Folk Tales from the children in Malang

The Legend of the City of "Banyuwangi" - fragrant water. .

My name is Andik Kurniawan.

I live in Malang
East Java,
Indonesia.
I'd like to tell you the legend about the name of the city "Banyuwangi" (means
roughly 'fragrant water').
Here it is:
Once upon a time, in the coast of Eastern Java, there was a kingdom ruled by a
king. The King had a very good looking son. His name was Raden Banterang.
Raden Banterang was to be the future King when the time comes to replace his
father. Raden Banterang was so loved by his people, however but one bad fault.
He got angry easily.
One day, raden Banterang went hunting to the forest with his guards. He met a
very beautiful girl.
"I am a human being. I am here because I am afraid of enemy attack. My father
died defending the kingdom"
"Are you he daughter of the King of Klungkung?"
"Yes"
Then she (with the name of Susati) told him about her suffering. Raden
Bentarang then brought the girl to the palace.
One day a beggar (named Surati), which was actually Susati's older sister came
to the palace.
"Raden bentarang killed our father, helped me to take revenge"
"I am so sorry Sister, but he saved my live. I will not help you"
Surati was very angry. She then told Raden Banterang a lie. That she found a
man's head band in Susati's bed. He believed her story ans was very angry.
Banterang dragged Susato to a river and was about to killed her with his keris

when suddenly Susati run away and plunged herself into the wild stream.
Susati never came up.
Not long after the accident, a lovely fragrant flower started growing from the
place where Susati disappeared.
Raden Bentarang was shocked and realised his mistake.
"God, please forgive me, my wife had done nothing wrong" But, it's too late.
She has disappeared.
The place where this happened is now called "Banyu Wangi" meaning "The
fragrant Waters".
(If you know bali, Banyuwangi is located accross the Bali strait. Next time I'll
tell you the legend of Bali Strait).
Sudah dulu ya .Salam buat teman-teman di Fahan School semuanya.
Andik Kurniawank
The Legend of Roro Jonggrang.
Hi, my friend, I want to tell you about Roro Jonggrang (Princess Jonggrang)
This story is about one of thousands of temples sourrounding Prambana temple.
It's about candi Roro Jonggrang (The temple of Princess Jonggrang) Indeed, it
is a very beautiful temple. it is also used by Hindu followers to pray.
This is the story
Once upon a time there was a king called Prabu Baka (Prabu was the titled for
kings in Java long time ago). He wanted to marry Jonggrang. of course Roro
Jonnnggrang refused him because his father was king Baka^s enemy. Roro
Jonggrang was threatened in a bad manner, and was forced to be married.
She,finally acccepted King Baka after a very difficult agreement; King Baka
had to build a thousand temples in one night. Roro Jonggrang thought it was
imposible, but it was very easy for the king. who had many bad and cruel
fairies to help him. The task was almost fulfilled by the King., when suddently
Roro Jonggrang ordered all the women to hit and rap their "lesung"(Jesung is
an instrument for preparing rice)
All the roosters thought it was morning because the sound of lesung was the
sign that morning was coming. The roosters crowing with very loud.
Hearing the roosters loud voice, King Baka with the fairies felt down hearted.
Only 999 temples had been built. This was still not enough for the Princess. But
King Baka could do anything at anytime. The fairies were very afraid of the
dawn so they were all running and hiding because they thought the dawn was
coming soon.
Knowing it was only a trick King Baka was very angry with the Princess and
with became very bad tempered. He changed Princess Jonggrang into the last
temple.

Now,you can see the Roro Jonggrang temple in Prambanan. (From;Gunawan

Pujanarko and translated by Bu Wahyuni)

