by blue seas and lush green forests, lived a young man named Tanggang. He was the only son of a loving mother who cherished him dearly. Since childhood, Tanggang was raised with warmth and care, growing up in a simple life as a fisherman’s son. Every day, he helped his mother catch fish and gather seafood to survive. Though they lived humbly without riches, the love and togetherness they shared made their home feel warm and full of joy.
However, deep within Tanggang's heart, a great desire lay hidden. He did not want to spend his life as a simple fisherman. He dreamed of becoming wealthy, wearing fine clothes, owning a grand ship, and being respected by many. Every time he saw trading ships passing through the open sea, he imagined a luxurious life far from the hardships of a fisherman’s existence.
One day, a magnificent trading ship docked at the small harbor of their island. The merchants who stepped off the ship looked impressive in their expensive garments, adorned with gleaming jewelry and carrying goods from distant lands. Tanggang’s eyes sparkled at the sight of such wealth. He was mesmerized by everything the traders possessed, and his heart burned with the desire to leave his village behind.
Without hesitation, Tanggang approached the ship's captain and begged to join their trade voyage. When his mother heard of his decision, she was heartbroken. She pleaded with him to stay, warning him that the world beyond their island was full of dangers and greed. But Tanggang’s ambition had grown too strong. He believed his dreams and future were far more important than staying in a small village with his mother.
With a heavy heart, his mother let him go. She could only pray that Tanggang would remember his roots and never forget the mother who had loved him unconditionally.
But fate had a different story in store for Tanggang…
Tanggang’s Arrogance and Nature’s Wrath
After years of traveling, Tanggang finally reached the peak of his success. He had become a wealthy merchant, owning many ships, vast riches, and living in luxury. He married a noblewoman from a distant land and was respected wherever he went. Yet, behind all his achievements, he had forgotten one thing—his mother.
The mother who had once raised him with unconditional love remained in their village, waiting for the return of her beloved son. Day after day passed, but Tanggang never sent word, let alone returned to see her. She continued to pray and hope that her son had not forgotten his roots. However, blinded by his wealth and arrogance, Tanggang no longer saw himself as the son of a poor fisherman.
One day, during a trading voyage, Tanggang’s ship was caught in a terrible storm. The once-clear sky turned dark, fierce winds howled, and towering waves crashed against the ship. The crew screamed in fear, while Tanggang himself panicked as he watched his grand vessel being torn apart by the raging sea.
In his desperation, Tanggang fell to his knees and cried out to God for help. He wept and swore that if he survived the storm, he would build a great mosque as an offering of gratitude and atonement. He promised to be humble and never forget his origins again.
A miracle occurred—the storm slowly subsided, the winds calmed, and the sea became still once more. Tanggang and a few surviving crew members were rescued by a passing trade ship. They were given aid and another chance at life.
But once he recovered and returned to comfort, Tanggang forgot his promise.
Instead of showing gratitude, he once again drowned himself in arrogance and luxury. He never built the mosque he had sworn to, nor did he reflect on the storm as a reminder of his sins. In his heart, he believed it was merely a natural challenge, not a warning against his pride.
Fate, however, always has its own way of reminding those who break their promises…
The Inescapable Curse
With overwhelming pride, Tanggang returned to his homeland. To him, this was not just a homecoming—it was an opportunity to showcase his success. His grand ship docked at the shore, carrying chests overflowing with glittering treasures. Clad in luxurious silk garments and adorned with golden jewelry, he walked among the villagers with his head held high, expecting to be welcomed as a great man who had returned to bring prosperity.
However, what he found was quite the opposite. The villagers gazed at him with cold, unwelcoming eyes. They whispered among themselves, recognizing the wealthy man before them. They knew of Tanggang—not as a hero or a man of great success, but as the ungrateful son who had abandoned his own mother. One by one, they turned away from him.
“We do not need someone like you here!” an old man shouted.
“Leave! You forgot your mother, and now you want to return as if nothing happened?” a woman added with anger.
Tanggang was shocked. He could not understand why they despised him so much. Had he not succeeded? Should his achievements not make them proud? In desperation, he sought out his mother, hoping to make amends and prove that he still cared. But when he asked about her, the villagers' expressions grew even more sorrowful.
“Your mother is gone,” someone said with a heavy voice. “She waited for you for years, but you never came. Her heart broke from the endless waiting. She died with tears of longing that were never answered.”
It felt as if the world around Tanggang crumbled. With trembling steps, he walked toward his mother's grave. Beneath the shade of an old tree, a simple stone bore her name. He fell to his knees, his hands shaking as he touched the damp earth. His tears streamed down uncontrollably, mixing with the soil beneath him.
“Mother… forgive me…” his voice trembled, filled with sorrow and regret.
Only now did he realize the depth of his sin. He had pursued worldly riches but had forgotten the most valuable thing—his mother’s love and prayers.
But regret came too late. No matter how much he wept, nothing could change the past. His heart, burdened with sorrow, grew weaker. The once-mighty Tanggang was no longer strong. Not long after, he passed away in deep regret, never fulfilling his promise to God or his mother.
Legend has it that at the place where Tanggang died, a large rock resembling a kneeling man emerged. The villagers believed it was Tanggang, cursed for his ungratefulness. His story was passed down through generations as a solemn reminder—success and wealth mean nothing if one forgets their roots and the people who sacrificed for them.
Moral Lessons: Respect, Commitment, and Staying Humble
The story of Si Tanggang carries several important moral lessons:
🔹Respecting and Appreciating Parents
Parents are the ones who have sacrificed to raise and educate us. Neglecting them in pursuit of personal ambitions can lead to deep regret. A parent's love and prayers are invaluable blessings.
🔹Keeping Promises
A promise is a form of commitment and responsibility. Failing to keep a promise, especially one made in a crucial moment, can lead to unintended consequences.
🔹Success Should Not Lead to Arrogance
Wealth and status mean nothing if one forgets their roots and the values that shaped them. Arrogance can isolate a person from their own community.
🔹The Importance of Timely Awareness and Regret
Recognizing mistakes is the first step toward improvement, but if regret comes too late, the chance to make amends may be lost forever.
The story of Si Tanggang serves as a reminder that true success is not just about material wealth but also about maintaining relationships with those who have supported us, upholding good values, and never forgetting our origins.
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