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.