Indonesia is a country that has many unique features, not only is it presented with beautiful nature, but Indonesia also has a very charming culture and customs. Even many tourists want to explore the story of Indonesia. One of the unique things is the folklore that used to be shown on TV and told by parents. Usually, each region has its own story, as well as in Lombok.

Likewise in Lombok, many children who were entertained with this story as a typical Indonesian fairy tale during their childhood. What are the folklore from Lombok?

Here one of them, Princes Mandalika

The Beloved Princess of the Sekar Kuning Kingdom

For the people of Lombok, Princess Mandalika has become a familiar story and is often heard and even told many times by the people of Lombok. Until now, there are still beliefs that are still held by the people of Lombok related to this story.

Once upon a time, there was a kingdom facing the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Sekar Kuning Kingdom in the land of Tonjeng Beru. The king, Raden Panji Kusuma also known as Tonjeng Beru, had a wife named Dewi Seranting. Both were famous for their beauty, they lived in harmony and ruled wisely so that the people lived in prosperity.

The long-awaited day arrived, the king and queen were blessed with offspring. A beautiful daughter named Mandalika. Seeing the daily attitudes of her parents, Princess Mandalika grew into a polite, humble girl who loved her people very much. She was even willing to help the people with her own hands, without thinking that she was a noble. It is no wonder that Princess Mandalika was also loved by the people and was always proud of her to the corners of the country.

However, word of mouth about her beautiful face and good character made many princes, from kingdoms near and far, want to marry Princess Mandalika. They even waited until Princess Mandalika was old enough and then one by one proposed to the Sekar Kuning Kingdom. Along with the proposal letters, there was also a notification of the arrival of the princes to the Sekar Kuning Kingdom to give gifts and introduce themselves. Dozens of princes came to the hall of King Tonjeng Beru to introduce themselves and convey their intention to propose to Princess Mandalika.

The suitors were also handsome, educated, and charismatic. The princes also brought gifts of gold, silk cloth, women’s accessories, and even regional specialties to win the heart of the princess. The pile of gifts reached a mountain in Princess Mandalika’s room. However, all of that did not make her happy, the beautiful objects actually became a burden for her.

Quarrel with Suitors

While waiting for Princess Mandalika’s answer, all the princes who came were invited to stay in the royal guest pavilion. At first the pavilion was quiet and felt spacious, but because of the continuous arrival of guest princes and their aides, the guest pavilion became crowded and uncomfortable. Not infrequently, the princes also argued and boasted about their kingdoms. The aura of competition was felt all day long.

One night, Princess Mandalika came to the guest pavilion secretly. She wanted to see the princes who proposed to her. But unexpectedly when she arrived, what was seen was not the charisma of the princes who met her father in the hall, but the arrogance and childishness of the princes who were praising themselves and belittling other kingdoms. This then made the princess feel doubtful about the arrival of the princes.

The Princess’s Answer

Now Princess Mandalika was not only confused, she was also afraid of making the wrong decision. It turned out that the proposals were not only about her, but also about the war between tribes that made her feel unwilling to be the reason for the quarrel. Finally Princess Mandalika decided to consult her wise father and mother.

The king and queen felt the same confusion as their daughter. Both advised Princess Mandalika to ask for guidance from God. Whatever answer Princess Mandalika got, the king and queen would accept and support it.

Then Princess Mandalika meditated on the cliff of Seger Beach to get the answer she was looking for.

After three days of meditation, Princess Mandalika invited the princes to come to the cliffs of Seger Beach at dawn on the 20th day of the 10th month. This choice of time was considered odd, making many people curious. This news also reached the ears of the people of the Sekar Kuning Kingdom and the surrounding kingdoms.

The day that many people have been waiting for has arrived, the Seger Beach area is now filled with residents who are also curious about Princess Mandalika’s answer. The princess arrived accompanied by her parents and guards while walking. She looked charming and very beautiful, her face looked even more beautiful in the colorful silk clothes she was wearing. Her long hair fell under the crown, her eyes looked firm and calm.

Princess Mandalika headed to the edge of the highest cliff alone, making her visible among the crowd. When the sunlight shone on her, Princess Mandalika said loudly that she accepted all the proposals of the princes. However, this answer confused everyone. The princess said that the answer was the best that God had shown. Princess Mandalika said that if she accepted just one proposal, there would be a great war.

Princess Mandalika continued her words, she said all the princes were good for her, but the princes had to become better leaders first for the people, because all she wanted was the welfare of the people. On the contrary, war only brought misery to the people. She also expressed her gratitude for the proposal and everyone’s love for her. Then Princess Mandalika turned her body to face the ocean, then jumped into the ocean greeted by large waves that swallowed her body.

The Emergence of Nyale

Seeing his beloved princess jump into the sea, the king immediately dove into the water to look for his daughter. Followed by the princes and all the people who gathered at Seger Beach. However, out of the hundreds of people who searched, none of them found Princess Mandalika’s body.

What was seen in the water were thousands of colorful ribbon-like marine life. The color was the same as the silk cloth worn by Princess Mandalika, so many people were fooled and caught it.

The king and queen finally realized that the beautifully colored worms were the incarnation of their daughter who had sacrificed herself for the people. Finally, the king and queen ordered the people to collect the worms and take them home. Some put them in the rice fields and made their plants fertile, others made dishes from the worms which they called nyale so that their food needs were always met and prosperous, as Princess Mandalika wished.

Until now, even many Lombok residents still look for nyale in certain seasons. This is one of the cultures left behind from the story of Princess Mandalika.