Baruklinting Dragon

(from Central Java)

A long time ago, there was a giant dragon. His name was Baruklinting. One day, one of the gods asked him to take nine shepherds as an offering for the gods. Then Baruklinting went to a mountain. He opened his big mouth everyday. He hoped that shepherds would enter his big mouth. In the village, ten shepherds took their cows to the grass field on the mountain. They didn’t know there was a dragon. One of the shepherds was very skinny and dirty. His friends always made fun of him. The skinny shepherd never got angry. He just kept quiet and left his friends every time they laughed at him. It was a very hot day. All shepherds were very tired. They wanted to find a cool place to rest. The skinny shepherd had already found a nice place to rest. It was under a big tree. The place was cool so he did not feel hot anymore. His friends were jealous.

“Let’s steal his place,” said one of them.

“Yes! Let’s do it!” other shepherds agreed.

They took some mud and threw it to the skinny shepherds. The skinny shepherd was so sad. Still, he did not get angry. He just left them and walked away.

“Ha ha ha go now! You skinny boy!” they laughed at him.

Suddenly the sky became dark. There was a thunder and lightning. Heavy rain began to fall. The shepherds did not want to get wet. They had to find a better place. They finally found a big cave. The cave had sharp rocks inside it. All shepherds did not know that the cave was actually the mouth of the giant dragon. Yes, it was Baruklinting’s mouth! When all shepherds were inside the ‘cave’, suddenly one of them pushed the skinny shepherd away.

“Go out! You don’t belong here! It’s only for the big boys!”

"But it was raining outside,” said skinny shepherd.

"I don’t care!” then they pushed him.

Right after the skinny shepherd was outside the cave, it suddenly closed! Yes, Baruklinting just finished his job to get nine shepherds for the gods. When the skinny shepherds saw the cave closed, he ran away! He ran as fast as he could. He then told the villagers about the cave and the dragon. The villagers then went to the mountain to kill the dragon. But when they arrived, the dragon had already gone. From that day on, the village was named Kesongo Village. Songomeant nine for the nine shepherds who were eaten by Baruklinting Dragon

Banta Barensyah "The Honesty Flutist"

(from Aceh)

Long ago, there lived a boy named Banta Barensyah with his mother in a village in Aceh. Their life is very poor. Their job is just winnowing rice husk in a rice mill. Their wages were only a handful of rice. One day there was no work in rice mills so that they could not eat. So Bareansyah's mother, go ask for rice to her wealthy brother 'Jacob'. But instead of rice obtained, but shout. Not far from their village, there is a kingdom which king was very wise. He has a beautiful daughter named 'Putri Terus Mata'. She just wanted to get marry if there is a man who can find her clothes of gold and suasa.

The desire of the princess reached the Berensyah ears.

"Let me look for that clothes Mom. I'll sail to the country side. I will be aboard Uncle Jacob," said Barensyah pleaded.

With a heavy heart, his uncle let him participate. Armed with a flute and a piece of taro leaves he went. Up in the middle of the sea he was dropped by his uncle on Barensyah demand. He immediately held his taro leaves and like magic he could float. Gusts of wind bringing Berensyah to the destination. After arriving at the land he immediately looking for a weaver and convey the intent why he came.

Barensyah ask the weaver to make the cloth of gold. Weaver just look Berensyah in disbelief.

"With what will you pay me?" ask the weaver.

"I'll pay for it with a song which I blow from this flute." said Barensyah.

Barensyah began blowing his flute, and weavers began to work. Clothes of gold was finally completed. Barensyah then sailed back with his taro leaves. In the middle of the sea, he met with the Jacob's ship.

Jacob saw a flash in Berensyah flute, he knew it was a the golden clothes. Jacob robs the golden clothes and throw Barensyah to The sea. The sea waves bringing Barensyah to the beach. Fortunately, there are a couple who find and caring Barensyah until cured. After Barensyah recovered, he excused himself to the old couple.

