Legend of Kapuas River and Water King of West Kalimantan

Once upon a time in the lush green heart of Borneo, there lay a majestic river, known to all as the Kapuas River. This river, winding gracefully through the forests and valleys of Kalimantan Barat, was not only a source of life and sustenance for its people but also held a tale that was whispered among the winds and carried by the waves – the tale of the Water King.

Long, long ago, before the river flowed, the land was dry, and the people lived far from each other, struggling to find fresh water. The land was ruled by a wise and benevolent king named Raja Guntur. Raja Guntur had a heart as vast as the sky above, and he cared for his people deeply. Every day, he would ride his majestic horse, Bintang, through the villages, listening to the needs and dreams of his subjects.

One day, as he made his way towards the enchanted Forest of Muria, he came across a beautiful emerald pond. The water sparkled like a thousand stars, and Raja Guntur could hear the soft melody of the water as it danced in the gentle breeze. Mesmerized, he dismounted and knelt beside the pond.

“Oh, magical water!” he exclaimed, “If only you could bring life to our dry land! My people suffer from thirst, and they need your refreshing grace.”

From the depths of the pond arose a glorious figure, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. It was the Water King, a spirit of the river who nurtured and protected the waters of the land. With swirling waves as a crown and shimmering fish as his jewels, the Water King spoke in a voice that flowed like a gentle stream. 

“Brave king, I hear your plea. But the water flows only for those who respect its nature and harmony. If you wish for me to fill your land, you must promise to guard the waters and all living beings that dwell within them,” he said.

“Great Water King, I vow to honor and protect the waters and the creatures of this realm!” Raja Guntur declared with unwavering sincerity.

With a wave of his hand, the Water King summoned forth a tremendous surge of water from the pond. It swelled and overflowed, rushing down the slopes of the hills, filling the valleys, and forming a river that sparked and danced under the sun. The Kapuas River was born, winding its way through the lands of Kalimantan, bringing life to the earth and joy to its people.

The villagers rejoiced, celebrating with laughter, songs, and colorful dances as they gathered by the banks of the river. "Let us take care of the Kapuas!" they cheered, filling the air with merriment.

Time passed, and the river teemed with fish, birds, and lush greenery along its banks. The villagers honored Raja Guntur’s promise, learning to fish sustainably, plant trees to keep the river clean, and respect all creatures of the water. But as the power of the river grew, so too did the greed of a few.

One harsh day, a greedy merchant named Lurah Bayu arrived in the village. He saw the bounty of fish and the lush, fertile land surrounding the river and felt a fire of greed ignite within him. “Why share this gift with all when it can be mine alone?” he grumbled to himself, plotting to take the river's treasure for his own.

One morning, Lurah Bayu gathered a group of men and instructed them to build tall nets, determined to catch every fish in the Kapuas. The men, blinded by promise of riches, followed his commands without hesitation. However, the water of the Kapuas turned murky, and the cries of the fish echoed in the air.

Raja Guntur, sensing a disturbance in the harmony of the river, mounted Bintang and rode downstream. As he approached the fishing grounds, he gasped at the sight before him. “What have you done?” he shouted, his voice rising above the tumult of the water. 

“It is my river now!” Lurah Bayu sneered, throwing down his nets filled with fish. “The wealth of this river shall fill my coffers!”

Fury ignited in the heart of Raja Guntur, but he knew that anger was not the answer. Instead, he called upon the Water King. “O mighty Water King, I ask for your guidance,” he proclaimed. The river began to swirl violently, creating waves that crashed upon the banks as the Water King appeared, a storm brewing in his eyes.

“Greed is a poison, dear king. It twists the hearts of men and poisons the waters. We must teach Lurah Bayu a lesson,” the Water King warned.

In a flash, the waters of the Kapuas surged and encircled the greedy merchant. Lurah Bayu felt a rush of panic as he was swept away by the river’s current. “Help! I cannot swim!” he cried, fear replacing his arrogance. 

“Only when you learn to respect the waters shall you be freed,” the Water King declared. 

Raja Guntur rushed to the riverbank. “Oh, great Water King! Please, spare him. Let him understand his mistake,” he begged.

The Water King paused, sensing the truth in the kind heart of Raja Guntur. The swirling waters slowed, allowing Lurah Bayu to float safely to the shore. Soaked, scared, and humbled, he gazed up at the stern yet wise expression of the Water King.

“I see now… I was blinded by greed,” Lurah Bayu stammered, his voice trembling. “I promise to respect the river, to share its bounty fairly with all.”

With a nod, the Water King lifted his hand, allowing the river to flow gently again. “Let this be a lesson to all who drink from these waters. The river belongs to everyone, and only through respect can we live in harmony.”

Feeling remorseful, Lurah Bayu joined the villagers in caring for the Kapuas River. Together, they learned to fish with kindness, planting trees along the riverbanks and keeping its waters clean. 

From that day on, the river flowed mightily, and the people prospered, their gratitude surrounding the Water King, who watched over them with a benevolent gaze. Raja Guntur was remembered as a king of wisdom, and the Kapuas River became not only a lifeline but a symbol of unity and respect.

And so, the tale of the origin of the Kapuas River and the Water King was passed down through generations, a reminder to always cherish the gifts of nature and tread lightly upon the earth. To this day, as the sun sets over the Kapuas, you can hear the whispers of the water, echoing the laughter of children as they play by its banks, and the gentle rustle of leaves, all blessing the river that unites them with its eternal flow.