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Showing posts with label Banten. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Banten. Show all posts

Sultan Maulana Hasanudin

The Peacemaker: Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin's Wisdom in Fostering Peace


Edisi Indonesia: Sultan Maulana Hasanudin

Folklore from Banten

In the verdant kingdom of Banten lies the splendid abode of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, encircled by enchanting, lush forests. Within the palace, Hasanuddin was nurtured on profound values of wisdom, imparted by his grandfather, Prabu Surawosan. Meanwhile, the fervent ambitions of Prabu Pucuk Umun sought to attain boundless power.

Conflict began to burgeon when Prabu Surawosan fell ill, leaving a final plea to unite Hasanuddin with his father, Sultan Syarif Hidayatullah. However, Prabu Pucuk Umun's aspirations impeded this plan, kindling an escalating feud between the two families.

The climax of their clash of interests culminated in a cockfight held to resolve their discord. Within the bustling arena, an intense atmosphere hung thick in the air. While both factions readied their finest roosters, beneath the physical display, this was a symbolic war reflecting their deeply held principles.

Hasanuddin emerged victorious from the battle, yet more significantly, he exhibited mercy and sagacity. Eschewing haughty triumph, he approached Prabu Pucuk Umun with an open heart. Through a conversation steeped in wisdom, Hasanuddin imparted lessons of justice, honesty, and forgiveness to an impressed Prabu Pucuk Umun.

Gradually, both families commenced understanding each other. Hasanuddin illustrated that true strength lay not solely in triumph, but in the capacity to forgive and comprehend. Consequently, Banten thrived not merely in material prosperity, but also in inner serenity.

The tale culminates with the heartwarming scene of both families standing united, hands clasped amidst resplendent flower gardens. Together, they forge a brighter future through mutual understanding, emulating the exemplar of brotherhood and justice embodied by Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin.


Moral Message: Justice, Honesty, and the Capacity to Forgive

The moral lesson gleaned from this narrative revolves around the wisdom inherent in resolving conflicts and nurturing peace. Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, amidst strife and the thirst for control, showcases that genuine strength lies not in physical conquest, but in the wisdom to forgive and instill virtuous values in others.

This moral message emphasizes justice, honesty, and the capacity to forgive. It underscores the essence of displaying compassion and wisdom in pursuing harmony, affirming the potency of courtesy, empathy, and forgiveness as fundamental in fostering harmonious relationships among us.




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The Legend of Tanjung Lesung



Raden Budog and Sri Poh Haci: The Tale of Tanjung Lesung




THERE was a handsome traveler, his name was Raden Budog. He was resting under a big tree and soon he fell asleep. He had a dream. In his dream, he met a very beautiful woman. The woman was standing in front him. Raden Budog tried to touch her. Suddenly, a twig of the tree fell down and hit him. And that made him wake up from his sleep. He was upset!

Raden Budog could not forget that woman, he wanted to meet her. He traveled days and nights and never stopped to rest. And finally he arrived in a village. All of the villagers were farmers. Some girls were pounding rice in a mortar. The people called the mortar as lesung. They were busy pounding and the sound they made was like a harmony. The girls pounded the rice everyday, except Friday. Friday was a holy day for them, because it was time to pray to God.





Raden Budog enjoyed the sound. He was looking at all the girls one by one.

And suddenly, Aha! He saw the girl he met in his dream.

Raden Budog was very happy. He came closer to the girls. All the girls were afraid and they all went home. Raden Budog followed the beautiful girl.

And when the beautiful girl arrived home, Raden Budog knocked the door. An old woman opened the door.

“Who are you, young man,” asked the woman.

“My name is Raden Budog. May I spend the night in your house? I’m a traveler and I don’t have a place to stay,” said Raden Budog.

He was trying to find an excuse to stay in the house.

“My name is Nyi Siti and I live with my daughter. Her name is Sri Poh Haci. My husband passed away. If you want to spend the night here, you can sleep in the terrace. I’m so sorry, I don’t allow men to stay in my house,” said Nyi Siti.

In the morning, Sri Poh Haci woke him up.

She also gave him a glass of coffee. Raden Budog was extremely happy. He then tried to find a way how he could stay in the village and got married with her. Later, he told Nyi Siti that he would help her in the rice field. Nyi Siti agreed.

Days passed by and later Sri Poh Haci also fell in love with him. Then they got married.

Raden Budog still worked in the rice field and Sri Poh Haci also continued to pound the rice in the lesung. One day Raden Budog wanted to pound the rice. He also wanted to make the good sound. However it was Friday, and he forgot that pounding rice in the lesung was not allowed on Fridays. And when he was busy making the sound, the villagers screamed.