Nyai Ratu kidul The South Beach Queen

Once upon a time there was a king called Prabu Siliwangi. He had some wives.
One of the wives was the first lady. The first lady had a very beautiful
doughter; Princess Kardita. Kardita was not only beautiful but she was also
good, smart and kind hearted,
Everybody liked her, except her stepmothers. They had not had any children at
all. They hit Kardita and her mother. One day they visited an old man who can
changed Kardita and her mother into a bad and ugly people.
Not long after that both of them became very ugly and smelt so bad. Both of
them had so many ulcers in their body. All the people did not know that both of
them were the first lady and Princess Kardita both of them were exiled far away
from their country.
The two people-mother and the daughter walked and walked until they reached
the beach. Her mother died in that place because she was very tired and felt
pain. Kardita was very sorry about it. When she was so tired and sleepy.
She heard a voice in her ears as Kardita didn't want be so sad, 'Although you
are alone now. Please,get up , jump and swim into the sea. Stay there forever,
and you'll find your happiness.'
Kardita jumped and swam into the sea. Suddently she felt very healthy and
smelt so fragrant .She touched her face and she was very surprised. Her face
was very smooth. She thanked the gods.
She became more beautiful, healthy and stronger than ever before."Now
Kardita you have become the queen of the sea. Your shall be mistress of this
sea forever".
A sound from the god of the sea made her very happy. Since that day she was
called Nyai Roro kidul-The mistress and the queen of the South sea (the Pasific
ocean)
Told by; Bahtiar and angkie;translated by bu Yuni
Most Javanese people still believe in dynamism.They still believe that Nyai
Roro Kidul still exist up to now. They object to wearing green and blue colours
when they visit or have a trip in the beach. It is dangerous becouse blue and
green are her favourite colours.

A long time ago there was a big kingdom in Java Island named Prambanan. The
people lived in peace and prosperous. However it didnt last longer after
Prambanan was invaded by Pengging Kingdom ruled by Bandung Bondowoso.
He was so mean and evil. The king also had magical power so he could control
genie.
Anyone who disapproves me will be punished! he said always. People were
living in fear. After capturing Prambanan Kingdom, Bandung Bondowoso was in
love with beautiful Roro Jonggrang, the princess of Prambanan Kingdom.
Would you, the most beautiful princess Roro Jonggrang, be my queen? he
proposed Roro Jonggrang to be his wife, the queen of Pengging Kingdom. The
princess was very angry, How come he who captured our kingdom propose me
to be his queen, she thought. But if she refused, then Bandung Bondowoso will
be very mad and endanger her family and the Prambanan people as well.
However, it was impossible to accept him since the deep hatred in her heart.
"So, what do you think Roro Jonggrang?" urged Bandung Bondowoso. Suddenly
Roro Jonggrang got an idea. In fact, I am prepared to be the queen and my
honored to be proposed by you Your Highness, she said politely,but on one
condition
Tell me princess, whats the condition?" Bandung Bondowoso asked in curiosity,
The abundant wealth? or a grand palace? "Not that, Your Highness, said Roro
Jonggrang, Just make one thousand temples for me.
"One thousand temples?" shouted Bondowoso. "Yes, and those temples must be
finished in one night." After that Bandung Bondowoso kept thinking how he can
make 1,000 temples in one night. Giving up on thinking of the way to make his
dream comes true, he finally asked his kingdom counselor about his problem.
"I believe that Your Highness can make those temples by the help of genies!" said
the counselor. Bandung Bondowoso gladly agreed and ordered him to set up
everything he needed to build the temples.
After all had been set up, Bandung Bondowoso stood in front of an altar. To all
my genies, help me build one thousand temples in one night!" He shouted with
his rumbled voice. Suddenly, sky turned into dark. The wind and thunder were
roaring and howling. In a short time the genies had built hundreds of temples
and almost reached one thousand in few hours
In the meantime, silently Roro Jonggrang observed them from the distance. She
was worried, realizing that Bandung Bondowoso was helped by the genies, What
can I do? she asked to her servants. One of them told her to burn straws so the
fire set the sky to flame in the Prambanan Kingdom sky. It will make the genies
think that the night has turn to dawn.

"Quick, burn all the straws!" Roro Jonggrang ordered. While some servants
quickly gathered and burn straws, others pounded mortars and pestles to make
sound that people of the kingdom had started their morning activities.
Seeing the eastern sky flared with red color and the pounded sound made the
genies thought that morning had broken. "We must immediately leave before our
bodies scorched by the sun," the genies yelled to each other. All the genies
jumped out of the unfinished temples.
Later in the morning, Bandung Bondowoso visited the princess room and told
Roro Jonggrang that the one thousand temples had been built completely. Roro
Jonggrang and Bandung Bondowoso then counted the temples together.
Unfortunately, the temples were only 999!
"It means that you have failed to fulfill the requirement to marry me", Roro
Jonggrang said. "Its impossible!!" yelled Bandung Bondowoso angrily. He
pointed at Roro Jonggrang and cursed her, then you must be the one to
complete the one thousand temples!
Magically, Roro Jonggrang at once turned into the stone statue. At present, these
temples are still existing and located in the Prambanan Temple complex, at
Kalasan, Sleman, Jogja . Today, the stone statue of Roro Jonggrang is known as
Roro Jonggrang Temple.
(Javanese Folk Tale)
* Actually Roro Jonggrang statue is the description of Durga, the wife of Shiva.
This statue located in the same complex with Shiva, Agastya, a risi, and Ganesha,
his son

