5 Betawi Folktales: Legends & Fairy Tales from Jakarta, Indonesia

Gather round, dear friends! Here is a treasure chest of folklore, fairy tales, and legends passed down among the Betawi people of DKI Jakarta Province.

DKI Jakarta Province sits on the northwest coast of Java Island, right beside Banten Province and West Java Province.

These stories have been gathered from many sources, and whenever a new tale is found, it will be added here too. We hope you enjoy every story!

1. The White Crocodile of Setu Babakan: An Indonesian Folktale of Love and Sacrifice

By the still waters of Setu Babakan, they say a white crocodile has always kept watch, loyal to the lake it calls home. In time, the people came to know it as the guardian of Setu Babakan, and its story was woven into Betawi legend forever. Here begins the tale of the White Crocodile of Setu Babakan.

2. Asni & Mirah: The Betawi Warriors of Kemayoran (Indonesian Folktale)

Long, long ago, when Jakarta was still called Batavia and ruled by the Dutch, a robbery shook the house of Babah Yong — a wealthy man from the Chinese community in Kemayoran. The whole town buzzed with the news, until at last the authorities stepped in to solve the mystery.

3. The Legend of Murtado: The Tiger of Kemayoran (Indonesian Folklore)

In the time of Dutch rule, a brave young man named Murtado lived in the Kemayoran area. Though handsome and skilled in the art of silat, Murtado refused to serve the Dutch East Indies government, choosing his own path instead.

4. Si Jampang: The Indonesian Robin Hood | Betawi Folktale

Long ago, during the days of Dutch rule, there lived a man named Jampang. He stood up for the weak and the oppressed, often by stealing from the wealthy who sided with the Dutch — giving hope to those who had none.

5. The Magical Tunnel of Prince Syarif: An Indonesian Folktale for Kids

Once upon a time, Prince Syarif was walking toward Bendungan Village, passing through the Pasar Minggu area. As he reached the Ciliwung River, a gentle drizzle began to fall around him. Along the way, he spotted a boat drifting toward the city, and something about its owner felt strange to the young prince.