Berensyah went back to his village. When he got there, he heard that his uncle will be marry the princess. Barensyah angry, because he was get the golden clothes. Meanwhile, when Jacob's wedding will be held, suddenly came a hawk.

"Kiik, kiiik ... the golden clothing, belongs Barensyah," said the eagle.

The palace became crowded, Jacob eventually imprisoned and Banta Barensyah live happily with his mother and Princess Terus Mata.

Angel's Lake

(from South Kalimantan)

Long time ago, there is a handsome young man. His name is Awang Sukma. Awang Sukma wanders up to the middle of the jungle. He was amazed to see a wide variety of life in the forest. He built a tree house in a very large tree limb. He lived in the forest in harmony and peace. After a long stay in the forests, Awang Sukma was appointed ruler of that area and got the title "Datu". Once a month, Awang Sukma get around his territory, and he arrived in a clear lake. The lake is under a shady tree with many fruits. The birds and insects lives happily.

"Hmm, how beautiful this lake! This forest has extraordinary beauty" Datu Awang Sukma wondered.

The next day, when Datu Awang Sukma was blowing his flute, he heard the noise of a low in the lake. On the sidelines of the fissured rock pile, Datu Awang Sukma peering toward the lake. Awang Sukma astonishment when he saw 7 beautiful girls are playing water. "Could they be the fairies?" thought Awang Sukma. Seven beautiful girls was not aware if they are being watched and ignoring their shawls used to fly, scattered around the lake. One shawl is located near Awang Sukma. "Wow, this is a good opportunity to get a scarf in that tree," muttered Datu Awang Sukma.

Hearing the sound of the leaves, the girls were shocked and immediately took the shawl each. When the seventh daughter wants to fly, it turns out there is a princess who could not find his clothes. She has been abandoned by the sixth sisters. At that time, Datu Awang Sukma immediately come out of hiding. "Do not worry princess, I will help as long as the princess refused to live with me," pleaded Datu Awang Sukma. Youngest daughter still in doubt receive a helping hand Datu Awang Sukma. But since no one else there is no other way but to accept aid Youngest Daughter Awang Sukma.

Datu Awang Sukma admire beauty Youngest Daughter. Similarly, the youngest daughter. She was happy to be around a handsome and gallant. Finally they decided to become husband and wife. A year later a baby girl was born beautiful and named Kumalasari. Family life is very happy Datu Awang Sukma.

However, one day a black cock up to the barn and scratch on the surface of the rice granary. Youngest daughter tried to shoo the chicken. Suddenly his eyes fixed on a bamboo tube that lay in the former Kaisan chicken. "What about it do you?" Youngest Daughter thought. When the tube was opened, Youngest Daughter surprised and cheered. "It's my shawl!, Youngest daughter cried. Shawl was also hugged her. Feeling annoyed and irritated fixed on her husband. But he was very fond of him.

Youngest daughter finally made up his mind to return to heaven. "Now is the time I have to go back!," She told herself. Youngest daughter immediately put on her shawl while carrying the baby. Datu Awang Sukma was stunned to see what happened. He immediately came over and apologized for the actions that improperly hide shawl Youngest Daughter. Datu Awang Sukma realize that separation is inevitable. "Kanda, dinda Kumalasari please guard it well," said the youngest daughter told Datu Awang Sukma. "View Datu Awang Sukma staring blankly into space." When our children miss me, take seven seeds pecans, and put it in a basket that shaken-Roll play with a rebound and flute. I surely will come soon to see her, "said the youngest daughter.

Youngest daughter immediately put on her shawl, and immediately flew to heaven. Datu Awang Sukma sad and vowed to ban black offspring raising chickens he considered disastrous.

Aji Saka

(from Central Java)

In ancient times, there was a kingdom called Medang Kamulan be governed by a king named Prabu Dewata Cengkar the wild and like to eat human. Every day the king ate a man who brought by Patih Jugul Muda. A small portion of people who worry and fear flee secretly to other regions.

