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Showing posts with label South Kalimantan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Kalimantan. Show all posts

Hampang Datu

The Spirit of Community and Respect for the Unknown


Hampang Datu | Edisi Indonesia

Indonesian Folklore Webpage

Folklore from South Kalimantan

ONCE upon a time in South Kalimantan, there was a village named Padang Batung. The villagers were farmers. They were very grateful to have such a fertile land. They all lived prosperously.

To show their gratitude they regularly held a ceremony. It was held after they had harvest. They named it Manyanggar Banua. In the ceremony they prepared offerings. Food and beverages were arrange nicely as the offerings.







The villagers just harvested. Soon they would have Manyanggar Banua ceremony. Men and woman, young and old started to prepare their place. Some were busy cooking and others were busy cleaning and preparing their place.

Everything was set. Food and beverages were ready: Their place n'as dean. On the following day they would hold the ceremony.

 It was dawn. Someone was screaming!

Hey! Where's the food? Who stole the food for the offerings?"

People immediately came to see what happened! They all were shocked to see their offerings were in a mess.

"What happened here? Who did this? Who ate this food?"

Those were the questions. Nobody knew the answers.

"We have to find who did this! We have to punish the thief!"

"Yes, but how?" asked someone.

"I have an idea. We set the food and the beverages once again. But we put the rice in a leaked pan. When the thief brought the pan, we can follow the trail of the rice."

"It's a good idea. Let's do it."

Then the villagers once again set their offerings. They cooked some rice and put it in a leaked pan. They all hoped they could catch the thief.

They set the offering as they did it earlier. They also cleaned the mess. At night they all went home. In the morning, all the villagers woke up and immediately went to the place of their ceremony. And yes, the place ==was in a mess again. And the pan was missing.

"Hey, look! There is some rice here. Let's follow the trail!"

The villagers carefully followed the trail. They did not want to miss the rice on the ground. The trail stopped in front of a cave. The villagers were hesitant.

"What should we do? Should we enter?"

"No!" said an old woman.

She continued, "Do you know who lives here?"

"I don t. Please tell me who lives here."

"It's a spirit called Datu. It's very dangerous if we go inside the cave," said the old woman.

"So, what should we do?"

"Just close this cave with bamboos. I'm sure the spirit will never disturb us again."

The villagers collected some bamboos and they all closed the cave. After that they all went home. On the following morning, they all went to see their offerings. And nothing happened. Their offerings were still nicely arranged. They could hold the ceremony well. Since then, they named the place as Hampang Datu. Hampang means closing with bamboos and Datu means spirit. ***











Moral Message:

1. Community Vigilance and Cooperation: The villagers of Padang Batung showcased the power of community vigilance and cooperation. By working together to uncover the thief and solve the problem, they highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort in overcoming challenges.

2. Respect for the Unknown: The villagers demonstrated respect for the unknown and supernatural by heeding the advice of the old woman. They chose a non-confrontational solution to deal with the spirit, showing wisdom and caution in their actions.





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Batu Benawa Mountain

The Legend of Batu Benawa Mountain: A Tale of a Son's Betrayal, a Mother's Love, and Divine Justice

In South Kalimantan, there is a mountain that draws tourists from near and far. A favorite spot for campers, it offers stunning natural views and a serene atmosphere. This mountain, known as Gunung Batu Benawa or Batu Benawa Mountain, is not just a geographical wonder but also a place steeped in folklore. Local residents say the mountain has a legendary tale that explains its origin, a story passed down through generations. Curious about how the mountain came to be? Let’s delve into the legend.

A long time ago, in a humble village, there lived an old woman and her only son, Raden Penganten. Their life was simple; they survived on a small piece of land where they grew crops. Occasionally, Raden Penganten hunted animals in the jungle, selling their meat to make ends meet. Despite their hard work, they remained poor.









However, Raden Penganten was not content with his life of poverty. He dreamed of something more—a life of wealth and comfort. He envisioned living in a grand house, earning a fortune, and starting a family of his own. Determined to change his fate, he decided to leave his home and seek his fortune on another island.

When Raden Penganten shared his plans with his mother, she was heartbroken. “No, Son. Please stay here with me. We may not have much, but we have enough. We have each other, food to eat, and a roof over our heads,” she pleaded.

“But Mother,” he replied, “I want more than this. I want to get married, have a family, and give them a better life. I will go, but I promise to return soon with enough money to take care of you.”  

His mother, knowing how stubborn her son could be, reluctantly let him go. Tears streamed down her face as she watched him leave, repeatedly reminding him to come back soon. Raden Penganten promised, but little did she know how much her life would change.

