BATU MENANGIS ~ Cerita Rakyat Kalimantan Barat | Dongeng Kita

Summary

This Indonesian folktale tells the story of Darmi, a young woman who neglects her hardworking mother, ashamed of her appearance and unwilling to help with the family's labor. Darmi's refusal to assist her mother, coupled with her cruelty and denial of her parentage, leads to a tragic consequence. After a series of events where Darmi lies about her mother being a servant, she is eventually transformed into stone, a punishment for her ingratitude. The stone, known as Batu Menangis (Weeping Stone), still stands in Kalimantan Barat, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of respecting and caring for one's parents.

Takeaways

• 😀 A mother named Ibu Darmi works tirelessly in the fields to support her daughter, Darmi, after the death of her husband.
• 😀 Darmi, though well-off when her father was alive, becomes selfish and refuses to help her mother, fearing her appearance will suffer from working in the fields.
• 😀 Despite Ibu Darmi's pleas, Darmi continues to focus on her looks, avoiding tasks like cooking or carrying food to the fields.
• 😀 Ibu Darmi's health deteriorates due to hard labor, but she remains dedicated to supporting her daughter, praying for her to change.
• 😀 Darmi shows ingratitude by not cooking for her mother and even scolds her when she returns home hungry after a long day.
• 😀 Ibu Darmi attempts to involve Darmi in work, like going to the market with the harvested goods, but Darmi rejects the idea to avoid getting dirty.
• 😀 Darmi is embarrassed by her mother's appearance and lies to her friends, claiming that Ibu Darmi is not her mother but a servant.
• 😀 The shame Darmi feels about her mother’s appearance is made worse when she continues to deny her mother's identity in public.
• 😀 Ibu Darmi, heartbroken by her daughter's cruel treatment, prays for change but is unable to hold back her tears.
• 😀 As a result of her disrespect and cruelty, Darmi is transformed into a stone, known as the 'Batu Menangis' (Crying Stone), as a punishment for her ingratitude.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the story?

The central theme of the story is the relationship between a mother and her daughter, focusing on the daughter's selfishness and the mother's sacrifice. It explores the consequences of ingratitude and disrespect towards a parent.

Why does Darmi refuse to help her mother?

Darmi refuses to help her mother because she is afraid of getting her skin darkened like her mother's from working in the fields. She is vain and prefers to stay at home, focusing on her appearance rather than supporting her mother's hard work.

How does Ibu Darmi react when Darmi refuses to help her?

Ibu Darmi is saddened and disappointed by her daughter's refusal to help. Despite her exhaustion and hunger, she continues to work hard in the fields, praying for her daughter to change her lazy attitude.

What is the significance of the name 'Batu Menangis' (Crying Stone)?

The name 'Batu Menangis' refers to the stone that Darmi turns into after her continued disrespect towards her mother. It symbolizes the punishment Darmi faces for her ingratitude, as well as the mother's sorrow for her daughter's actions.

What does Darmi's treatment of her mother reveal about her character?

Darmi's treatment of her mother reveals that she is selfish, vain, and ungrateful. She values her appearance over the well-being of her mother, who works tirelessly to support her.

How does Darmi justify her actions to others?

Darmi justifies her actions by lying to her friends, claiming that her mother is just a servant, not her real mother. She does this to avoid embarrassment about her mother's appearance and dark skin.

What is the emotional turning point for Ibu Darmi in the story?

The emotional turning point occurs when Ibu Darmi prays to God, asking for her daughter to change. Afterward, Darmi begins to slowly turn into a stone, symbolizing the consequences of her disobedience and disrespect.

What is Darmi's fate after she becomes a stone?

After Darmi becomes a stone, she is left by the people and placed on a cliff, where the stone remains to this day in Kalimantan Barat. It serves as a reminder of her punishment for being ungrateful to her mother.

How does the story of Darmi reflect traditional moral values?

The story reflects traditional moral values of filial piety, respect for parents, and the consequences of ingratitude. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting one's parents, especially those who sacrifice for their children.

What lesson can be learned from this story?

The lesson from the story is that disrespecting or neglecting one's parents can lead to dire consequences. It teaches the importance of gratitude, humility, and acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who care for us.