In the village Medang Kawit have a young man named Aji Saka who incredible, diligent and good-hearted. One day, Aji Saka successfully helping old man by two men beaten it. Old man who eventually was appointed by Aji Saka fact that refugees from Medang Kamulan. Hear the story of the savagery Prabu Dewata Cengkar, Aji Saka intend to help people Medang Kamulan. With wear turban in the head Aji Saka went to Medang Kamulan.

Travel to Medang Kamulan not smooth, Aji Saka got combat for seven days with seven-night watchman forest devil, because Aji Saka refused slaves made by the devil watchman for ten years before the forest was allowed to pass. But because he's incredibly, Aji Saka successfully avoid bursts of fire from the devil. After Aji Saka praying, yellow rays from the sky strike the demons from the forest and the devil died.

Aji Saka arrived in the quiet Medang Kamulan. At the palace, Prabu Dewata Cengkar is angry because the Patih Jugul Muda is not bring the victim to the Prabu.

With bold, Aji Saka facing Prabu Dewata Cengkar and submit themselves to eat by Prabu with exchange land area of turban.

When they are measuring the land upon request Aji Saka, turban continue to sweep so wide breadth beyond the kingdom Prabu Dewata Cengkar. Prabu angry after knowing Aji Saka intention is to end tyranny of Prabu Dewata Cengkar.

When Prabu Dewata Cengkar are angry, turban Aji Saka strong wind in the Prabu's body. Aji Saka throw body Prabu Dewata Cengkar and fell to the south sea and then lost by sea waves.

Then Aji Saka appointed as The King of Medang Kamulan. He brought his father to the palace. Because the fair government and wise, Aji Saka bring to the Kingdom Medang Kamulan golden era, era where people live quiet, peaceful, prosperous and safe.

The Legend of Kelana Sakti

(From North Sumatra)

ONCE upon a time in North Sumatra, there was a kingdom named Purnama. The king was King Indra Sakti. He was a wise king. All of his people lived prosperous and happy. The king and the queen had a baby boy. He was the prince of the palace.

In Purnama kingdom, there was a small village. Kelana Sakti and his parents lived there. Kelana Sakti was a nice boy. He was diligent and always helped his parents.

One day, there was a bad news from the kingdom. King Indra Sakti was terribly ill. All the palace healers tried to heal him but did not succeed. The King was getting weaker and weaker everyday. So, he called all his family and the palace commander, Panglima Badau to meet him.

“My wife, please forgive all my mistakes. I cannot live any longer. Please take care of our son. Make him the king when he is adult,” said the king to the queen.

The king continued, “Panglima Badau, I trust this kingdom to you. You are the king until my son is adult. Please train him and teach him how to be a good king.”

Not long after that, King Indra Sakti died. Panglima Badau then became the king. He really enjoyed his time as a king. He often had parties and neglected the people.

Soon, the kingdom was in a mess and the king only had fun in his parties. To pay all his parties, Panglima Badau asked his people to pay expensive taxes. Soldiers went to people’s house to collect the money, and that was including Kelana Sakti’s house.

“Give me your money! You have to pay the tax!” said a soldier.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have enough money. I have spent my money to buy some food,” said Kelana Sakti’s father.

“You are a liar!” The soldier then brought Kelana Sakti’s parents to the palace.

Punishment for people who refused paying the taxes was sent to jail!

“Please don’t take my parents away!” said Kelana Sakti.

A soldier was angry at him and hit him. Kelana Sakti was unconscious. When he was awake, he was inside an old man’s house.

“Where am I? Where are my parents?” Kelana Sakti confuse.

“Don’t worry. You are in my house. You are safe here. Your parents are in the palace. The king sent them to the jail,” said the old man.

Since then, Kelana Sakti lived with the old man. He learned many things from him, especially martial arts.

When Kelana Sakti was adult, he completely changed. He was a man with great skills of martial arts. It was time for him to go to the palace and freed his parents. The old man gave him the blessings and asked him to be careful.