Raden Penganten embarked on his journey aboard a large ship. The voyage lasted for days until the ship reached a bustling city. Eager to find work, he approached several people, asking if they had a job for him. Eventually, a wealthy merchant took him in as an employee. Raden Penganten was overjoyed and threw himself into his work with determination and diligence.

Thanks to his intelligence and hard work, Raden Penganten quickly rose through the ranks. The merchant, impressed by his abilities, entrusted him with greater responsibilities. Under Raden Penganten’s management, the merchant’s business flourished. Over time, the merchant saw him as more than just an employee; he became like a son. The merchant had a beautiful daughter, and seeing Raden Penganten’s potential, he proposed a union between the two.  

Raden Penganten, who had secretly fallen in love with the merchant’s daughter, accepted the proposal. Soon, the two were married in a lavish ceremony attended by many. It was a joyous occasion, and Raden Penganten felt his dreams coming true.

Months after the wedding, however, thoughts of his mother began to haunt him. Guilt weighed heavily on his heart. He decided it was time to visit her, bringing his wife along. Together, they set sail for his home village. As their ship approached the harbor, news of Raden Penganten’s return spread like wildfire. Villagers gathered, eager to welcome him home.

Among them was his mother. Hearing the news, she hurried to the harbor. Her heart swelled with joy at the thought of reuniting with her son. When she arrived, she saw the magnificent ship and the crowd of people marveling at it. Spotting her son, she called out, “Raden Penganten... Raden Penganten... Welcome home, Son!”  

But instead of joy, Raden Penganten felt a wave of shame. His mother looked old and frail, her clothes ragged and dirty. Embarrassed to be associated with her, he turned away, pretending not to see her. Ignoring her desperate cries, he commanded the ship’s crew to leave the harbor immediately.

The old woman’s heart shattered. Betrayed and humiliated by her own son, she fell to her knees and prayed to God for justice. Her prayers were answered swiftly. Thunder roared, lightning flashed, and torrential rain poured from the heavens. A fierce storm battered the ship, tossing it mercilessly in the waves.  

The ship could not withstand the storm and broke apart. As the wreckage washed ashore, a massive piece of the ship began to transform. Slowly, it turned into a mountain, standing as a permanent reminder of Raden Penganten’s betrayal and his mother’s sorrow.

To this day, the mountain is known as Gunung Batu Benawa. Its story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and the importance of honoring one’s parents. The mountain stands as a silent witness to the power of love, the pain of betrayal, and the divine justice that prevails.



Moral Message:
 
The story of Gunung Batu Benawa teaches us the importance of gratitude, humility, and respecting our parents. It serves as a reminder that material wealth and success mean nothing if we abandon the people who love us unconditionally. Betraying those who have sacrificed for us can lead to regret and divine retribution.





The Wise King and the Kid

The Tale of Patience and Kindness: From Mosquito to Marriage


Raja Bijak dan Anak Kecil | Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from South Kalimantan

Once upon a time, there was a wise king. The king and his family lived in a big palace. There was a beautiful garden inside the palace. The king always let people come and have fun in the garden. Children loved the garden very much. They could play there any time they wanted.

There was a boy who also loved the garden. The boy's father had died, and he lived only with his mother. The boy did not have any siblings.

Unlike his friends who had toys, the boy only played with his mosquito. One day, the boy brought his mosquito to the palace garden. It was almost dark when the king came to him.

"Why don't you go home now? It's almost dark, and I'm sure your mother is looking for you," said the king.

"All right, Your Majesty. But may I leave my mosquito here? I will tie my mosquito to the tree in this garden," replied the boy.

The king smiled and said, "Sure, you can tie your mosquito here."

The next day, the boy could not find his mosquito. The king's rooster had eaten his mosquito!

The boy reported this to the king, and the king said, "Well, you can have the rooster then..."

The boy was happy. He played with the rooster all the time. One day, the rooster was inside the palace kitchen and eating the king's rice. A soldier tried to make the rooster leave the kitchen. Unfortunately, the rooster did not leave. The soldier became upset and used a stick to scare the rooster.

Sadly, he hit too hard. The rooster died, and the boy was sad. He told the king about the stick. The king said he could have the stick. The boy was happy.

He then said, "May I put my stick in the garden? My house is not big enough, and I don't know where to put it."

The king allowed the boy to put the stick inside the palace garden. The next day, the boy found the stick was broken! A big jackfruit had fallen and broken the stick. The boy immediately told the king.

The king said, "You can have the jackfruit."

The boy was happy. He then said, "My house is not big enough. I don't know where to put this big jackfruit. May I leave it here in the garden?"

The king said yes. The next day, the king's daughter was playing in the garden. The princess saw the big jackfruit. She loved to eat jackfruit.

"Hmm, yummy, this jackfruit is so delicious," said the princess.

