The Deer and Kuloamang

Once upon a time, in a forest in the Aru Islands, Maluku Province, lived a group of deer who were known to have the ability to run very fast. Deer used to challenge other animals in an area to race. Who wins the running race, then he has the right to live in the area.

On a beach not far from the forest, there lived a sea snail named Kuloamang. Sea snails are very slow moving animals especially when compared to deer. But sea slugs are known to be loyal companions and cunning.

One time, accidentally, the deer arrived at the beach where Kuloamang lived. They are very interested in controlling the beach because of its beauty. But they heard that the beach was inhabited by sea slugs, one of which was named Kuloamang. As they used to do before, to dominate an area, they wanted to meet Kuloamang to invite him to run.

"This beach is very beautiful, we have to be able to master it. I heard that the sea slug who lives in this area is called Kuloamang. Let's meet him and invite him to run. He will definitely lose to us." said the deer to his friends.

After walking for a long time looking for Kuloamang, the deer finally managed to meet Kuloamang and then asked her to run for a race.

"Hi Kuloamang, we like the coastal area where you live. How about we have a race race. The winner has the right to live in this area." challenge Deer to Kuloamang.

Kuloamang thought hard because he realized he could not possibly beat the Deer in terms of running speed. But Kuloamang couldn't just give up. Finally Kuloamang had the idea to defeat this arrogant deer. Kuloamang undertakes the challenge.

"Very well, I am willing to accept your challenge. If you win, then you can control this beach." Kuloamang said.

The Deer and Kuloamang compete to run

On the appointed day, Deer and some of his friends came back to the beach to do a running race against Kuloamang. They feel confident that they will win the race very easily. Meanwhile, Kuloamang had prepared ten of his friends to wait at the place he had chosen, from Tanjung Dua to Tanjung Sebelas. Kuloamang asked his friends to answer if Rusa asked.

"You wait at their respective places. If the deer ask where my position, then you answer that I'm behind him." Kuloamang said to his friends.

The match begins. The deer immediately ran fast ahead of Kuloamang. Deer looked back for a moment and saw Kuloamang far behind.

"Ha ha ha ... I'll win easily." Deer laughed.

Arriving at Tanjung Dua, Deer began to get tired. He paused for a moment to see where Kuloamang was.

"Where are you now, hi Kuloamang?" asked the deer.

"I'm here, behind you Deer." replied Kuloamang's friend who was waiting for him at Tanjung Dua.

Deer was shocked, how could Kuloamang be so close behind him. He immediately accelerated his run. His breath was already panting but he continued to accelerate his run. Arriving at Tanjung Tiga, he again called Kuloamang. Again he was surprised to see Kuloamang always close behind him.

"Where are you Kuloamang? You must be far behind. There's no way your small body can run up to my running speed." said the Deer.

"I'm here O Deer! Behind you." said Kuloamang's friend who was waiting at Tanjung Tiga.

Deer really can't stop thinking, how could Kuloamang be able to match his running speed. He sped up his run again. And so on until reaching Tanjung Ten. From Tanjung Ten Rusa again accelerated his run because he saw Kuloamang close behind him. Finally, before reaching Tanjung Sebelas, Deer fell tired. Panting breath Finally the deer died from exhaustion. Kuloamang won the running match. The snails still have the right to live on this beautiful beach.

The folklore of Si Rusa and Kuloamang comes from the Maluku region. The story of the arrogant deer competes in a running race against a clever sea slug named Kuloamang.