It is said that according to legend, Rawa Pening was formed because of the anger of a poor young man named Jaka Baru Klinting. At that time people did not like the poor because of their shabby, filthy and fishy smell. They often insult Jaka Baru Klinting because of his poverty. Residents always treat it unfairly. But not everyone hates Jaka Baru Klinting. There was an old widow named Nyi Lantung who felt sorry for Jaka Baru Klinting. Nyi Lantung is the only person who wants to help Jaka Baru Klinting. Nyi Lantung is always kind enough to give him food and drink.
Nyi Lantung Always Helps Jaka Baru Klinting
"Thank you Nyi Lantung for always helping me who are poor by providing food and drink. Someday I will definitely repay Nyi Lantung's kindness," said Jaka Baru Klinting.
"Never mind, son, it is our duty to help each other. I myself am often annoyed to see the attitude of citizens who always insult you just because they are poor." said Nyi Lantung.
One day, as usual, people mocked and expelled Jaka Baru Klinting from their area because of his poverty.
"Go away, you rump! We are disgusted by your appearance, dirty and dirty. You do not deserve to stay here." the public mocked and even drove him away.
Jaka Baru Klinting felt he could not stand the people's ridicule. Finally he was willing to leave the area. He challenged all residents, if anyone can pull a leaf stuck on the ground then Jaka Baru will leave the place forever.
"Well, if you really want to. I am also aware of my poverty. I challenge all of you, if anyone is able to pull this leaf out of the ground, then I will go away from you forever." challenge Jaka Baru Klinting.
All residents who heard the challenge of Jaka Baru Klinting burst into laughter while continuing to taunt him. One by one the residents tried to pull a leaf from the ground as requested by Jaka Baru, but no one succeeded. Slowly their laughter and ridicule stopped because they were surprised that no one was able to pull out a leaf. They also asked Jaka Baru Klinting to revoke it.
Rawa Pening Legend
"Now you try to pull the leaves, O Jaka. We want to know if you can." residents challenge Jaka Klinting.
Jaka Baru Klinting then easily pulled the leaves from the ground. All residents were speechless seeing that. Not long after, something strange happened. From where the leaves are uprooted, very heavy water comes out gush out. The water continuously radiated out to cover the area into a large lake to drown all the residents except Jaka Baru Klinting with Nyi Lantung. Jaka Baru Klinting kept his promise to return the kindness of Nyi Lantung by saving him from the flood. Now the Semarang people call the lake by the name of Rawa Pening.
According to folklore from Central Java, the legend of Rawa Pening relates to the story of a young man named Jaka Baru Klinting. The main problem of the Rawa Pening story is the kindness and fortitude of Jaka Baru Klinting in facing evil, while the additional theme is that the arrogance of the villagers can bring disaster. As we know, Rawa Pening is a lake tourism object located in Semarang Regency, Central Java Province. Now the Lake Rawa Pening is overgrown by water hyacinth plants. Residents used to use it as a craft material such as bags, belts, wallets and so forth.
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