The Tale of Malin Kundang: A Lesson in Filial Piety
Once upon a time, on the north coast of Sumatera, lived a poor woman and her son, Malin Kundang. Despite their poverty, Malin Kundang grew up to be a skillful young boy who always helped his mother. He would assist her in earning money and was known for his kind heart. As Malin Kundang grew older, he felt a strong desire to explore the world beyond his village. He made a promise to his mother that he would return one day, bringing wealth and success. With hope in his heart, he set sail overseas, leaving his mother behind. Years passed, and the villagers were astonished when Malin Kundang finally returned to his village. He arrived in fine clothes, traveling on one of his own ships. The sight of such splendor was uncommon to the villagers, and they flocked to the harbor to catch a glimpse of him. Among the crowd, one villager recognized Malin Kundang from a scar he had received while playing as a child. Excitedly, the villager rushed to inform Malin Kundang's mother that her son had returned. Overwhelmed with joy, she hurried to the shore and immediately recognized her son. However, when she called out to him, Malin Kundang refused to believe that he had such an old woman as a mother. His disbelief only grew when his wife questioned why he had never mentioned having an elderly, poor mother. In an alternate translation, Malin Kundang was too embarrassed by his mother's ragged appearance to acknowledge her and instead had one of his crew members carry her away. Distraught and heartbroken, Malin Kundang's mother realized the wickedness in her son's heart. She prayed to her god, asking for justice and punishment for his behavior. The very next day, as Malin Kundang's ship sailed out of the village, a violent storm engulfed them. Malin Kundang believed that the storm was his god's and nature's way of punishing him for his mistreatment of his mother. In the face of the raging storm, Malin Kundang finally realized the gravity of his actions. He begged for forgiveness from his mother and promised to change his ways. However, it was too late. The storm grew stronger, and the ship was destroyed, taking Malin Kundang and his crew down with it. The tale of Malin Kundang serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of filial piety and the consequences of neglecting one's family. It teaches us to appreciate and respect our parents, regardless of their social status or appearance. May we always remember the lesson of Malin Kundang and strive to be loving and caring towards our loved ones.