Stories

Bawang Putih & The Night Sky

On the night when Bawang Putih’s mother passed away, her father hugged her and whispered in her ear that when people die they fly up to the heavens and become stars. These words soothed her and she recalled them when years later she faced the unexpected death of her beloved father. The night after his burial, as her stepmother and stepsister, Bawang Merah, went home; she lay down in the field by her house and awaited the arrival of a new star. Sure enough, a vibrant star appeared when droplets of morning dew formed on blades of grass.

Love Letter of Roro Mendut

Once upon a fallen star, there lived a princess with a rebellious heart by the name of Mendut. In the palace, she was always referred to by her royal title, Roro Mendut, but among her friends, she was simply, Petite Mendut. Rumors of her ethereal beauty and siren-like voice traveled to many places, but those who knew her best-loved the girl for her vibrant spirit and virtue.

The Secret Garden of Admiral Kasarung

Long ago, deep in the forest of Java there lived an enchanted admiral by the name of Kasarung. Kasarung was half-man, half-ape but he was no beast. His goddess mother had cast a spell on him which made him lose his handsome features. It was an act they had agreed upon such that Kasarung could find a lasting and true love. Having embraced a facade that would deter disingenuous suitors he then fled from heaven and built himself a sanctuary in the jungle to set about finding a soulmate.

Pepe & The Flying Balloon

Once upon a time, there were two mice that lived an adventurous life in the heart of Jakarta. Hiro and his wife, Sur, were a hard-working and courageous duo. Even though they were tiny creatures, their hearts were set on rescuing abandoned children who lived on the streets. Sometimes they slept under the rooftops of big houses, where they could steal some food for these children. Other times they spent the night in a clothing factory, where Sur would sew little scarves from leftover materials.

Les Papillons de Victor

A simple story about being happy and giving unconditional love to every living being.

The Sound of Dawn

Every life form begins with love. As the first strokes of the sun’s rays fill every inch of space with cosmic kindness, darkness slowly bids farewell. Sleeping creatures start to wake, absorbing energy and transferring warmth to one another, making the earth beneath happier. Like a conductor who is about to lead a grand symphony, a shiny black cockerel raises itself onto a fence, summoning others to join his sunrise orchestra. Hummingbirds set the opening tune, and daisies dance the cha-cha, while leaves riding on a morning breeze sing a soothing ballad.

Delightfully Yours

The smell of ground cinnamon fills the air with a perfect mix of an exotic tropical forest and the tender touch of winter. From beneath a pile of sweets and candies, a wooden puppet starts to move. Her body is made of planks, while her joints are coarsely pinned. You might think that this would limit her movement, but as she approaches the stove to see if the caramel is simmering, she stirs and her hips start to dance.

Ruba’iyat of Amma Supahilo

On a cold rainy night, I fell asleep and in my dreams met a girl who told me about her life. We became very close, and she taught me a special alphabet such that we could communicate with each other in code. Before we parted, she wrote me a short poem. The structure was similar to a ruba’iyat, a Persian quatrain consisting of four lines and rhyming with AABA. Each line was written in iambic pentameter, with double meaning, and dual perspectives.