16 short Indonesian folklore tales

When you think of Indonesia, what comes to mind? My first (generic & stereotypical) thought as i started researching this article was of a country made up of lush, tropical landscapes, filled with rainforests and rice fields and those beaches that seem to stretch on and on forever, an endless conveyor belt of snow-white sands and crystal waters.  Made up of 17,000 (mostly uninhabited) islands, i know that Indonesia is rich in heritage, culture and diversity.

But i did NOT know that this country is repsonsible for a folklore tale about a child born from a cucumber...

Read on to find out about this gem and for 15 more Indonesian folklore tales I’ve plucked out to learn more about!

1. Timun Mas

Timun Mas is the cucumber story i referenced in the intro - buckle up! This folklore story is from Java, Indonesia, about a couple who desperately wish for a child.

They receive a magical cucumber from a giant, which eventually produces a baby girl named Timun Mas (which translates as "Golden Cucumber". Once again - they receive a MAGICAL CUCUMBER which produces a baby girl!

When the giant returns to claim her, as promised, she escapes using magical items given by her parents: cucumber seeds, needles, salt, and shrimp paste, which transform into obstacles to hinder the giant.

Finally, she defeats the giant, securing her freedom.

This tale emphasizes bravery, resourcefulness and the power of love and family support. (I love this story so much, a more in depth article coming soon!)

2. Malin Kundang

Malin Kundang is the tale of a poor boy from Sumatra who, driven by ambition, leaves his mother to seek fortune. After becoming a wealthy merchant, he returns to his village, but denies his humble origins and rejects his mother, who rushes to greet him.

In her anguish and sorrow, she curses him for his arrogance and ingratitude. As a result, he is turned into stone along with his ship.

Let this be a lesson in the importance of respecting one's parents and remaining humble, no matter how successful one becomes.

3. Roro Jonggrang

A Javanese story that shares narrative similarities with the Sundanese (western Java) story of Sangkuriang.

This one tells the tale of a beautiful princess named Roro Jonggrang who is pursued by the powerful Prince Bandung Bondowoso.

To avoid marrying him, she sets an impossible task for him: to build a thousand temples in one night.

Bandung Bondowoso almost completes the task with the help of supernatural beings, but Roro Jonggrang creates an illusion of dawn, tricking him.

Angered by the deception, Bandung Bondowoso turns Roro Jonggrang into a stone statue, making her the thousandth temple in the complex.

This story emphasizes themes of deception and the consequences of breaking promises. And the lengths women have been forced to go to to try and say no to aggressively dominant men...

4. Bawang Merah Bawang Putih

A classic Indonesian folktale resembling Cinderella, it revolves around two stepsisters, Bawang Merah (Red Onion) and Bawang Putih (Garlic). Food themes are a thing.

Bawang Putih, kind and hardworking, is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsister, Bawang Merah.

Despite her hardships, she is rewarded by a magical fish she cares for, receiving riches and a better life. Meanwhile, Bawang Merah's greed leads to her downfall.

The moral of the story is that kindness and patience are rewarded, while greed and cruelty lead to misfortune.

5. Nyi Roro Kidul

Also known as Nyai Loro Kidul, is the revered sea goddess and queen of the Southern Sea in Javanese mythology.

Known for her beauty and power, she has a mystical bond with the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, believed to protect the kingdom.

Many tales speak of her appearing in green attire and taking those who disrespect the sea.

Sailors and locals often offer her tributes to appease her.

The legend emphasizes respect for nature, urging harmony with the environment and cultural traditions.

6. Lutung Kasarung

This West Javanese legend tells of a prince cursed to live as a lutung (monkey).

He meets Purbasari, a kind princess who has been exiled and mistreated by her jealous sister.

With his supernatural abilities, Lutung Kasarung helps Purbasari regain her rightful place as queen.

Eventually, his curse is lifted, revealing his true form as Prince Guruminda.

A tale as old as time...This story celebrates themes of kindness, inner beauty and the transformative power of love and loyalty.

7. Keong Mas

Keong Mas, or the Golden Snail, is a Javanese tale about a beautiful princess named Candra Kirana who is cursed to become a golden snail by an envious witch.

Found by an old woman, the snail transforms back into the princess whenever she is alone, helping the woman with chores.

Eventually, the curse is broken by her true love, Prince Raden Inu Kertapati.

