Folklore And Legends
FOLKLORE OF JAKA BUDUG AND PUTRI KEMUNING

Jaka Budug is a poor young man who suffers from budug disease (a type of scurvy). That is why it is called by the name of Jaka Budug. Despite these conditions, Jaka Budug managed to marry a princess of the king. How could Jaka Budug marry the king's daughter? Follow the story in the following story Jaka Budug and Putri Kemuning!

Once upon a time, in Ngawi area, East Java, there was a king named Prabu Aryo Seto who reigned in the Kingdom of Ringin Anom. Prabu Aryo Seto was a wise and just king. He had a beautiful daughter named Putri Kemuning. As the name implies, the body of the Princess is very fragrant like a yellow flower.

One day, Putri Kemuning suddenly stricken with a strange disease. His originally fragrant body, suddenly gave off an unpleasant smell. Seeing the condition of his daughter, Sang Prabu became sad because he was worried that no prince or young man would marry his daughter. Various efforts have been made by him, such as giving his daughter traditional medicines in the form of basil leaves and blemishes, but the princess' disease has not been cured. The Prabu has also invited all the healers in his country, but no one has been able to cure the Princess.

Prabu Aryo Seto's heart is getting restless. He often sat daydreaming alone thinking of the unfortunate fate that befell his only puppet princess. Once upon a time, it suddenly came to his mind to meditate and ask God Almighty for guidance so that the rare disease that befell his daughter could be cured.

At midnight, Sang Prabu with a strong determination and a holy heart meditated in a closed room in the palace. At the moment when he dissolved in mediocrity, suddenly there was a very clear whisper in his ear.

“Listen, O Prabu Aryo Seto! The only remedy that can cure your daughter's disease is double-sin leaves. The leaves only grow in the cave at the foot of Mount Arga Dumadi guarded by a serpent dragon and always spitting fire from his mouth,”, said the message delivered by the voice of the occult.

The next day, Prabu Aryo Seto immediately gathered all his people in the square to hold a competition.

“Okay, all my people! You all must have known about my daughter's illness. After meditating last night, I got a clue that my daughter could be cured with double missing leaves growing in a cave at the foot of Mount Arga Dumadi. Whoever can offer the leaf to my daughter, if she is a man I will marry my daughter. However, if he is a woman, he will be my son,” Sang Prabu said in front of his people.

Hearing the announcement, the entire people of the Ringin Anom Kingdom became in an uproar. News of the competition spread throughout the country. Many residents did not dare to follow the competition because they all knew that the cave was guarded by a powerful and very ferocious dragon. In fact, there have been many citizens who became victims of the dragon's violence. However, many residents also ventured to follow the contest because they were tempted by the gift promised by Sang Prabu. Everyone would be happy if he became a son-in-law or adopted son of the king.

One of the young men who really wanted to follow the competition was Jaka Budug. Jaka Budug is a poor young man who lives in a rickety hut with his mother in a remote village within the region of the Kingdom of Ringin Anom. He is called “Jaka Budug” because he has a rare disease, that is his entire body is filled with bud disease. The strange disease has been suffered since he was a child. However, Jaka Budug is a powerful young man. He was very adept and nimble to play the heirloom keris inherited from his late father. With his power, he was eager to help the Princess. However, he was ashamed of his situation.

Meanwhile, the contestants had gathered at the foot of Mount Arga Dumadi to test their devotion. From the first day until the sixth day of the competition was held, not a single participant was able to defeat the dragon. Jaka Budug was increasingly agitated to hear the news.

On the seventh day, Jaka Budug with his strong determination ventured to face Sang Prabu. In front of Prabu Aryo Seto, he asked permission to participate in the competition.

“Ampun, Sire! Allow me to follow this competition to ease the burden of the Princess,” pinta Jaka Budug.

Prabu Aryo Seto did not reply. He was silent for a moment while watching Jaka Budug whose body was filled with red spots.

“Who are you hi, young man? With what can you defeat that mighty dragon?” ask The Prabu.

“Hamba Jaka Budug, Sire. Servant will defeat the dragon with this servant's heirloom keris,” replied Jaka Budug while showing his inheritance to Sang Prabu.

“Alright, Jaka Budug! Because of your strong determination, then your wish I accepted. Good luck to you!” said Sang Prabu.

Jaka Budug also went to Mount Arga Dumadi with a burning determination. He must defeat the dragon and bring home the double lost leaves. After walking far enough, he arrived at the foot of Mount Arga Dumadi. From a distance, he saw bursts of fire coming out of the mouth of the cave-dwelling dragon. He was already impatient to destroy the dragon with his death.

Jaka Budug stepped slowly closer to the dragon very carefully. As soon as he approached, suddenly the dragon attacked him with a burst of fire. Jaka Budug immediately jumped back to avoid the attack. The dragon continued to attack so that Jaka Budug looked a little overwhelmed. Over time, the patience of Jaka Budug was exhausted.

When the dragon was caught off guard, Jaka Budug immediately threw his dagger into the dragon's belly. Fresh blood emanated from the dragon's body and hit Jaka Budug's hand. It is miraculous, the hand of Jaka Budug who was exposed to the blood of the dragon immediately became smooth and clean from budug disease.

Seeing the miracle, Jaka Budug increasingly eager to destroy the dragon. Nimbly, he again thrust his dagger into the dragon's neck until the blood gushed with a rush. The dragon died instantly. Jaka Budug immediately took the dragon's blood and rubbed it all over his body affected by budug disease. At that moment his whole body became clean and smooth. Not a single hint of red spots remained. Now, Jaka Budug turned into a very handsome young man.

After picking a few leaves of double vanished in the cave, Jaka Budug immediately returned to the palace with a feeling of joy. Upon arrival at the palace, Prabu Aryo Seto was stunned when he saw Jaka Budug who now had clean skin and radiant face. The Prabu could hardly believe that the young man before him was Jaka Budug. However, after Jaka Budug recounted all the events he experienced at the foot of Mount Arga Dumadi, then Sang Prabu believed and was amazed.

Jaka Budug then presented the double vanished leaves he obtained to Sang Prabu. It is magical, Putri Kemuning back healthy after eating the double vanished leaves. Now, the body of the Princess re-smelled like a yellow flower.

Prabu Aryo Seto also set Jaka Budug as the winner of the competition. In accordance with his promise, Sang Prabu immediately married Jaka Budug to his daughter, Putri Kemuning. How long after they got married, Prabu Aryo Seto died. After that, Jaka Budug was crowned heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Ringin Anom. Jaka Budug and Putri Kemuning lived happily ever after.

———

Thus the legend of Jaka Budug and Putri Kemuning from Ngawi area, East Java. Lessons that can be learned from the story above include the virtue of being brave and good at keeping promises. Brave nature is shown by Jaka Budug who is undaunted against the mighty dragon. Thanks to his bravery, he managed to defeat the dragon and took the double vanished leaves to treat the Princess' disease. It is said in the Malay Clue:

ananda, give charity, O Ananda,

dare to use reason

do good dancing linger

to die is not sorry

Meanwhile, the clever nature of keeping promises is seen in the attitude of Prabu Aryo Seto who married Jaka Budug with Putri Kemuning.