The boy saw the princess eating his jackfruit. He immediately told the king:

"Your Majesty, the princess ate my jackfruit," said the boy.

"Really?" replied the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty. She is in the garden now!"

The king and the boy went to the garden.

The king said, "First, my rooster ate your mosquito, and then you got my rooster. After that, your rooster died because my soldier hit it with a stick. Then you got the stick. Later, the stick was broken by the jackfruit. You got the jackfruit. Now the jackfruit is eaten by my daughter. It means that you can have my daughter."

The boy was confused. "What do you mean, Your Majesty? I don't understand."

"You will understand later," said the king.

Well, the king had a plan. He would ask the boy and his daughter to get married when they were adults.

The king kept his promise. When they both were adults, the boy and the princess were married. After the king died, the boy became the new king. He led his people wisely just like the previous king. ***












Moral Message

The moral of the story is that patience and persistence can lead to unexpected rewards. The boy's series of seemingly unfortunate events ultimately led to a great outcome, showing that even in the face of loss and hardship, there can be a positive resolution. Additionally, the story emphasizes the importance of generosity and kindness, as demonstrated by the wise king who continually tried to make amends for the boy's losses, leading to a happy ending for both the boy and the princess.




Jackfruit

The Story of Batu Bini and Batu Laki Mountains

Kisah Gunung Batu Bini and Batu Laki >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from South Kalimantan

THERE was a poor old widow. Her name was Diang Ingsung. Her husband had died and she lived with her only son. His name was Angui. He was a diligent and helpful son. 

To earn a living, Angui helped his mother collected some rattans, later sold them at the market. Though they worked hard everyday, they only received small amount of money.

It was a bright day. Angui was at the market selling his rattans. A rich merchant came to him and he was interested in the rattans. He was also impressed with Angui's good behavior. He was polite when serving the merchant.

On the following day, the merchant came back. Angui recognized him.

"Good morning, Sir. Do you want to buy my rattans again?" asked Angui.

The merchant smiled. "No, I don't. I came here because I want to ask you to join me in my ship. I'm a merchant and I need a good employee like you. So, what do you think?"

Angui could not believe what he heard. He did not say yes to the merchant. He wanted to ask his mother's permission first. The merchant understood. He would come back tomorrow to hear Angui's decision..

Angui immediately went back home. He told his mother about the merchant's request.

"It's a good opportunity, d Mother. If I work for him, I will have lots of money and we can be rich," said Angui.

The mother knew she could not stop him. She had to let him go. Before leaving, Angui asked his mother to take care ofhis rooster. He loved his rooster, but he could not bring it in the ship.

Soon Angui was in the ship. He worked diligently and very hard. He was also very polite. SlowIy, the merchant gave him more responsibilities. Angui did not want to disappoint. the merchant. He did all the jobs very well. No wonder that Angui became the merchant's right hand man.

The merchant had a beautiful daughter. Angui fell in love with h€r but he did not dare to express his feeling to her. He was afraid the merchant would not allow their relationships.

Apparently, the merchant knew it. He talked to his daughter if she could marry Angui. The girl said yes. She secretly loved Angui.

The merchant was very happy. He liked Angui and he thought Angui would be a good husband for his daughter.

Soon they held a wedding party. Sadly, not long after that,.the merchant died. He inherited all his money and his wealth to Angui and his daughter. Angui then became a rich man.

One day Angui's wife asked him to go to Angui's hometown. She asked him to introduce her to his mother. Angui agreed. He asked his crew to prepare the cruise to go to his hometown.

People heard that Angui would. come back home. They told Angui's mother. She was very happy. She even brought Angui's rooster to the harbour.

The ship arrived. Angui's mother called his son's name. Angui's wife was curious. 

She asked, 'Who's that old woman calling out your name?"

Angui was ashamed. He did not want to tell the truth. 

He said, "I don't know who she is. Guard! Ask that old woman to leave! I Don't let her come here!"

Angui's mother was so sad. Though , she repeatedly called out his name and told him that she was his mother, Angui ignored her.

Angui's mother could no longer control her emotion. She even prayed to God to punish him.

Not long after that, heavy rain fell down. Sound of thunder was deafening and the thunder hit Angui's ship. It broke into two big parts. Angui and his wife were separated in the two parts of the ship. Everybody in the ships died. 

Slowly the two parts of the ships became big stones and slowly they became mountains. People later named the mountains as Batu Bini or the stone of wife and Batu Laki or the stone of husband. ***

Dayak traditional dragon boat racing

Dewi Luing Indung Bunga


PEOPLE in Kampung Datar, South Kalimantan, suffered. There has been disaster. Long drought has made them lack of water. Many people were ill. Children were crying because they were very hungry. Their parents could not work because they were too weak. They had not eaten much.

