The Origin of Pancoran

Prince Jaya and the Magic Stick of Pancoran: A Tale of Sacrifice and Worthiness in Life's Trials

Edisi Indonesia: Asal Mula Pancoran

Folklore from Jakarta

In a kingdom nestled between the borders of Jakarta and Bogor, there reigned a wise king. His palace housed three sons: Prince Jaya, Prince Suta, and Prince Gerinda. One day, the king chose to test his sons to determine who was worthy of inheriting his throne.

"As per our family's tradition, to ascend the throne, you must undergo a test," announced the king, fixing his gaze on his three sons.

Prepared for the task, they embarked on their journey. Upon reaching a river, they halted for a bath. Prince Jaya, equipped with minimal clothing, declined to change after bathing. Despite Prince Suta and Prince Gerinda's insistence, Jaya refused, aiming to conserve the clothes he carried.

En route, they stumbled upon a spring. Disregarding any permission, Prince Suta and Prince Gerinda hastily drank from its waters, only to collapse lifeless. Overwhelmed by the loss of his siblings, Prince Jaya contemplated ending his own life.

Yet, before Jaya could partake of the spring's water, an elderly man, with a resolute voice, intervened. "Do not drink from that water. Do you wish to mimic your siblings who drank without permission?"

This elderly man revealed himself as the fountain's guardian, clarifying that only nymphs were permitted to bathe there. However, he proposed an offer to Jaya: to revive his siblings in exchange for Jaya's willingness to stand in their place if successful.

After careful consideration, Jaya agreed. But before imbibing, the elder presented him with a magic wand, decreeing that only the worthy could lift it to claim the royal throne.

Suta and Gerinda faltered in lifting the wand, while Jaya effortlessly raised it. The wand affirmed Jaya's worthiness for the throne. They comprehended that their journey was a trial orchestrated by their father, where Jaya's endurance and selflessness made him the superior choice.

The location of this event was henceforth named Pancoran, an indelible part of South Jakarta's history to this day.

Patience, Sacrifice, and Worthiness in Life's Trials

The moral of this story revolves around sacrifice, patience, and resilience in facing life's trials.

1. Sacrifice for Others' Benefit: Prince Jaya's readiness to sacrifice himself for his siblings illustrates profound responsibility and familial love.
2. Patience and Determination: Despite profound grief over his siblings' loss, Prince Jaya demonstrated steadfast patience and resilience, ready even to accompany them to another realm for their safety.
3. Acquired Skills and Merit from Experience: The magic wand, wielded only by Jaya, underscores how his life experiences and demonstrated patience have rendered him worthy of the throne. These trials have honed his skills and proved his worthiness as a leader.
4. Wise Decision-making in Sacrifice: Jaya's prudent choice to offer himself instead of his siblings showcases that sacrifice must be discerning, yielding broader benefits, and chosen after thoughtful consideration.

In essence, this story conveys the value of sacrifice, patience, and astute decisions that positively impact others.