Banyuwangi

            Long ago there is on the east coasts of  java a kingdom ruled by King Sindorejo. He is already old and had a son, call Raden Banterang, who is handsome, courageous and fit for ruling the kingdom in case his father die. But Raden Banterang has one weakness he punishes him severely without examining whether the courtier is guilty or not. The king is aware of this trait of character, but he thinks it will be over when Raden Banterang get older and has more experience. One day, when Raden Banternag is hunting with a group of countiers, he has walked alone too far into the forest. He comes nearby a river and there on the riverside he sees beautiful young girl plucking flowers which grows along the riverside. Raden Banterang is astonished at the sight of such a beautiful young woman being alone in the wild forest.He approaches her and asks “ Am I dreaming? Are you a nymph or human being? Why are you alone in this forest?”

            The girl is also astonished seeing a living creature deep in the wood. Nevertheless she answer, “ Im a living person, Sir, not a nymph. Iam here out of fear for my father’s enemy. My father is king of Klungkung on the other side of the ocean. My name is Surati”. She continous, “ One day there comes an enemy who overthrows my father’s kingdom. He is killed in defending his country. Out of fear I run away and come here to save mylife after alot of wandering alone. From that moment on I am liveing hear and do not see anybody who visit this area until now. Raden Banterang is touched by this story. He know it is his father who has overthrown Klungkung kingdom. He says, “ So, you are the king of Klungkung’s daughter.” “ Yes, Sir, “she answer, “ He is a brave man.” At last he says “ Come with me, I’ll take you to the palace.” Raden Banterang takes her with him. After some time the marry. The love each other and live luckily together. But their love does not last long.

            One day as the princess will take a walk outside the palace, just on the moment she leaving the palace gate, she meets a young man, clad in rags. Princess Suranti remembers his voice but she cannot recognize it as she do not expect her brother to be in her neighbourhood. She thinks her brother is already dead together with her father and the countiers of Klungkung. Then she looks closely at the young man in disguise. At recognizing him, she cries,” Brother! How in heaven’s sake are you here. I thought you were dead. Let us forget everything and come with me into the palace”. No, Suranti. I do not want all your wealth,” he says angrily. “You are really impudent to marry our father’s enemy. I have come to take revenge on our father’s death and that of our people. I have been looking for an opportunity to revenge our father and you are now to help me.

            “But Brother. Indeed, Iam married to Raden Banterang, the son of our father’s enemy who had helped me leaving the forest where I had lived alone and in fear”. “No, Suranti. Raden Banterang’s father had killed our father. Take me to their rooms. I shall kill them and afterwards I can take you with me”. “No, Brother, “ she says, “if you want to kill my husband, i dont want to help you. I am sorry. Ask me something else, but not to kill my husband.” Suranti’s answer drive the brother mad. “You are not willing to help me to revenge our father’s death and that of our people? You are traitor, Suranti. It is you who would be punished first”. Then he leaves her. At the moment Suranti and her brother meet and talk outside the palace gate, Radeb Banterang is hunting in the forest . He do not know about the meeting of his wife and her brother. A beggar in rags, later on approaches Raden Banterang, and then whispers to him.”

            Sir, I have been in town. Since morning I have been looking for you. You are in danger. Your wife had plotted with a man for killing you. The man was her brother. If you don’t believe me just you look in yoir sleeping room. There is a headcloth of the person, who has been speaking with the princess this morning. Out of love for you, Icame here to warm you.” After having  spoken these words the beggar vanishes. Raden Banterang don’t get a chance to ask him anything. He is wondered at hearing the message of the beggar and asking to himself whether it is possible that the lovely princess ,his wife , whom he loves very much and who loves him, would betray him.