“Hey, look! A monkey is pounding the rice!”

Slowly the villagers came closer to Raden Budog. He did not notice that all the villagers were looking at him, until one man yelled at him.

“Hey, monkey! Stop it! It is Friday!”

Raden Budog did not understand why the villagers called him monkey. And when he looked at his body, he was surprised! His body was full of hair. He even had a tail. He had changed into a monkey! Raden Budog was so ashamed. He ran away to the jungle.

Since then people named the village as Lesung Village or Kampung Lesung.

And since the village is located in a cape, people then named the village as Lesung Cape or Tanjung Lesung.***



Respect for Tradition and Consequences of Negligence

The moral of the story is the importance of respecting local traditions and beliefs. It also teaches about the consequences of negligence and violation of rules, as well as the importance of appreciating the kindness of others and not exploiting situations for personal gain.
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The Legend of Rainbow Stone

Batu Kuwung Legend from Banten: The Folktale of Ki Sarmin and the Miraculous Hot Spring of Mount Karang

Long ago, in the land of Banten, there lived a wealthy merchant named Ki Sarmin. His house was large, his fields were fertile, and his storehouses were always full. Yet despite his wealth, Ki Sarmin never looked down on others. He was known throughout the villages as a kind and generous man.

Whenever a farmer suffered a poor harvest, Ki Sarmin would lend him rice. Whenever a traveler needed shelter, his doors were open. Because of his kindness, the people loved and respected him.

One year, however, a great misfortune fell upon Ki Sarmin.

Without warning, both of his legs became paralyzed. He could no longer walk or stand. Many healers came to examine him. Herbal medicines were prepared, prayers were offered, and traditional treatments were tried, but nothing worked.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months.

Although he was saddened by his condition, Ki Sarmin refused to give up hope.

"If this illness is a test," he often said, "then I must face it with patience."

Each day he prayed for strength and healing.

One night, while he slept, he had a strange dream.

In the dream, an old man with a long white beard appeared before him. His eyes shone like stars in the darkness.

"Ki Sarmin," the old man said gently, "go to the foothills of Mount Karang. There you will find a hollow stone. Sit upon it and meditate for forty days and forty nights. When your meditation is complete, a hot spring will emerge from the stone. Bathe in its waters, and your illness will be cured."

When Ki Sarmin awoke, he dismissed the dream as imagination.

Yet the following night, the same old man appeared again and repeated the message.

On the third night, the dream returned once more.

Ki Sarmin realized this was no ordinary dream.

"I must follow this guidance," he said.

The next morning, he began his journey toward Mount Karang.

The road was long and difficult. Because he could not walk properly, every step required tremendous effort. Sometimes he crawled. Sometimes he used a wooden stick to support himself. Rain soaked his clothes, and the mountain paths were steep and slippery.

Many times he felt exhausted.

Many times he wanted to turn back.

But he remembered the old man's words and continued onward.

At last, after many days of travel, he reached the foothills of Mount Karang.

Dense forests surrounded him. Mist drifted between the trees, and the cries of distant birds echoed through the valleys.

For days he searched.

Then one afternoon, he discovered a large concave stone hidden among the trees.

"This must be the place," he whispered.

Ki Sarmin climbed onto the stone and began his meditation.

The days passed slowly.

During the first nights, cold winds howled through the forest.

Later, strange sounds surrounded him. He heard whispers among the trees and saw shadows moving through the darkness. Sometimes it seemed as though unseen creatures were watching him.

Fear crept into his heart.

But Ki Sarmin remained steadfast.

"I have come this far," he said. "I will not abandon my purpose."

The disturbances grew stronger as the fortieth night approached.

Thunder shook the mountains.

Lightning flashed across the sky.

Yet Ki Sarmin continued his meditation with courage and faith.

Finally, the fortieth day arrived.

As the first rays of morning sunlight touched the forest, Ki Sarmin opened his eyes.

His meditation was complete.

Slowly, he stepped down from the hollow stone.

Suddenly, the earth trembled.

A rumbling sound rose from beneath the ground.

Then, to his amazement, hot water burst forth from the center of the stone.



When Ki Sarmin's meditation came to an end, a miraculous hot spring burst from Batu Kuwung, bringing hope and healing.



Steam swirled into the cool mountain air.

The spring flowed clear and warm.

Remembering the old man's instructions, Ki Sarmin entered the water and bathed in it.

The warmth spread through his body.

A strange energy filled his limbs.

When he emerged from the spring, he felt stronger than he had in years.

