Learn about Indonesia by reading 'Folktales'

Learn about Indonesia by reading 'Folktales'

Endang R.S., Contributor

Indonesian Folktales
Murti Bunanta
Illustrated by G.M. Sudharta
Margaret Read MacDonald, ed.
Libraries Unlimited
144 pp

Indonesian Folktales shows the continuing effort of an Indonesian academic and children's literature expert, Murti Bunanta, to introduce her country to the world -- as well as to her fellow countrymen -- in the field she knows best, folklore.

Bunanta, who has written 31 picture-books, conducted in-depth research over two years and compiled the material she unearthed into the folklore collection, featuring 29 folktales.

The book, which is part of the World Folklore Series, gives readers a different perspective on Indonesia, reminding them that the country has a wonderful diversity of cultures, apart from the many problems and challenges it faces today.

The vast archipelago has an equally vast collection of folktales that teach everyday moral values, and which have become part of its cultural heritage. These tales are not only bedtime stories to be told by mothers to their children, but are also a way to spread moral messages among communities from generation to generation.

Unfortunately, Indonesian folktales nowadays struggle to maintain a presence in the midst of the modern pop culture that has flooded this country.

While many indigenous folk stories have been published in Indonesia, the most important factors are literary quality and packaging.

Another obstacle is that not much effort has been made to popularize folktales among the younger through their reading, retelling and conversion into feature movies and animated films. This means that the folktales, to some extent, are being neglected and so forgotten.

An award-winning writer, Murti retells the tales delightfully in her aim to preserve the age-old oral tradition, restoring the value of these stories.

Murti collected the stories in Indonesian Folktales from many sources, aside from friends and her own childhood memories. In the preface, she points out that 13 of the 29 stories were collected through oral sources and 16 were taken from written material.

According to the author, at least 12 folktales in the anthology have never been published before, not even in Indonesia.

Apart from the expected scenarios and themes, Murti also includes a theme unusual to the genre: the independent woman.

These tales about strong women are hardly the familiar fairytales about marrying a handsome prince or a rich man, and are instead about living one's own dreams -- and a happy ending is not always in store for such women who fight against convention.

Still, it is inspiring to know that women's struggle is acknowledged in these folktales, particularly considering that most Indonesian traditions are conditioned by a patriarchal society.

In telling the story of the independent princess, Murti said she wanted to show the world the uniqueness of Indonesia in its folklore heritage through this theme of an independent woman, which is rarely found in folklore elsewhere. In addition, she believed this would help introduce gender equality to children.

Three such stories are included in the anthology, and all are from Sumatra. One of the most moving stories is that of Princess Pinang Masak from Senuro village, South Sumatra province. It is the story of a beautiful strong woman who rejects those men who want to marry her just because of her appearance. She even dares to refuse a proposal from a powerful king who was fond of beautiful women.

She manages to reject the king's proposal through her ingenuity and strategy. Although many other suitors continued to approach her, attracted by her beauty and charm, the princess stands tall and does not change her mind or stance.

Another theme is local legends, such as The Legend of Lake Toba from North Sumatra, The Legend of a Swamp (Rawa Bening) from Central Java and The Legend of Banyuwangi from East Java.

Indonesian Folktales is divided into three chapters and provides a cultural reference for readers: A General Introduction to Indonesia; Food, Games, and Crafts; and The Tales.

Murti begins with a geographical explanation of the Indonesian archipelago, then turns her focus on traditional children's games that reveal the richness of Indonesian folklore.

The folktales are each illustrated by well-known cartoonist G.M. Sudharta, showing Murti's fundamental concern regarding quality literature and her goal to provide high-quality illustrated books for children.

The book also incorporates photographs Murti has collected from professional photographers and various institutions, as well as from family and friends, which also serve to illustrate the author's warm personality.

In the end, Indonesian Folktales is worth reading -- and keeping -- for those who want to broaden their knowledge on traditional Indonesian culture. It is hoped that this kind of literature will reach a wide readership through publishing and literary discussions to preserve Indonesia's heritage.