Curse of the King of Mintin Island: Indonesian Folktale

Chapter 1: The Peaceful Kingdom

It is said that long ago, there was a kingdom on Mintin Island, in the Kahayan Hilir area of Central Kalimantan. It was known far and wide as a prosperous and peaceful kingdom, for it was ruled by a fair and wise king.

Every morning, the people of the island woke up with happy hearts. The fishermen sang as they pushed their boats onto the shining river. The farmers laughed as they worked in their green fields. The children played on the riverbank until the sun went down.

The People: "Long live our king! Thank you for keeping us safe and happy!"

The king smiled kindly whenever he heard their voices, and he loved his people as much as he loved his own family.

Chapter 2: The Sad Day

But one day, the peace of the kingdom was disturbed. The beloved empress, the king's dear wife, passed away.

The king was heartbroken. He wandered through the palace with drooping shoulders and tearful eyes, and he could no longer rule the kingdom as he once had. Day by day, his health grew weaker, too.

The royal adviser came to him with a worried face.

Royal Adviser: "Your Majesty, you have been sad for so long, and your body grows weak. Perhaps a sea voyage would help you. The fresh wind and the wide blue waves might soothe your heart."

The King: "A voyage... Perhaps you are right, my faithful adviser. But who will look after my kingdom while I am away?"

Chapter 3: The Twins Take the Throne

The king had two children, twin sons named Naga, the Dragon, and Buaya, the Crocodile. He called them to the throne room.

The King: "My sons, I must go on a long journey to heal my heavy heart. While I am away, I entrust the kingdom to you both. Rule it wisely, and take good care of our people."

Naga: "Do not worry, Father. I will do as you ask."

Buaya: "Rest well, Father, and come home healthy. We will guard the kingdom together."

So the king boarded his ship and sailed away across the wide water.

But there was one big problem. Although the two brothers were twins, their characters were as different as night and day.

Naga loved only pleasure. He feasted, drank, and gambled from morning until night, and he wasted the royal treasure without a second thought.

Buaya was generous and warm-hearted. He never wasted anything, and he was always ready to help his people.

Chapter 4: The Quarrel

Buaya grew more and more upset as he watched the royal treasure disappear.

Buaya: "Brother, please stop! The treasure belongs to our people. Come and help me take care of them instead of spending your days having fun."

Naga: "Oh, be quiet, Buaya! I am the ruler now, and I will do as I please. Leave me alone!"

Buaya tried again and again, patiently and gently. But Naga only covered his ears and laughed. At last, Buaya lost his patience.

Buaya: "You are foolish and selfish, Naga! Our father trusted us, and you are throwing that trust away!"

Naga: "How dare you speak to me like that! You are not better than I am!"

The quarrel grew louder and louder. Each brother called on his loyal soldiers, and soon the argument became a terrible war. The two armies fought again and again, and many people of Mintin Island suffered.

Chapter 5: The King's Bad Feeling

Far away on the sea, the king could not stop thinking about his kingdom. A heavy, uneasy feeling settled in his heart.

The King: "Something is wrong. I know the hearts of my two sons, and I fear what may be happening at home. Turn the ship around! We must return at once!"

The sailors turned the ship, and it sped back toward Mintin Island.

Chapter 6: The Curse

When the king arrived, his worst fears had come true. His two sons were fighting each other, and his people were crying in sorrow. The king's face turned red with anger, and he shouted:

The King: "Stop this at once! Why are you two fighting? You have broken my trust, and your war has made my people suffer! For your mistakes, I will punish you both."

He turned to Buaya first.

The King: "Buaya, become a real crocodile and live in the water. You shall stay in this place and guard Mintin Island forever."

Then he turned to Naga.

The King: "Naga, become a real dragon. Your mistake is great, and your temper has always been very bad. You shall live along the Kapuas River, and your duty is to keep it from being choked by the Bantilung fungus."

As soon as the king finished speaking, something strange happened. The sky grew dark, and lightning cracked and boomed across the clouds. In that very moment, the two brothers changed. Buaya became a crocodile, and Naga became a dragon.

And so, the story goes, the crocodile still guards the waters of Mintin Island, and the dragon still watches over the river.

🎮 Play the Story! Before or after reading the tale above, try this interactive game "The Curse of the King of Mintin Island" — complete with voice narration (which you can mute) and fun challenges at each part of the story. Available in Indonesian and English.

More folklore from Central Kalimantan:

• Curse of the King of Mintin Island: Indonesian Folktale
• How Riam Mangkikit Got Its Name: An Ancient Central Kalimantan Folk Tale