History Of Banyuwangi

According to available historical data regarding the history of Blambangan, Banyuwangi

was formed on the 18th of December, 1771. Prior to the Puputan Bayu War (Banyuwangi
local language meaning the war fought in Bayu, now Kecamatan Songgon), there was a
heroic war, when Blambangan warriors lead by Prince Puger (the son of Wong Agung
Wilis) attacked the VOC force in Banyualit in 1768.
However, unfortunately the date of the event was not exactly recorded and there was an
impression that the attack resulted in total defeat, but perhaps the enemy did not lose at
all. Basically historical records of this event are extremely vague. It is known that during
this battle Prince Puger died. After Lateng was destroyed, Wong Agung Wilis was
captured and taken to Banda Island. Based on historical data, the name Banyuwangi
cannot be separated from Blambangan Kingdom. Since the era of Prince Tawang Alun
(1655-1691), Prince Sasranegara, Prince Mancanapua, Prince Danureja (1691-1736),
Prince Danuningrat (1736-1763) and the time of occupation by Bali (1763-1767), the
VOC had not been interested in entering and controlling Blambangan.
In 1743, the eastern part of Java (including Blambangan) was surrendered by
Pakubuwono II to the VOC. The VOC felt that Blambangan belonged to them. It was
temporarily considered a stock good that would be exploited when needed. Even when
Prince Danuningrat wanted the aid of the VOC against Bali, the VOC was still not
interested in Blambangan or the little part of Banyuwangi (at that time it was called
Tirtaganda, Tirtoarum, or Tuyoarum). Then suddenly the VOC tried to annex
Banyuwangi and secure the entire kingdom of Blambangan. During the five year war
(1767-1772), the VOC attempted to annex Banyuwangi at the time that it was a thriving
center of trade in Blambangan Kingdom dominated by the British.
Finally, it is clear that the birth of the place, known eventually as Banyuwangi, started
with the Puputan Bayu War. If the British had not occupied Banyuwangi in 1766, perhaps
the VOC would not have annexed Blambangan in 1767, and the Puputan Bayu War
would not have happened. There is obviously a strong correlation between the Puputan
Bayu War and the birth of Banyuwangi. Therefore, December 18th, 1771 is appropriately
designated as the birthday of Banyuwangi.

The Legend Of Banyuwangi

The ruler of the kingdom of Blambangan, Raden Banterang, used to occupy the
neighboring areas in order to expand his territory, including the Klungkung Kingdom of
Bali. The outbreak of the Klungkung War destroyed such a small country. The king of
Klungkung was killed on the battlefield, yet his daughter and son were able to escape and
hide in the jungle.
One day, Raden Banterang and his commanders were inspecting his district while
hunting. It was in the jungle that Raden Banterang met a beautiful lady named Ida Ayu
Surati. She was then taken to Blambangan to be his wife. Raden Banterang and Ida Ayu
Surati enjoyed a happy life in the palace.
When Raden Banterang was hunting one day, the lonely princess was surprised by the
arrival of a dirty beggar asking for her pity. The princess was surprised to find that the
beggar was her older brother, Agung Bagus Mantra. She promptly squatted and embraced
her brothers legs. However, her great respect of her brother was not well accepted.
Instead, she was tortured for she supposedly betrayed her noble family.
Agung Bagus Mantra asked his sister to kill Raden Banterang, but such a request was
rejected. He was very angry with her and came up with a sly idea to slander Raden
Banterang.
At first, Raden Banterang did not believe that his wife had been involved in a scandal
with another man. Yet because of Agungs convincing words, he was finally influenced
and therefore, his wife was dragged down to a small lake. Asking for compassion, Ida
Ayu Surati tried to tell the truth and denied her husbands accusation. Hearing his wifes
explanation, the king became angrier and angrier. As a proof of her sacred love, she asked
her husband to kill her. As a last request, she asked her husband to throw her dead body
into the river. She said that if the water in the river smelled terrible, it meant that she had
ever been sinful, but if it smelled fragrant it meant that she was innocent.

