This is the folklore of Kabayan from West Java. The Kabayan paced back and forth in his house because he was nervous that day the moneylender would come to collect the debt. He did not have the money to pay off the debt that day. And if he does not pay the installments that day, of course the insolent moneylender will raise the loan interest as he pleases. The principal loan has not been paid, each installment is only used up to pay the interest. Si Kabayan regretted borrowing money from loan sharks, but at that time he was forced to borrow because he was in dire need of money.
"Damn right the loan shark. He does not care about the teachings of Islam which forbids usury. Torture the hell he is not afraid especially with us. He is not afraid of hellfire, instead makes hell for others. " Kabayan murmured.
The Kabayan then remembered his conversation with his father-in-law, "Look Kabayan, how dare a human being, believe me he is always overshadowed by fear. Dare and fear are two inherent traits in every human soul. Also in your loan shark's soul. Even though he dares to oppose the prohibition of religion, he certainly has a fear of something, who knows what, you should find and know, Kabayan.
Si Kabayan came up with a brilliant idea after he remembered his father-in-law's advice. He also told his plans to his wife Nyi Iteung. Hearing her husband's plan, Nyi Iteung giggled. They then began to carry out their plan. Nyi Iteung bathes the Kabayan with a bucket of palm wine. Then the Kabayan rolled on the expanse of cottonwood so that his entire body turned white because of the cottonwood sticking. His face wore a red mask. Kabayan then enters into a chicken cage on top covered with a cloth.
Soon the moneylender came to Kabayan's house to collect the debt. After knocking on the door, Nyi Iteung opened the door and invited the loan shark to enter the house.
"Kang Kabayan isn't at home, sir, so he can't pay debts today. Next time, sir." said Si Iteung.
"You can't! That way! Where is he? He knows, I will come to collect the debt. Where did he go ?! Really Kabayan, dare to borrow money eh ... turn to be billed instead to continue to avoid." said the loan shark.
"Kang Kabayan is facing the police chief, sir? Want to report that he just caught a strange bird. The bird will be handed over to the police officer. That strange bird is in a chicken cage."
"Strange how? I want to see where?" The loan shark wanted to see it. But Si Iteung immediately forbade it.
"Don't, sir! Don't! The great chief of police has ordered us that the magical bird cannot be shown to anyone before he sees it." said Nyi Iteung.
But the loan sharks who feel curious don't care. Then he lifted the cage of the chicken. But as soon as the cage was lifted, Si Kabayan, whose body was full of cotton, ran while flapping his hands like a bird flapping his wings. The Kabayan shouted, "Wek wek wek wek! Barak-balak! Then disappear. The Kabayan actually ran behind the house and hid behind the trees while watching the moneylender from afar.
"Ouch, sir! The blur is gone." said Si Iteung while pretending to cry. "Ouch! What are you going to say sir the chief of police ?! You have to catch the magic bird again. If not, you might be imprisoned by the police for having eliminated the magical bird." And Si Iteung pretended to cry again, howling.
Hearing Si Iteung's cry, the loan shark felt scared, his face turned pale. He was very afraid that he had to be caught by the police and live behind bars. Trembling the loan shark said, "Don't Nyi Iteung, don't report me to the Police. Just say the magical bird escaped on its own. In exchange for my debt, I consider Kabayan paid off. " After saying those words, the loan shark then scurried away.
Seeing that, Si Kabayan immediately came out of his hiding place. Together with Nyi Iteung, they laughed out loud to see the loan shark scared. They were also happy because the Kabayan debt was considered to be paid off.
More folklore on West Java:
More folklore on West Java:
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