The Legend of Batu Banama

The Legend of Batu Banama: The Curse of Forbidden Love of Tan Kin Lin

Edisi Indonesia: Legenda Batu Banama

Folklore from Central Kalimantan

At the foot of Bukit Tangkiling, in Central Kalimantan, lived a Dayak youth named Tan Kin Lin, who was adopted by a merchant from China after a tragic incident. His story begins when he was still a child, living with his mother, a Dayak woman who was strict in raising her child. One day, due to his mischievous behavior and incessant whining, his mother lost her temper and hit Tan Kin Lin on the head with a suduk (a type of large frying spoon). The blow caused a wound on Tan Kin Lin's head, leading him to run out of the house feeling sad and betrayed.

Tan Kin Lin ran to the riverbank dock, where a ship from China was moored. Without thinking twice, he boarded the ship and hid. The ship set sail, unaware of Tan Kin Lin's presence. Over time, the ship's owner, a Chinese merchant, discovered the boy and raised him as his adopted son, naming him Tan Kin Lin.

After the departure of her son, the mother, who had long lost her husband, decided to return to living in Kuwu or Bakuwu (the process of seclusion). For this reason, in various versions of the legend of Bukit Tangkiling, this woman is often referred to as Bawi Kuwu, meaning the Secluded Woman.

Years later, Tan Kin Lin returned to his homeland as a wealthy merchant. Unaware of his origins, he fell in love with a mysterious woman who was actually his own mother, Bawi Kuwu, who also no longer recognized him after so long apart. They decided to marry, and a grand wedding celebration was held on their large boat, named Banama, which served as their honeymoon spot.

While on their honeymoon aboard the Banama, docked at the pier, Tan Kin Lin asked his wife to check for lice in his hair. As Tan Kin Lin's long hair was let down, a scar on his head was revealed. Bawi Kuwu, shocked to see the scar, immediately asked her husband how he got it.

Tan Kin Lin began to recount how he received the scar as a child—when his mother struck him with a suduk for his naughty behavior, and how he ran to the ship that took him to China, where he was adopted by the merchant.

Upon hearing this story, Bawi Kuwu recognized the scar and realized that the young man she had married was her long-lost son. She fainted after screaming that Tan Kin Lin was her child. In the chaos, Tan Kin Lin fled into the forest, feeling guilty and devastated.

Bawi Kuwu, feeling ashamed and guilty, did not dare to step down from the Banama. She remained on the boat, isolating herself from the community that might judge her for the unintentional grave sin.

However, fate did not grant them time to atone for their mistakes. Dewata, angered by this great transgression, intervened. Thunder roared fiercely, striking the sky and the Banama. In an instant, Tan Kin Lin, his mother, and their great boat turned to stone. The curse of Dewata transformed them into silent monuments that remind humanity of the laws of nature and fate that must not be violated.

The large stone known as Batu Banama, or the stone of the boat, can still be seen today by the riverbank. The Dayak people believe that the spirits of Tan Kin Lin and his mother still reside there, serving as a reminder for them to always honor blood relations and the laws of nature.

Moral Message

1. The Importance of Family Bonds: The story of Tan Kin Lin and Bawi Kuwu reminds us of the importance of valuing and maintaining family relationships. No matter how far apart we may be, the bond of blood will never disappear.

2. Consequences of Actions: This legend illustrates that actions taken in anger can have very serious consequences. A small mistake can lead to significant repercussions, so we must always think before we act.

3. Respect for Natural Laws: The story teaches that there are natural laws and destinies that must not be violated. Our adherence to values and moral principles should be upheld, and breaching these can lead to unexpected consequences.