Malin Kundang ( In English )

MALIN KUNDANG

Once upon a time, on the north coast of Sumatra, lived a poor woman and her son. The boy was called Malin Kundang. They didn’t earn much as fishing was they were only source of income. Malin Kundang grew up as a skillful young boy. He always helps his mother to earn some money. However, as they were only fisherman’s helper, they still lived in a poverty. “Mother, what if sail overseas?” asked Malin Kundang one day to his mother. His mother didn’t agree but Malin Kundang had made up his mind. “Mother, if I stay here, I’ll always be a poor man, I want to be a successful person.” Urged Malin. His mother wiped her tears. “If you really want to go, I can’t stop you, I could only pray to God for you to gain success in your life.” Said his mother wisely, “But, promise me, you’ll come home.”

In the next morning, Malin Kundang was ready to go. Three days ago, he met one of the successful ship’s crew. Malin was offered to join him. “Take a good care of yourself, son.” said Malin Kundang’s mother as she gave him some food supplies. “Yes, mother.” Said Malin Kundang. “You too, have to take a good care of yourself, I’ll keep in touch with you.” He continued before kissing his mother’s hand. Before Malin stepped onto the ship, Malin’s mother hugged him tight as if she didn’t want to let him go. It had been a year since Malin left his mother. Every morning, his mother stood on the pier, she wished to see the ship that brought Malin Kundang home, but she hadn’t hear any news from Malin. She kept praying and waiting for him. After several years waiting without any news, Malin Kundang’s mother was suddenly surprised by the arrival of a big ship in the pier where she usually stood to wait for her son. When the ship finally pulled over, she saw a man who looked wealthy stepping down a ladder along with a beautiful woman. She could not be wrong. The man was Malin Kundang. Malin Kundang’s mother quickly went to see her beloved son, and without hesitation, she came running to hug Malin Kundang, “I miss you so much.” Said his mother. But Malin Kundang didn’t show any respond. He was ashamed to admit his own mother in front of his beautiful wife. “You’re not my mother! I don’t know you! My mother would never wear such ragged and ugly clothes.” Said Malin Kundang as he release his mother embrace. Malin Kundang’s mother take a step back, “Malin… You don’t recognize me? I’m your mother!” she said. Malin Kundang’s face was as cold as ice. “Guard, take this old woman out of here!” Malin Kundang ordered his bodyguard. “Give her some money so she won’t disturb me again!” Malin Kundang’s mother cried. “Malin… My son, why do you treat your own mother like this?” Malin Kundang ignored his mother and ordered the ship crews to set sail. Malin Kundang’s mother sat alone in the pier, she cried and cried. “Dear God, if he isn’t my son, please let him a save journey, but, if he is, I cursed him to become a stone,” she prayed to the God.

In the quiet sea, suddenly the wind blew so hard and a thunderstorm came. Malin Kundang’s ship was wrecked. He was thrown by the wave out of his ship, and fell on a small island. Suddenly, his whole body turned into stone. He was punished for not admitting his own mother.