The Tragedy of Jayaprana And Layonsari, an Indonesian Folk Tale

The tragedy of Jayaprana and Layon Sari, an Indonesian folk tale.

A long, long time ago in the Island of Bali there was a kingdom by the name of Kalianget. It was located in the northern coast of Bali, close to the present day well known resort Lovina beach. It was a prosperous kingdom. The people lived peacefully and prosperously.

Many people wanted to work for the king because they would achieve prestige, wealth and power. One of them was Jayaprana. He was a handsome young man who came from the village of Kalianget. One day he met a beautiful young girl whose name was Layonsari.

Jayaprana fell in love with Layonsari. Then they married and lived happily in Kalianget. Everyone admired the happy couple. They had everything. Jayaprana was a handsome young man. He had a prestigious job in the palace. Layonsari was a beautiful and devoted woman. Their happiness seemed to be perfect. Unfortunately their happiness did not last long.

One day the king of Kalianget saw Layonsari. He was very impressed with her beauty and fell in love with her. When he realized that Layonsari was Jayaprana's wife he was very disappointed. Then the king had an evil intention to both of them. He decided to get rid of Jayaprana.

The king told the Prime Minister Sawung  Galing about his evil intention. They discussed to find a way to eliminate Jayaprana. Sawung Galing had an idea. He ordered Jayaprana to take part in a military operation. He told Jayaprana that there was a security problem in a village outside of the capital. The Prime Minister Sawung Galing himself would lead the operation. He prepared a strong army and told Jayaprana that they would free an area that was occupied by enemy forces.

When Jayaprana told Layonsari about the order from the prime minister, Layonsari had a strange feeling.

'My dear one, I just receive an order from the prime minister this morning'

'What's the order dear?

'I have to take part in a military operation to suppress an insurgency problem in west Bali'

'Military operation? But you are not a member of the military, you are a civilian'

'I know, but this is an order. I have to obey any order'

'Yes, but you cannot fight. How can you take part in a military operation?'

'I have no idea, but it is my duty to obey any order'

'I know that you have to obey any order, but how can you do something that you are not capable of? It does not make sense'

'Maybe I just help them do something'

'Listen my dear one; I believe there is something wrong with this order. This is a trap. Believe me. This plan does not make sense. Besides, I have a hunch'

'A hunch? What do you mean?

'Yesterday I saw many blackbirds flying above our house. Then they sat on the roof. My parents used to say that they are bad omen. Please don't leave'

'I am sorry, I cannot do that. I have to leave immediately. Believe me that everything is gonna be okay. Just pray for me'

Then Jayaprana left her wife. Meanwhile Layonsari was very worried. She was sure that something bad would happen. She felt that someone had a bad intention on them. So she just prayed to god to ask for protection.

Prime Minister Sawung Galing led the army to the west. When they got to a forest he stopped the army. Suddenly he ordered his men to encircle Jayaprana. Then he shouted out loud.

'Jayaprana, in the name of the great king, I have the order of his majesty the king to kill you'

Jayaprana was shocked to hear that.

'I believe this is a mistake. I did not do anything wrong. Why the king wants me to die?'

'You have no right to question the king's order Jayaprana. Just tell me your last wish'

'I want justice. I am innocent. You cannot kill me'

Before Jayaprana could continue his words, the prime minister ordered his men to attack. Jayaprana was not a soldier. He could not fight, so it was not hard for them to kill Jayaprana.

*

One of the soldiers was shock to see the murder. He was Layonsari's cousin. He knew something wrong happened but he could not stop it. So when he got back to Kalianget he rushed to see Layonsari as fast as he could.

'Layonsari, your life is in danger. Run for your life'

'Easy, easy, I am confused. Tell me what happened'

'I just came back from the military operation, and I saw Jayaprana was murdered by Sawung Galing. He said it was the king's order. Now Sawung Galing is reporting to the king. I am sure he will be here soon. They will arrest you, or kill you or maybe even worse'

Layonsari was shocked. For a moment she was speechless. Then she said.

'Your life is in danger too. If they know you are here, then they will arrest you. Run while you still have time. But give me your dagger'

*

The king was very happy to hear the report from his prime minister that the duty to kill Jayaprana has been accomplished. He was happy that his obstacle had gone. He was sure that he could marry Layonsari. Then he ordered the prime minister to bring Layonsari to palace. Not long after that the prime minister came back and reported that Layonsari refused the order.

The king was very angry. Then he came to see Layonsari.

'Layonsari, I come with good intention to you. Your husband was killed by enemy forces in the military operation. Now you are my responsibility. I have to protect you. So come to my palace and live there happily'

'Your majesty, please answer my question honestly. Who killed my husband?

'The enemy's forces. There is no doubt about it'

'But nobody was hurt in our side. My husband was the only victim. How can that be?'

'Layonsari, whatever happened to your husband is god's will. It was his destiny. Look at the bright side. Now you have a golden opportunity to live in a palace. You will be honored. You will enjoy wealth and respect. You can help you family'

'Your majesty, if it is a natural death I will accept it wholeheartedly, but if it is a murder I cannot accept it. You can kill my husband, but you cannot impose your will on me. You cannot have my pride and my dignity. I would rather die. Good bye"

As she just finished saying her words, Layonsari stabbed herself with a small poisonous dagger so she died instantly.

The death of Layonsari soon spread to the neighborhood. People were touched by her faithfulness and her tragic death. Then they brought her dead body to the place where Jayaprana was buried. They were buried in the same place in Teluk Terima or Terima bay in western part of Bali. Teluk Terima is a beautiful place. Today it is in the National Park of West Bali.

On Java - Bali overland tours from Java to Bali, especially those who go to Lovina, tourist will pass it. It is not far from the Gilimanuk harbor where people arrive by ferry from Java.