The head of the village was Datu Beritu Taun. He asked all the villagers to have a meeting. He wanted to discuss how to find the solutions of the problem. He knew God was angry with them. They had wasted all the blessing from God. Yes, previously their village was fertile. Water was easy to find. Their life was prosperous.

It all changed when the villagers cut down the trees recklessly in the jungle. After all the big trees were cut down, their village was flooded. It was very terrible. After that, long drought attacked their village.

“My fellow villagers, let’s find solutions for this disaster. We need a lot of water. Do you have any ideas?” asked Datu Beritu Taun, the head of the village, during the meeting.

“I think we have to dig to find well, Sir,” said one villager.

“But we are too weak to work,” said another villager.

“Well, if we don’t do anything, more people are going to die. I think we have to dig deeper to find the source of water,” said another villager.

“I agree. Now I want all the strong men to dig the land. We have to find water!” said Datu Beritu Taun.

Without waiting any longer, all strong men were busy digging. One of them was Antun Kumara Sukma. He was Datu Beritu Taun’s oldest son. Antun had a sister. Her name was Dewi Luing Indung Bunga. Days and nights the villagers were digging. In one night, Datu Beritu Taun had a dream while he was sleeping. In his dream, he heard that the village could be prosperous again if a girl was willing to be sacrificed. The girl had to be kind hearted and obedient to her parents.

When he woke up, Datu Beritu Taun told the men about his dream. He asked them to find a girl who was willing to be sacrificed. The villagers waited and waited… Sadly, no girl wanted to be sacrificed.

Dewi Luing Indung Bunga was a very kind girl. She knew she had to be sacrificed. She then told his father about it.

“Father, mother… I want this disaster to end. I want our people to be happy again. If there is no girl to be sacrificed, let me sacrifice myself,” said Dewi Luing Indung Bunga.

Though they were very sad, but the family let Dewi to sacrifice herself. All the villagers gathered in a big field. Dewi Luing Indung Bunga was standing in the middle. Suddenly, she fell down.

She died. Not long after that rain fell down heavily. All the villagers were thankful to God. They would never forget Dewi’s sacrifice to them. Since then the villagers were very careful to the forests. They did not want to cut down the trees recklessly. ***











Moral Message of the Story

The story of Dewi Luing Indung Bunga and the drought in Kampung Datar carries several moral messages:

1. Respect for Nature: The villagers' disregard for nature, demonstrated by their reckless deforestation, led to dire consequences. The story emphasizes the importance of respecting and preserving natural resources to avoid disasters and ensure prosperity.

2. Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Dewi Luing Indung Bunga's willingness to sacrifice herself for the benefit of the village underscores the value of selflessness and courage. Her sacrifice was pivotal in restoring the village’s prosperity, illustrating the profound impact that one person’s sacrifice can have on the well-being of many.

3. Responsibility and Consequences: The story highlights the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities, such as caring for the environment. The villagers' actions led to the drought, demonstrating that actions have consequences and that taking responsibility for one's actions is crucial.

4. Community and Cooperation: The villagers’ collective effort to solve the water crisis and their ultimate success following Dewi’s sacrifice reflect the importance of community and cooperation. Working together and supporting one another, especially in times of crisis, is essential for overcoming challenges.

In summary, the story teaches the values of environmental stewardship, self-sacrifice, accountability, and communal effort.






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The Legend of Gunung Bangkai

Legenda Gunung Bangkai >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia

 Folklore from South Kalimantan

THERE was a woman who lived near the jungle. She lived with her son. Her husband died many years ago. Her son's name was Andung. He always helped her mother.

Andung was in the jungle to collect some firewood. And while he was walking to go home, he heard someone asking for help. Andung was looking around and he saw an old man was injured. Andung immediately help him. The old man was really grateful. He gave Andung a gift.

"I want you to have this necklace. You have already helped me and this is my gratitude to you. This necklace is great. It can cure all disease," said the old man.

Andung was really happy. It looked so beautiful. And when he arrived home, he gave it to his mother. She was very happy to receive the necklace.

Andung wanted to have a better life. He wanted to leave his home and had a better job. He told his plan to his mother. At first she did not agree. However, Andung insisted with his plan and his mother could not hold him anymore.

"Before you go, please wear this necklace. I hope you will always remember me."

Andung had his journey and he finally arrived in a kingdom. When he arrived, he saw an old woman suffered skin rash. Andung really felt sorry.

He then remembered the message from the old man who gave him the necklace. He tried to cure the old woman. He put the necklace into a glass of water. he asked the old woman to drink the water. Amazingly, the old woman was cured. She told everyone that Andung cured her.

The news spread very fast. Many sick people came to Andung. They all were cured. And the news about Andung was heard by the king.