So, Kelana Sakti fought bravely against the soldiers. He won. Then the last one was fighting against Panglima Badau himself. Again he won the fight and freed everybody in jail. Then he sent Panglima Badau to the jail. The prince was so thankful to Kelana Sakti. The prince then asked Kelana Sakti to be the palace commander.

A Farmer and A Hedghog Statue

(from West Kalimantan)

It was a very hot day. A farmer was working on his field. He was there for several hours. He was very tired and wanted to get some rest. Just before he found a nice place to rest, he saw something very shiny. He came to the shiny object and took it. It was a hedgehog statue. It was very beautiful. Its eyes were made of diamond. Those were the shiny objects he saw. The farmer then brought the statue home. He wanted to show it to his wife. His wife was so happy. They were so poor and planned to sell the statue.

At night, the farmer had a dream. A giant hedgehog came to him.

He said, “Please let me stay in your home. As a return, I will give you everything you want. Just caress the statue’s head and say the prayer. There are two kinds of prayers, one is to start your wish and the second is to stop your wish. Now memorize the prayers.”

The farmer told his wife about his dream. They really wanted to prove it. The farmer slowly caressed the statue's head. He said the prayer and asked for rice. Suddenly, a magic thing happened. Rice came out of the mouth of the statue. The rice kept on coming out from the statue's mouth. The farmer immediately said the prayer to stop it. It worked! The rice then stopped coming out from the statue's mouth. Now the farmer mentioned other things, they were jewellery and other stuffs they needed. In just a moment, the farmer and his wife became very rich. They then shared their materials with the neighbours.

There was one neighbour who was very jealous. He was actually a thief! He wanted to know how the poor farmers became rich. After the thief found out, he stole the magic hedgehog statue. He immediately took it and ran away. He was very tired from running and was very thirsty. He wanted to get some water from the statue. He said the prayer. His wish came true. Water came out of the statue’s mouth. The thief was so happy. He drank and drank the water. He wanted to stop drinking but he did not know how to stop the water. He forgot the prayer to stop the wish. Water kept on coming out. He did not know what to do. He was really panic. He asked for help. People who saw the incident were really scared. They ran away to avoid the water. More and more water surrounded him. Slowly, it became a small pond. Water flowed on the ground. It became a river. People then named the river as Hedgehog River or Sungai Landak.

A Story from Rote Island

(from Nusa Tenggara Timur)

Once upon a time, a grandmother and her grand daughter lived in Rote Island, Nusa Tenggara Timur. They had a field and grew some vegetables. The grandmother sold them at the market. On one morning, the grandmother would go to the market.

Before she left, she asked her granddaughter to cook. “ Please cook some rice for lunch. But just cook one grain of rice. It’s enough for both of us.”

“Why, Grandma?” asked the girl.
“Just do what I said!” said grandmother.

The grandmother then left for the market. Later, the girl started to cook. However, she felt a grain of rice would not be enough for them.

“I think it’s not enough for me and my grandmother,” said the girl.

Then she took two handful of rice. Suddenly, something bad happened to the rice pot.

“Oh, no! The rice flowed out of the pot!” shouted the girl.
“What should I do?”

The rice became rice porridge. It flowed and flowed until it covered the kitchen. Suddenly, the grandmother came home. The girl explained what happened.

“You are a naughty girl! Why didn’t you listen to me?” the grandmother was so angry.
She hit the girl with a wooden stick.

“ Please forgive me, Grandma!” the little girl cried and cried.

But the grandmother kept hitting her. Then, an incredible thing happened! The girl turned into a monkey. The monkey then ran away and climbed a tree. The grandmother chased the monkey.

From the tree, the monkey said. “Grandmother, I’m a monkey now. I cannot live with you anymore. You are all alone.” Then the monkey climbed up and disappeared.

The grandmother was very sad. She regretted what she done to her beloved grand daughter.
"Please come back to me. Please forgive me, my grand daughter!" but it was too late.

The little girl has turned into a monkey and never came home. The people of Roti Island believe this story. And that is why until now, people in Roti Island never hit their children or other people’s child. They are afraid that the child would turn into a monkey.