Raden Banterang who was unable to control his emotions, soon stabbed his keris (dagger)
into his wifes chest. She died instantly. The dead body of Ida Ayu Surati was quickly
thrown into the dirty river. Raden Banterang was shocked to see the river suddenly
become clean and as clear as glass with a fragrant smell. Raden Banterang screamed
crazily and regretted his deed. He walked unsteadily and fell into the river screaming,
Banyuwangi, Banyuwangi, Banyuwangi!
Another legend of Banyuwangi was taken from the story of Sri Tanjung Sidopekso. Once
upon a time, a local ruler, King Sulahkromo, had a patih, R.Sidopekso. The wife of the
patih, Sri Tanjung, was so beautiful that the king desired her. In order to be able to seduce
Sri Tanjung, the king ordered his patih on a mission that would take a long time to
accomplish. During his absence, the king tried to court Sri Tanjung without success.
When R. Sidopekso returned, he went first to his ruler. The king, angry that his scheme
had not succeeded, told the patih that during his absence his wife had been unfaithful to
him. Sidopekso went home and confronted his wife with her alleged adultery. Her denial
did not convince him, and he announced that he was going to kill her. Sidopekso brought
Sri Tanjung to the bank of the river. Before he stabbed her to death, she prophesied that
her innocence would be proven. And indeed, after having stabbed his wife to death and
having thrown the dead body into the dirty river, the river immediately became clean and
began to spread a wonderful fragrance. Sidopekso said, Banyu Wangi..
Banyuwangi. This means fragrant water . BANYUWANGI was born from the proof
of noble and sacred love.

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Roro Jonggrang
Ditulis dalam Legend Story pada 6:45 pm oleh picing

Roro Jonggrang

A long time ago there was a big kingdom in Java Island named Prambanan. The people
lived in peace and prosperous. However it didnt last longer after Prambanan was invaded
by Pengging Kingdom ruled by Bandung Bondowoso. He was so mean and evil. The
king also had magical power so he could control genies.
Anyone who disapproves me will be punished! he said always. People were living in
fear.
After capturing Prambanan Kingdom, Bandung Bondowoso was in love with beautiful
Roro Jonggrang, the princess of Prambanan Kingdom.
Would you, the most beautiful princess Roro Jonggrang, be my queen? he proposed
Roro Jonggrang to be his wife, the queen of Pengging Kingdom.
The princess was very angry, How come he who captured our kingdom propose me to
be his queen, she thought. But if she refused, then Bandung Bondowoso will be very
mad and endanger her family and the Prambanan people as well. However, it was
impossible to accept him since the deep hatred in her heart.
So, what do you think Roro Jonggrang? urged Bandung Bondowoso. Suddenly Roro
Jonggrang got an idea.
In fact, I am prepared to be the queen and my honored to be proposed by you Your
Highness, she said politely,but on one condition
Tell me princess, whats the condition? Bandung Bondowoso asked in curiosity, The
abundant wealth? or a grand palace?
Not that, Your Highness, said Roro Jonggrang, Just make one thousand temples for
me.
One thousand temples? shouted Bondowoso.
Yes, and those temples must be finished in one night.

After that Bandung Bondowoso kept thinking how he can make 1,000 temples in one
night. Giving up on thinking of the way to make his dream comes true, he finally asked
his kingdom counselor about his problem.
I believe that Your Highness can make those temples by the help of genies! said the
counselor. Bandung Bondowoso gladly agreed and ordered him to set up everything he
needed to build the temples.
After all had been set up, Bandung Bondowoso stood in front of an altar.
To all my genies, help me build one thousand temples in one night! He shouted with
his rumbled voice. Suddenly, sky turned into dark. The wind and thunder were roaring
and howling.
In a short time the genies had built hundreds of temples and almost reached one thousand
in few hours.
In the meantime, silently Roro Jonggrang observed them from the distance. She was
worried, realizing that Bandung Bondowoso was helped by the genies, What can I do?
she asked to her servants. One of them told her to burn straws so the fire set the sky to
flame in the Prambanan Kingdom sky. It will make the genies think that the night has
turn to dawn.
Quick, burn all the straws! Roro Jonggrang ordered. While some servants quickly
gathered and burn straws, others pounded mortars and pestles to make sound that people
of the kingdom had started their morning activities.
Seeing the eastern sky flared with red color and the pounded sound made the genies
thought that morning had broken.
We must immediately leave before our bodies scorched by the sun, the genies yelled to
each other. All the genies jumped out of the unfinished temples.