The princess was ill. The king had already asked many healers to cure her. But none succeeded. The king asked Andung to cure his daughter.

Andung was also sad to see the princess. She was so beautiful, and sadly she could not leave her room. She was very weak. Her illness forced her just to stay in her room.

Andung put the necklace into the glass of water. He asked the princess to drink the water. And amazingly, she was cured. She was able to walk again. The king was extremely happy. He was so thankful to Andung. To show his gratitude, he asked Andung to marry the princess. Andung agreed. He then lived in the palace.

Later, the princess was pregnant. She wanted to eat a special fruit. However, the fruit was only found in the jungle. Andung then asked some soldiers to accompany him to go to the jungle.
Andung knew the jungle very much. It was not far from his house. On the way to the jungle, he saw his mother. She was very old and poor. His mother was very happy.

"Andung? I'm so happy to see you," said his mother.

Sadly Andung was ashamed with her. He did not want to admit her as his mother.

"Who are you? I don't know you," said Andung.

Her mother was very sad. She prayed to God to punish him. Andung suddenly could not move his body. He realize he was wrong. He tried to apologize to his mother but it was too late. Andung finally could not move his body at all. Slowly, he changed into a stone. The stone looked like a human dead body. It was slowly getting bigger and bigger. The stone then turned into a mountain. People named it as the mountain of human dead body or Gunung Bangkai.***

Prince and Queen of Dayak

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The Red Dragons versus the White Dragon

The Legend of the Red and White Dragons: A Tale of Fate, Transformation, and Eternal Guardians of the River

Naga Merah Lawan Naga Putih >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia






A Fisherman’s Life

Once upon a time in South Kalimantan, there lived a humble fisherman and his family. He had a kind and loving wife, and together they raised a bright, cheerful son. The fisherman spent his days rowing his small sampan along the river, casting his net in search of fish to provide for his family.

But one fateful day, no matter how many times he threw his net, he caught nothing. This puzzled him greatly. Where had all the fish gone?

Determined, he cast his net once more. This time, he felt something heavy. His heart leaped with hope—perhaps it was a great catch! But when he pulled the net out of the water, he was met with disappointment. Instead of fish, there lay a single large egg, smooth and glistening under the sun. Confused, he threw the egg back into the river and tried again.

Yet, the same thing happened. No fish, only another identical egg. He threw it away again, unwilling to return home empty-handed. But when he cast his net for the third time, he once again found the same egg inside.

Tired and frustrated, the fisherman decided to take the egg home.


The Forbidden Meal

When he arrived, he told his wife about his strange discovery. Since they had nothing else to eat, he asked her to boil the egg for their supper.

That night, as the egg cooked, a strange aroma filled the air. It smelled richer than any food they had ever eaten. When it was ready, they shared the egg, enjoying its surprisingly delicious taste.

Meanwhile, their son was fast asleep. They left the remaining portion of the egg on the plate, intending to save it for him in the morning.

As the night passed, something unnatural began to happen. The fisherman and his wife tossed and turned in their sleep, feeling their bodies grow hot and restless. When dawn arrived, they awoke to a horrifying sight—red scales covered their skin, their hands had transformed into claws, and long tails swayed behind them. They had turned into dragons!

Panicked, they rushed outside and instinctively ran toward the river. There, in the misty morning light, a massive white dragon emerged from the water, its piercing eyes filled with amusement.


The Curse of the White Dragon

"Ha ha ha!" the white dragon laughed. "You ate the egg, didn’t you? Now you are like me!"

The fisherman’s heart pounded with rage and fear. "What have you done to us?" he roared.

The white dragon smirked. "For years, you have taken the fish from this river—my food. I grew tired of it. So, I placed my enchanted egg in your net, knowing that whoever eats it will become a dragon. Now, you can no longer live among humans."








The fisherman clenched his claws in anger. He had never meant harm; he was only trying to feed his family. But there was no time for regret. He suddenly thought of his son—what if he had already eaten the remaining egg?

"Go home and stop our son from eating the egg!" he urged his wife. "I will fight this monster!"

His wife nodded and immediately rushed back to their home, while the fisherman prepared to battle the white dragon.


A Mother's Warning

When the fisherman's wife arrived, she found their son awake, crying in confusion. He had searched everywhere for his parents but had instead come face-to-face with a terrifying red dragon.

"Stay back!" he whimpered.

"My son, don’t be afraid!" she pleaded. "It’s me, your mother. Your father and I have been cursed—we have become dragons! Please, listen carefully. Do not eat the egg! If you do, you will become a dragon too."

The boy hesitated but slowly began to believe her. His mother’s voice was filled with love, even if her form had changed.

She continued urgently, "Your father is fighting the white dragon right now. Go to the river and watch. If the water turns white, it means we have won. But if it turns red… it means we have lost."