Carefully, he moved one leg.

Then the other.

His eyes widened.

His legs responded perfectly.

He took a step.

Then another.

Soon he was walking freely once again.

"My legs are healed!" he cried with joy.

Kneeling beside the spring, Ki Sarmin offered thanks for the miracle he had received.

He returned home and told everyone about the mysterious stone and the healing spring at Mount Karang.

People traveled from distant villages to see the place for themselves. Many came seeking peace, blessings, and healing.

Over time, the miraculous stone became famous throughout Banten.

The people called it Batu Kuwung, or the Rainbow Stone, and the hot spring that emerged from it continues to be remembered in local legend to this day.

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The Story of Pinang Mountain

Kisah Gunung Pinang | Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from Banten

A long time ago in Banten, there lived an old Woman with her only son. His name was Dampu Awang. The family was poor. Dampu Awang's father died a long time ago.

Dampu Awang was as a fisherman. Sadly, he only had a small boat. He always hoped that he could have a big boat to catch more fish to sell.

Dampu Awang was rowing his small boat. He saw a big ship. He was so amazed with the size. After he finished fishing, he asked some people about the owner of the big ship.

"His name is Teuku Abu Matsyah. He is a merchant," explained one man.

Dampu Awang could not stop thinking about the big ship.

"I want to have a big ship like that. But how? Well... I have to be a merchant like Teuku Abu Matsyah. I think being a merchant is better than being a fisherman. Yes, I want to be a rich merchant like him!" said Dampu Awang confidently.

Later he told his mother about his plan to be a merchant. She told her that he wanted to go to Malaka. His mother was so sad when her only son wanted to leave her. She knew that he wanted to be rich and gave her a big house. Because of his noble reason, she allowed him to go.

"Before you go, please bring this bird. It's your father's favorite bird. I hope this bird will remind you of me and your hometown," said the mother.

Later, Dampu Awang left her mother and went to Teuku Abu Matsyah. When he met him, Dampu Awang asked for his permission to join his ship.

"Why do you want to go to Malaka?" asked Teuku Abu Matsyah.

"I want to be a rich merchant,.sir. Like you," replied Dampu Awang.

Later he told him about his poor condition and his plan to buy a big house for his mother.

Teuku Abu Matsyah was so touched. He let him join his big ship with one condition. He wanted him to work with other crew. Dampu Awrang happily accepted Teuku Abu Matsyah's request. When the cruise started, Dampu Awang worked hard and diligently.

The merchant was so happy to see how Dampu Awang worked. He started to give him more responsibilities. He could do his new tasks easily. It made Teuku Abu Matsyah trusted him more. Slowly he asked Dampu Awang to control his business.

The merchant was old and he only had one daughter. He wanted to Dampu Awang to take over his business. But he wanted Dampu Awang to marry his daughter first. Of course he happily accepted the request to marry the merchant's daughter.

Dampu Awang was always on the cruise. One day, the ship would stop at Dampu Awang's hometown. People talked about it. Dampu Awang's mother also heard it.

When the ship arrived, the mother immediately called out his name. She was so happy to see him again. She also saw that the bird that she gave him in a good condition.

Dampu Awang was so surprised to see his mother's condition. He was so ashamed. She looked very old and very poor. She wore shabby clothes. He ignored her.

The mother kept on calling out. Dampu Awang's name. Sadly, Dampu Awang ordered his crew to ask his mother to leave. The mother was so sad.

She prayed, "Dear God, if he is not my son, let him go. But if he is truly my son, please make him stay here forever."

Suddenly the bird was able to talk, "Dampu! She is your mother! She is your mother!" Again, Dampu Awang ignored the bird. Not long after that, rain fell down heavily. The sound of thunder deafened the ears. Yes, there was a heavy storm!

Dampu Awang ordered his crew to continue the cruise. However. the ship was imbalance. The heavy rain and the strong wind turned the ship upside down. Dampu Awang died in his ship. Slowly the ship became a stone and it finally became a mountain. People then named it as Pinang Mountain. ***

Pavo muticus and Gracula religiosa robusta

The Legend of Pinang Mountain


Folklore from Banten

ONCE upon a time in Banten, there lived a poor fisherman. His name was Dampu Awang. He lived with his mother. Dampu always worked hard. He wanted to be a rich man. However, he only had a small boat. And he also did not have big net just like his friends. That was why he could not catch a lot of fish and did not have much money.

Dampu heard that there was a rich merchant coming to his village. The merchant had a big ship. He always sailed in the sea. He bough and sold things in the places he visited. Dampu wanted to work for him. He did not want to be a merchant.





