Written by Rizky Kusumo
In 2015, the Indonesian public was saddened by the crash of AirAsia QZ8501 into the sea. Amidst the evacuation process, a legend believed by the local community surfaced.
This legend speaks of the Orang Laut, believed to be capable of finding sunken objects in the sea. This tradition is still held by the communities living along the shores of Kubu Beach or Kumai Bay in Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo).
“Here's the legend: we offer food to the ‘Orang Laut,’ and then ask them to help find the sunken objects in the sea,” said Haji Zailani, an elder in Pangkalan Bun, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, as reported by Detik.
Haji Zailani explained that when a ship sinks, the local community prepares food or offerings for the Orang Laut. The food must suit their tastes and be given by someone familiar.
The father of five claimed to have helped someone whose ship had sunk. Dozens of tug boats were deployed to lift the ship from the sea floor, but it was only successfully raised after offerings were given.
“For example, I usually prepare 40 types of items (for the offering). These include mertih or fried rice, yellow rice either cooked or raw, paku keminting, gambir, areca nut, and betel leaves. We give these to the Orang Laut, and God willing, they will help us,” he continued.
Who are the Orang Laut?
Zailani described the Orang Laut as invisible beings inhabiting the waters. They are depicted in various forms by the community, but no one has seen their form clearly.
He emphasized that the Orang Laut are not to be worshipped. He mentioned that the Quran, in Adh-Dhariyat verse 56, also acknowledges the existence of other beings.
“As Muslims, we should not deny the existence of supernatural beings. But they are not to be worshipped. In my view, we can ask them for help. The Orang Laut are resilient against waves,” he said.
Fish Population Remains Abundant
However, there is a positive aspect as the fish population in these waters is quite large. Red snapper is a permanent resident of the ecosystem in Teluk Kumai. Many believe these fish grow large by consuming the offerings.
“I don’t dare draw that conclusion,” he explained.
Another interesting belief among the community is about Putri Junjung Buih. This figure is similar to the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul in Java. However, this princess does not rule the sea but resides in the sky.
“Putri Junjung Buih can also be asked for help, but only as an intermediary since her domain is not the sea,” he said.