The tale highlights the virtues of patience, kindness and the belief that true love can overcome any obstacle.

8. Ande Ande Lumut

Ande Ande Lumut is a folk story about a young man in disguise, living as a humble servant to escape his stepmother's wrath.

He announces a contest for maidens to cross a river and win his heart, intending to find his true love.

Many fail, but the kind-hearted and diligent Kleting Kuning, who is disguised as a poor girl, succeeds with the help of animals she has helped before.

Revealing his true identity, Ande Ande Lumut marries Kleting Kuning.

This story emphasizes the value of kindness, humility, and the eventual reward of true love.

So many Disney movies in this list...!

9. Si Pitung

Si Pitung is a legendary hero from Betawi (Jakarta), akin to Robin Hood.

He starts as an ordinary villager but turns into a bandit who steals from the rich colonial Dutch and corrupt officials to give to the poor.

His cleverness and martial arts skills make him a local folk hero.

Despite numerous efforts by the authorities to capture him, his legend grows even after his eventual capture and death, symbolizing resistance against oppression and the fight for justice and equality.

10. Dewi Sri

Dewi Sri is the revered rice goddess in Javanese and Balinese mythology, symbolizing fertility, prosperity and life.

Many tales speak of her blessings upon the land, ensuring abundant harvests and the well-being of the people.

In one version, Dewi Sri sacrifices herself to end a famine and from her body, rice plants grow, providing sustenance.

Her story underscores the importance of agriculture and the inevitable cycle of life and death.

11. Telaga Warna

Telaga Warna, or the Colorful Lake, is a West Javanese legend about a kind-hearted king and queen who are blessed with a daughter after many years.

However, the princess grows up to be spoiled and ungrateful. During a birthday celebration, she throws a tantrum over a gift, leading to her parents' heartbreak.

As they cry, the entire kingdom is submerged, creating a beautiful, colorful lake from their tears.

The moral teaches the importance of gratitude, humility and the consequences of selfish behavior.

12. Legenda Batu Menangis

This tale, also known as the "Crying Stone," originates from West Kalimantan.

It tells of a beautiful but arrogant girl who is ashamed of her poor mother. One day, while they are on a journey, she repeatedly denies her mother in front of others.

Heartbroken, her mother prays for divine retribution, and the girl gradually turns into stone, crying in regret.

The story illustrates the importance of filial piety, humility and the severe consequences of arrogance and disrespect towards one's parents. Also, getting turned to stone is a thing in folklore...

13. Si Kancil

Si Kancil is a series of tales about a clever and cunning mouse-deer known for outwitting larger animals and even humans.

In various stories, he tricks predators like tigers and crocodiles, and finds creative solutions to escape danger and gain food.

Despite his small size, Si Kancil uses his wit to survive, teaching lessons about intelligence, resourcefulness and the idea that brains can triumph over brawn.

14. Asal Mula Danau Toba

The origin story of Lake Toba in North Sumatra involves a fisherman who marries a woman who is actually a magical fish.

They have a son, but the woman makes her husband promise never to reveal her true identity.

One day, in a fit of anger, he breaks his promise. The woman and their son transform back into their original forms, causing a massive flood that creates Lake Toba and leaving an island (Samosir) in the middle.

This story highlights themes of keeping promises, the power of nature and the consequences of breaking trust.

15. Legenda Pulau Komodo

The legend of Komodo Island tells of a dragon princess named Putri Naga who falls in love with a human prince. They have twin sons, one human and one dragon.

When the human son discovers his dragon brother, he is frightened and tries to kill him, but their mother intervenes, explaining their bond. The dragon leaves but continues to protect the island.

This tale emphasizes acceptance, the unity of different beings and the idea of hidden guardianship over the land.

16. Wewe Gombel

Wewe Gombel is a ghostly old woman in Javanese folklore who kidnaps neglected or mistreated children. She cares for them until their parents repent and change their ways.

Often depicted as a frightening figure, her actions stem from a tragic past where she suffered a great loss.

The story of Wewe Gombel serves as a cautionary tale for parents to cherish and properly care for their children, highlighting the consequences of neglect and the protective nature of even the most fearsome guardians.

If there's one thing i've learnt from Indonesian folklore, always be grateful lest ye be turned to stone. Also, that fruit and veg have a whole other purpose in storytelling.

Explore more folklore tales from other countries & cultures