With those final words, she turned and disappeared into the misty dawn, back to the battle.


The Fate of the Dragons

The boy ran to the river’s edge and waited. Days passed, and he remained by the shore, staring at the water with anxious eyes. Then, at last, the river’s surface began to change color.

It turned white.

Moments later, two dragons swam toward the riverbank. It was his parents.

The father, now a mighty red dragon, spoke with sorrow in his voice. "My son, we have defeated the white dragon, but we can never return to our human forms. This river is our home now."

Tears filled the boy’s eyes. "Will I ever see you again?"

His mother gently responded, "Do not be sad. We will always be here, watching over you. Whenever the river flows, know that we are near."

With those final words, the two dragons swam back into the depths, disappearing forever beneath the waves.


The Legend Lives On

To this day, the people of Kalimantan believe that dragons still dwell in the rivers, their presence hidden beneath the water’s surface. The Dayak people tell stories of how, when a dragon emerges, the skies grow dark, the rain pours heavily, and the rivers overflow, bringing great floods to the land.

And somewhere, deep beneath the rushing currents, the red dragons continue to watch over the land, protecting the legacy of their son and the people they once called family.





Moral Message

The story carries several moral lessons:

  1. Respect for Nature and Its Balance – The white dragon cursed the fisherman because he overused the river’s resources. This teaches the importance of sustainability and respecting nature, rather than exploiting it without considering the consequences.

  2. Actions Have Consequences – The fisherman’s decision to eat the mysterious egg led to an irreversible transformation. This reflects how every action we take, even seemingly small ones, can have long-lasting effects on our lives.

  3. Parental Love and Sacrifice – Despite their transformation, the fisherman and his wife’s first thought was for their child’s well-being. Their love remained strong, and they sacrificed their human lives to protect him. This highlights the deep, unconditional love parents have for their children.

  4. The Power of Caution and Obedience – The boy listened to his mother’s warning and avoided eating the egg, which saved him from the same fate. This emphasizes the importance of heeding the wisdom of elders and being cautious when faced with unknown situations.

  5. Guardianship and Protection – Even after becoming dragons, the parents continued to watch over their son and the land. This teaches that love and responsibility do not end with transformation or change—they continue in different ways.

Overall, the story encourages wisdom, respect for nature, love, and responsibility in all our actions. 🌿🐉








Red and White Dragons

Ning Rangda

The Tale of Ning Rangda and Her Eternal Wedding Dress


Ning Rangda >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia

 Folklore from South Kalimantan

A long time ago, in a quiet village, there lived an old woman named Ning Rangda. She was called Ning because of her advanced age, and "Rangda" because of her once graceful figure now bent from years of hard work. Ning Rangda was well-known throughout the village for one thing: she always sewed new wedding dresses. The villagers would often see her hunched over her sewing machine, her hands skillfully weaving beautiful fabrics into exquisite gowns. 

Whenever someone asked her why she always made new wedding dresses, Ning Rangda would smile wistfully and say, "It is for my prospective husband." Her answer always left people curious, but none dared ask further. What was it that kept the old woman so dedicated to her work?










The story began many years ago, when Ning Rangda was a young girl. She was not only known for her kindness and hard work but also for her incredible beauty. Her father was a skilled tailor, and from a young age, Rangda would help him sew clothes for the villagers. As she grew older, her reputation spread far and wide, and it wasn’t long before she caught the eye of many young men in the village. They would often visit her father’s shop, hoping for a chance to win her affection, but Rangda’s heart was still untouched by love.

One day, news reached Rangda that the prince, the son of the king, had heard about her. The prince was young, handsome, and unmarried, and he had heard tales of Rangda’s beauty and the delicate gowns she created. He was determined to meet her. So, he visited her house, hoping to commission a wedding dress for a future bride.

As soon as the prince laid eyes on Rangda, he fell in love with her. He ordered a beautiful dress, but as soon as he held it in his hands, his feelings grew deeper. He immediately knew that Rangda was the woman he wanted to marry. But instead of proposing there and then, the prince took his new dress and returned to the palace, eager to tell his father that he had found his future bride.

However, shortly after the prince returned to the palace, he became gravely ill. A mysterious fever overtook him, one that seemed impossible to cure. As the fever ravaged his body, he kept whispering the name "Rangda... Rangda..." in his delirium. The king, desperate to understand what was happening to his son, called for his advisors. They told him that the prince had fallen in love with Rangda, the beautiful tailor’s daughter, and it seemed that this love had become an obsession.

Concerned for his son's health, the king ordered a soldier to go to Rangda's house and inform her parents of the prince’s intentions. The soldier made the long journey and arrived at Rangda's house, bearing the king’s message. When Rangda heard that the prince wanted to marry her, her heart soared. She had also secretly fallen in love with him.