Later in the morning, Bandung Bondowoso visited the princess room and told Roro
Jonggrang that the one thousand temples had been built completely. Roro Jonggrang and
Bandung Bondowoso then counted the temples together. Unfortunately, the temples were
only 999!
It means that you have failed to fulfill the requirement to marry me.
Its impossible!! yelled Bandung Bondowoso angrily. He pointed at Roro Jonggrang
and cursed her, then you must be the one to complete the one thousand temples!
Magically, Roro Jonggrang at once turned into the stone statue.
At present, these temples are still existing and located in the Prambanan Temple*
complex, Central Java. Today, the stone statue of Roro Jonggrang is known as Roro
Jonggrang Temple.
Actually Roro Jonggrang statue is the description of Durga, the wife of Shiva. This
statue located in the same complex with Shiva, Agastya, a risi, and Ganesha, his son.

Cindelaras

Once upon a time, there was a king of the Jenggala Kingdom. He named Raden Putra.
He married two beautiful women, a kind queen and a pretty lovely mistress. But, the
mistress was envy against the queen. She planned something evil to the queen. In fact
she planned to take her place as the queen.
The mistress then conspired with a palace healer. She pretended to be seriously sick.
The healer said that there was someone who placed poison in the drink of the
mistress.
The person actually was the queen, said the healer.
The king was very angry hearing the explanation of the palace healer.
He ordered guards to exile the queen to the forest and kill her. The guards
immediately brought the pregnant queen to the jungle.
But, thankfully, those guards love their queen and wisely let her alive in the jungle.
Apparently they knew the bad intention of the mistress for the queen.
Dont worry Your Highness, we will tell the king that we have killed you, said the
guards. To deceive the king, one of the guards smeared his sword with rabbit blood.
After that they left the queen and back to the palace. The king was satisfied hearing
the guards reported if they had killed the queen.
After several months living in the forest, the queen gave birth to a baby boy who she
then named him Cindelaras. Cindelaras grew into a smart and handsome child. He
had many animal friends in the forest.
One day, when Cindelaras was playing, a hawk dropped an egg.
Hmm, this hawk is very kind, Cindelaras thought.

After 3 weeks, the egg hatched. Cindelaras maintained his chick industriously until it
grew into a good and strong cock. But there was one peculiarity. The crowing sound
of the cock was really amazing!
Cock-a-doodle-doo! My master is Cindelaras, he lives in the forest in the coconut
leaves roofed hut, his father is Raden Putra
Cindelaras was really amazed hearing the crowing of his cock and immediately
showed to his mother. The queen then told Cindelaras how they got there in the forest.
Knowing the reason why they were living in the forest for all this time, Cindelaras
decided to go to the palace and explain the evil things done by the mistress to his
mother.
In the middle of his trip, Cindelaras saw people doing cock fight. One of the cock
fighters came closer to him and dare if he would pit his cock with his.
Cindelaras agreed. In a short time, Cindelaras cock won over his opponent. After
several times pitted, Cindelaras cock never lost. He was really strong.
The news about Cindelaras cock spread fast over the kingdom. Raden Putra heard the
news. He ordered his men to invite Cindelaras.
Cindelaras then appeared before the king and greeted him in a well-mannered way.
This child is handsome and smart, apparently hes not a commoner, thought Raden
Putra.
Raden Putra challenged Cindelaras to pit their cocks on one condition. If Cindelaras
cock lost then he must be beheaded, but if his cock won then half of the kings wealth
will be given up to Cindelaras.
Two cocks started to fight courageously. But in a short time, Cindelaras cock
succeeded in conquering the Kings cock. The cheering people cheered on Cindelaras
and his cock.

Okay Im lost, and I will keep my promise, said Raden Putra, But, who are you
anyway, young boy? asked the king.
Cindelaras bowed to his cock and whispered something. Suddenly the cock crowed.
Cock-a-doodle-doo! My master is Cindelaras, he lives in the forest in the coconut
leaves roofed hut, his father is Raden Putra The cock crowed repeatedly.
Raden Putra surprised hearing the crowing of the Cindelarascock.
Is it true? the king asked curiously.
Yes it is true Your Highness, answered Cindelaras.
Along with that, one of the guards immediately appear before the king and told how
all the actual incidents happened to the queen.
I carried out the mistake, said King Raden Putra, I will punish my mistress, he
continued angrily. Instantly he ordered the guards to exile the mistress to the forest.
Raden Putra hugged his son and apologized for everything he had done to him and
the queen. Together they picked up the queen to the forest and gathered again in the
palace.