SI KELINGKING ~ Cerita Rakyat Bangka Belitung | Dongeng Kita

Summary

The story of Si Kelingking, from Bangka Belitung, centers around a poor couple who, after years of longing for a child, receive a baby as small as a pinky. They name him Kelingking and raise him despite his unusual size. However, due to his excessive appetite, they attempt to abandon him multiple times. Each time, Kelingking survives, growing stronger and more capable. Eventually, his parents realize the miracle of their son’s strength and regret their actions. The tale highlights themes of perseverance, the power of prayer, and the importance of kindness and humility, teaching that life and death are in God’s hands, and not to judge based on physical appearance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The province of Bangka Belitung is located on the eastern part of Sumatra and is known for its beautiful beaches and tin production.
• 😀 A famous legend from the region tells the story of a couple who wished for a child the size of a little finger, and their wish was granted.
• 😀 The couple’s child, named Kelingking, was born extraordinarily small, no larger than a little finger.
• 😀 Despite his small size, Kelingking had a huge appetite, and his parents struggled to feed him, leading them to consider abandoning him.
• 😀 One day, the father took Kelingking to the forest with the intention of leaving him behind, but Kelingking survived a falling tree.
• 😀 The parents were surprised and baffled when Kelingking returned home, carrying a large log and still hungry for food.
• 😀 The parents then attempted to drown Kelingking by taking him to a river, but Kelingking survived again, even after a large rock nearly crushed him.
• 😀 Each time, Kelingking returned home unharmed, stronger, and hungrier, showing that he was not an ordinary child.
• 😀 The parents finally realized their mistake and felt regretful, understanding that Kelingking was a miraculous child with special strength.
• 😀 The story teaches that words and prayers hold power, and that one should never harm or underestimate others based on their physical appearance.
• 😀 It also conveys that life and death are in God's hands, and humans should not try to control fate.

Q & A

What is the setting of the story in the transcript?

The story takes place in the Belitung Island, which is part of the Bangka Belitung province located on the eastern side of Sumatra, Indonesia. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and being a major tin producer.

Who are the main characters in the story?

The main characters are a poor couple living in a village on Belitung Island and their child, Kelingking, who is born very small, about the size of a pinky finger.

What is the significance of the couple's prayer?

The couple prays for a child, even one as small as a pinky finger. This prayer is answered by the birth of Kelingking, who is indeed the size of a pinky when born.

What challenge does the family face after Kelingking is born?

Despite Kelingking being very small, he eats a lot. His parents struggle to provide enough food for him, as their income is only enough for the three of them to survive, with little to spare.

How do the parents react to Kelingking’s excessive eating?

The parents are worried about their ability to feed Kelingking. They eventually decide to abandon him in the forest to avoid the burden of feeding him.

What happens when the father tries to abandon Kelingking in the forest?

The father attempts to abandon Kelingking by having him stand in a spot where a tree will fall, but Kelingking survives and returns home, still very much alive and unharmed.

How do the parents feel when Kelingking returns home after the forest incident?

The parents are shocked and confused when Kelingking returns home. They are also amazed at his strength and resilience, as he is carrying a large log and still hungry.

What is the second attempt the parents make to get rid of Kelingking?

The father takes Kelingking to the river to collect large stones, planning to leave him there. However, once again, Kelingking survives, and after being called, returns home safely.

What does Kelingking do after returning home the second time?

Upon returning, Kelingking immediately seeks food and eats a large amount of rice, much to the astonishment of his parents, who are still unsure how to handle his unusual strength and appetite.

What lesson do the parents learn from their experiences with Kelingking?

The parents realize that Kelingking is a special child, and they regret their harsh treatment of him. They come to understand that he is a miracle child, blessed with strength despite his small size.