Excited, she began to prepare for their wedding. But as the prince and his entourage began their journey to Rangda’s house, the prince’s illness worsened. His fever became unbearable, and by the time they reached the outskirts of her village, the prince’s health had deteriorated so much that he was unable to continue. His condition grew more severe, and before he could reach Rangda, he passed away.

Devastated, the king decided to return to the palace. He felt that the journey was in vain and that nothing could be done for his son now. However, Rangda, unaware of the prince’s death, continued her preparations. She sewed and sewed, day after day, making the most beautiful wedding dress she could imagine, hoping to present it to the prince when he arrived.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Still, the prince never came. Rangda waited and waited, hoping for a sign that he would return, but nothing came. As the years passed, she grew older and frailer. Her back became hunched from long hours of sewing, her once youthful beauty faded, but her dedication never wavered. She kept sewing, always believing that the prince would someday come back for her.

She made a wedding dress after wedding dress, each one more beautiful than the last, yet the prince never appeared. And so, as the years went on, Rangda grew older and more bent, her hair turned white, but her heart remained hopeful. The villagers who knew her began to whisper about her obsession. They would see her hunched figure at her sewing machine, stitching another dress for the man who would never come.

But no one knew the truth—why Ning Rangda sewed a new wedding dress every year. It wasn’t for a new bride, nor for a prince who would one day come to claim her. It was for a promise she made long ago, one that bound her to a love that transcended time and death.

As Rangda's body grew frail and bent, her heart remained young and hopeful. She continued to sew her wedding dresses, believing that one day, even in the afterlife, the prince would return to marry her.

And so, the legend of Ning Rangda lives on to this day—an eternal reminder of undying love, hope, and the heartbreaking consequences of waiting for something that may never come.



Moral of the Story:

The tale of Ning Rangda teaches us about the strength of love and unwavering dedication, but also the dangers of being trapped in the past and waiting for something that may never come to fruition. Rangda demonstrates the beauty of hope and perseverance, yet also reminds us that sometimes we need to learn to let go and move forward. Life is not just about waiting, but about accepting reality and living in the present with meaning, even when love and dreams don’t unfold as we had hoped. This story teaches us to find a balance between perseverance and acceptance of reality, and the importance of having the courage to let go and appreciate the life we have now, rather than living in the shadows of unfulfilled hopes.

However, the mystery surrounding the prince’s death—one that was kept hidden from Rangda—adds an extra layer of tragedy to the story. The kingdom’s decision to withhold this painful truth from Rangda, perhaps out of a misguided desire to protect her, leaves her trapped in an eternal wait. The silence surrounding his death speaks to the destructive power of secrets, and how unspoken truths can shape the lives of those left behind. In the end, the tale not only teaches about hope and perseverance but also about the profound consequences of unshared truths and the weight of living in the unknown.





Kalimantan Textiles








The Angel Pond

Telaga Bidadari | Edisi Bahasa Indonesia

Folklore from South Kalimantan

THERE is a tourism area in South Kalimantan named The Angel Pond. The place is often visited by many people. Some of the visitors have unique reasons. They want to have spouses. Some people believe that taking a bath with the water from the pond will lead them to their spouses. There is a legend behind the belief. Do you want to know the story? Read on!

A long time ago in South Kalimantan there was a village. The land was fertile. Trees grew well there. people and animals had enough water to live. They had a great source of water. They got the water from a pond. People used the water not only for their daily activities but also for watering their plants. The villagers were never worried about lacking of water.

Amazingly, the pond always had lots of water although it was in dry season.

The head of the village was Awang Sukma. He always protected his people very well. People from other places often visited the village to get some water. Awang Sukma always treated them very well. Awang Sukma was single. He was looking for a wife.

One night, Awang Sukma was going to the pond. From a distance, he heard some people were taking a bath in the pond. He was curious. He approached the pond carefully. He was so surprised when he saw seven beautiful girls having fun in the pond. They were swimming and laughing.

Who were they? Well, they were angels from the heaven. Awang Sukma was so amazed with their beauty. He slowly walked closer and took one of the girls' clothes.

After they finished, the girls wore their cloths. However, one girl looked so sad. Her name was putri Bungsu. She was looking for her cloth. Other girls helped to find the missing cloth but they could not find it. It was almost morning and the angels had to fly back to the heaven. They had to leave her.

While Putri Bungsu was crying, Awang Sukma approached her.

"Don't be afraid. You can come to my house now."

Putri Bungsu agreed to stay in Awang Sukma's house. Awang Sukma fell in love with her. He proposed her and later they got married. They lived happily. And they were happier when they a got baby girl. They named her Kumalasari.

