Indonesian Folktales Series: Gunung Merapi (Merapi mount)

 Mount Merapi, located on the border of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Not only is it famous for its powerful eruptions, but it is also rich in folklore and interesting legends. According to the local people, here are some little-known origin stories of Mount Merapi!

According to Javanese legend, the origin of Mount Merapi began with a mountain called Mount Jamurdipa.

The story begins when Batara Narada and Lord Penyarikan, messengers from heaven, came to investigate the existence of Mount Jamurdipa. They observed from the sky that this mountain was tilting the island of Java. To prevent the island from sinking, they planned to move Mount Jamurdipa to a more suitable place in the center of the island.

Batara Narada and Lord Penyarikan told their plan to Batara Guru, the leader of the gods. Batara Guru agreed with the proposal and ordered the two messengers to discuss it with two powerful masters.

They were Empu Rama and Empu Pamadi, who lived in the forest where the mountain was to be built.

The two masters who were observing the Kris carvings were immediately surprised by the arrival of Batara Narada and Dewa Penyarikan. 

When asked to move to another place so that Mount Jamurdipa could be moved, both masters refused, saying that the quality of their krises would not be as good as those produced elsewhere.

This refusal led to a fierce battle between the two sides.

Although both were strong, Batara Narada and Dewa Penyarikan were eventually forced to retreat and return to heaven to report their failure to Batara Guru.

Upon hearing the report, Batara Guru decided to move Mount Jamurdipa even without the consent of the two masters.

Batara Narada and God Penyarikan then lifted Mount Jamurdipa from its original place in the south and made it fly toward the north.

Empu Rama and Empu Pamadi were surprised to see the huge mountain flying near them. When the mountain was released, Mount Jamurdipa fell on the two masters. However, white smoke came from the top of the mountain, which turned out to be from the two masters' furnace.

Since then, Mount Jamur Dipa has been known by its new name, Mount Merapi. The white smoke coming from the top of the mountain is believed to be the remains of the furnace used by Empu Rama and Empu Pamadi.

Mount Merapi is now strong and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, as well as a symbol of the strength and balance of nature on the island of Java.

Mount Merapi is also believed to have a supernatural kingdom, often referred to as Keraton Merapi. This supernatural kingdom is believed to have existed since the time of the Mataram Kingdom but is inhabited and controlled by the Jinn.

In the past, Keraton Merapi was known to have a close relationship with the Mataram Palace. It is even believed that Merapi Palace helped the Mataram Kingdom troops to win the war by erupting Mount Merapi.

Just like other palaces in general, Merapi Palace is believed to have some figures whose names are well known to the people living around Merapi. These figures have their respective duties to maintain the existence of Mount Merapi, including Eyang Merapi, Eyang Sapu Jagad, Eyang Megantara, Eyang Antaboga, Kyai Petruk, Kyai Sapu Angin, Kyai Wola Wali, Nyi Gadung Melati, and Kartadimejo.

There are also several myths associated with Mount Merapi, one of which is Pasar Bubrah. 

Pasar Bubrah is the most famous myth about Mount Merapi. Pasar Bubrah itself is the name of a supernatural market located on a ridge near the crater of Mount Merapi.

Its flat and rocky location makes it a popular place for climbers to rest, spend the night, and wait for the sun to rise. The myth of Pasar Bubrah was born from the stories of people and climbers who spent the night in this place.

At night, people who rest in the place usually hear noisy sounds like a market. Many believe that this place is the big market of Mount Keraton Merapi. The large stones there are considered to be the manifestation of stalls, tables, and chairs belonging to spirits.

Other Merapi myths

Aside from being believed to be the balancer of Java Island, Mount Merapi also has mysteries and myths that are believed by the people around Merapi, among others:

• The sound of people crying is often heard from inside the Kaliadem bunker.
• The stone is at Garuda Peak, which is at the top of Mount Merapi.
• The existence of Nyai Gadung Melati on Mount Wutoh, or the gate of Merapi Palace.
• Kyai Petruk is believed to be the harbinger of the 2010 Merapi eruption.
• Most areas of Mount Merapi, from forests and hills to ponds and caves, are believed to be haunted.

Mount Merapi stands strong with all the myths and mysteries that come with it. For those of you who plan to visit the Mount Merapi area, don't forget to always maintain good manners and follow the local customs.

Story sources:

detik.com

Java Post