Dampu Awang had made up his mind. He was tired of being a poor man. He really wanted to be rich. His mother could not do anything. She finally let him go.

Dampu met the merchant. He told him that he wanted to work for him.

"Okay, I will let you join me. But you have to work hard. If you want to be rich merchant like me, you have to pay attention to what I'm doing," said the merchant.

Dampu Awang was extremely happy. He already imagined that he would be a rich man.

Since he join the merchant's ship. Dampu always worked hard. Slowly the merchant trusted him. He asked Dampu to buy and sell the merchant's thing. Dampu did the assignment very well. He started to make a lot of money.

The merchant was happy. He knew that Dampu could be a great merchant. He was old and wanted Dampu to marry his daughter. Dampu agreed. By marrying the merchant daughter, he could become a rich man. He would have a big ship and sail to many places.

Meanwhile, Dampu's mother heard that her son had become a rich man. She also heard that he was already married and had a big ship. Everyday she prayed to God. She hoped that Dampu would come home soon.

God answered her prayer. Dampu and his wife arrived at the village. Many people greeted Dampu. They all praised him.

Dampu's mother tried to meet Dampu.

She mentioned Dampu's name loudly. She finally came closer to Dampu.

"Dampu...Dampu... It's me, your mother."

Sadly he ignored her. Dampu was so ashamed of his mother. She was old and her cloth was worn-out. She was also dirty.

"Guards! Ask that old woman to go away. She is not my mother. my mother was a rich woman and she already died," said Dampu to his guards.

The guards pushed Dampu's mother away. She was so sad. She prayed to God.

"If he is not my son, let him sail safely. But if he is my son, punish him."

God again answered her prayer. When Dampu sailed in the sea, great storm attacked his ship. Rain and thunder attacked the ship. Dampu realize his mistake but it was to late. The ship was slowly sinking and it finally submerged.

The ship slowly changed into a mountain. People named it Pinang Mountain.***









Moral Message of the Story

The story of Dampu Awang carries a powerful moral about shame and ingratitude. Despite rising from poverty to wealth, Dampu becomes ashamed of his humble origins and his mother’s poor appearance. His refusal to acknowledge his mother highlights the danger of losing one’s humility and forgetting one’s roots when one achieves success. The story illustrates that disrespect towards one's family and origins can lead to a fall from grace. The transformation of Dampu’s ship into a mountain symbolizes how pride and ingratitude can lead to one's downfall and serves as a reminder to always respect and value one’s family, regardless of status or wealth.




Pinang Mountain




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Nyi Banjarsari


Nyi Banjarsari >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from Banten

IT was a rainy season. The villagers were happy, most of them were farmers. Rain would water their rice field and soon they would harvest their rice. Pak Bong was one of the farmers. He was also very happy.

He wanted to buy some clothes for himself, his wife, and his beloved daughter, Nyi Banjarsari. She was a very beautiful girl. Her parents loved her because she was very obedient. One night, Pak Bong had a terrible dream. An old man came to him and said the rain would never stop. There would be a great flood.





At first Pak Bong thought it was just a dream but he had the same dream in the following nights. He decided to tell all the villagers about his dream and asked them to evacuate on a hill not far from their village.

"Ha ha ha! You are joking, Pak Bong? How can we leave our rice field? We are going to have great harvest, remember?" Everybody was laughing at Pak Bong.

Pak Bong did not give up. He kept on asking the villagers to evacuate to the hill. Finally some villagers believed him. Together with his wife, and his daughter Nyi Banjarsari, Pak Bong and his friends went to the hill.

In the meantime, heavy rain fell days and nights. It continued until water entered the houses. The villagers were sorry they did not listen to Pak Bong and ignored his advice. Soon, the village was drowned! Pak Bong and his friends could not do anything. They were sad because their village was under water.

Then they prayed to God. They asked God how the water dried up from their village. The answer came in Pak Bong's dream. In his dream, the same old man told him how to save their village.

"If you want the water to dry up, you have to sacrifice your daughter. She has to jump into the water!" said the old man.

Pak Bong was very sad. He then told his family about his dream. His wife did not agree at all. She did not want to lose her lovely daughter.

"That's OK, Mother. If this is the only way to save our village, I would jump into the water," said Nyi Banjarsari.

Her parents could not say anything. They could not prevent their daughter from jumping into the water. Slowly, water dried up. Pak Bong and his friends then returned to their village. They built their houses and had their lives back. To show their thankfulness and gratefulness to Nyi Banjarsari, the villagers named their village into Banjarsari.***


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