Awang Sukma hid putri Bungsu's cloth in a small barrel. One day there was an incident. A black cock was standing on the barrel. putri Bungsu tried to wave away the cock. However the cock did not move at all. And when Putri Bungsu came closer, the cock flew away. And that made the lid opened.

Putri Bungsu opened the lid and she found her cloth inside the barrel! She was so happy but also angry and sad. She was happy because she could go back to heaven.

However she was angry at Awang Sukma for hiding her cloth. And she was sad because she had to say good bye to her daughter.

"I don't belong here. My place is in the heaven," said Putri Bungsu to Awang Sukma.

Then Putri Bungsu flew to the heaven leaving Awang Sukma and Kumalasari. Awang Sukma was so sad. He just lost his lovely wife. He cried.

Awang Sukma then told his daughter not to keep black cock as a pet. He believed that black cock brought them bad luck.

It was not only Awang Sukma who was sad losing Putri Bungsu. All the villagers were also sad. And later they named the pond as Telaga Bidadari, it means the Angel pond. Until now people believe that taking a bath using the water from the pond would lead to their spouses. And the local people do not keep black cock. They still keep Awang Sukma's message to his daughter. ***



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Datu Kalaka

Datu Kalaka >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia

Folklore from South Kalimantan

DATU kalaka... Datu Kalaka, the Dutch are coming!"

"Really? Where did you see them?"

"Over there! They are about to enter our village."

"Now, tell all the villagers to go inside their houses. Don't go out. They're looking for me, so tell them not to worry!"

"Alright Datu, I'll tell the villagers now!" the man immediately ran and told the villagers to stay inside their houses.

Who was Datu Kalaka and why were the Dutch looking for him? Well, Datu Kalaka was a leader. People named him 'Datu' as a symbol of respect to him. Datu Kalaka was a strong man.

He mastered great martial art skills. Also, he had a supernatural power. People said he could change himself into anything! And Datu Kalaka used all his power to protect the people.

Recently, their lives were disturbed by the dutch. At first they came in peace. They wanted to do some business with the local people. The area was fertile. All kinds of trees grew very well. And the Dutch were interested in buying the harvest. The business ran well.

However slowly the Dutch tried to cheat the business, they wanted to steal and occupy the area. They wanted to have all the harvest!

Luckily, the Dutch's plan to occupy the place was stopped by Datu Kalaka. He used all his power to make sure that the Dutch would not set their feet in their place.

The Dutch knew that Datu Kalaka lived in the village. But they were never able to find him. Why? It was because Datu Kalaka was always hiding and moving from one place to another place. And the villagers always let him hide in their houses. They helped him because Datu Kalaka also helped the villagers.

The Dutch had lost their patience against Datu Kalaka. And they came to the village with a full force. They came with lots of soldiers equipped with their guns! They came to the village and asked the villagers about Datu Kalaka. And when the villagers said they did not know where he was, the Dutch hit them!

"Hey, look! It's Datu Kalaka!! Get him now!" said one soldier.

Datu Kalaka ran very fast. He did not want to fight in the village. He was afraid that the villagers would become the victims.

"Hey stop! Or we'll shoot you!" said the Commander.

"Ha ha ha... catch me if you can!" said Datu Kalaka.

He ran very fast and the Dutch followed him. They did not want to lose him. They knew how dangerous he was. And that was why they brought guns! They were ordered to catch Datu Kalaka dead or alive.

Datu Kalaka was cornered. All the Dutch were everywhere.

"Ha ha ha... We will catch you now. You cannot go anywhere else," said one soldier.

"I don't want to give up!" said Datu Kalaka.

He climbed a big tree and later jumped from that tree. The soldiers chased him. They saw the direction where Datu Kalaka jumped. And when they arrived they did not see anyone. Instead they found a swing.

When they approached the swing they found a baby inside the swing. But the baby was different from any other babies. The baby was so big. It was a giant a baby! The soldiers were scared.

"Hey look! The baby is so big. If the baby is big like this one, how about the parents? They must be giants! "

They did not know that Datu Kalaka had changed himself into a giant baby. The soldiers ran away and they did not come back to the village.

When Datu Kalaka was dead, he was buried in the village. The village was then named as Kalaka village. Until now, the tomb is still in Kalaka South Kalimantan. The grave is so big. The local people believe that Datu Kalaka is buried there. ***










Moral Message:

The story of Datu Kalaka teaches us that true leadership involves self-sacrifice and courage. Datu Kalaka, despite his supernatural powers and martial arts skills, prioritizes the safety of his people over his own. His willingness to use his abilities to mislead the enemies and protect the villagers from harm highlights the importance of using one's strengths for the greater good. Ultimately, the story reminds us that the essence of leadership lies in putting the well-being of others first and standing up against oppression, even at great personal risk.



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