Indonesian Short Stories

Kancil the clever mouse-deer wants to cross a crocodile-filled river. He tells the crocodiles the king wants them counted for a meat reward, so they line up across the river. Kancil hops across their backs counting, then reveals he only wanted to cross. A beloved Indonesian folk tale.

Kiki the bunny refuses to sleep and sneaks out to see the forest at night. A wise owl reminds him that bunnies need rest to play tomorrow. Kiki decides his cozy bed is best and falls asleep.

All through the dry season the ant gathers grain while the grasshopper sings and dances. When the rainy season comes, the hungry grasshopper knocks on the ant’s door. The kind ant shares her food, and the grasshopper promises to work ahead next year.

Inspired by the famous West Sumatran legend of Malin Kundang (a son turned to stone for denying his mother), this version follows a young Malin who leaves his fishing village, becomes a rich merchant, and chooses to return home and embrace his mother, remembering that his success came from her prayers.

Tuti, a baby sea turtle, hatches on a Bali beach but is confused by bright hotel lights and heads the wrong way. A boy named Wayan switches off the nearby lights and tells her to follow the moonlight on the water. Tuti reaches the sea, and Wayan starts a campaign to dim beach lights during hatching season.

Gogo the little elephant is teased for his big ears and slow walk. When a flood traps baby monkeys, rabbits and deer on a small island, only Gogo dares to wade through the current and carries them all to safety. No one teases him again.

Sari finds a golden pencil that brings her drawings to life. After drawing treats for herself, she sees her friend Budi crying over a torn school bag and draws him a new one. The pencil glows brighter — the best magic is making others happy.

Kind Bawang Putih is overworked by her stepmother and stepsister Bawang Merah. When she helps an old woman with honest, cheerful work, she modestly chooses a small pumpkin that turns out to be full of gold. Greedy Bawang Merah works lazily, picks the big pumpkin, and finds snakes inside. A classic Indonesian folk tale.

Olin, a baby owl, is afraid of the dark. His father takes him on a night flight to hear crickets and frogs, smell jasmine blooming at night and see the stars. Finding no monsters, Olin flies a little on his own and discovers the night is full of wonders.

An ancient banyan tree, “Grandpa Banyan,” shades the village. When it’s marked to be cut for a road, the children draw pictures, write posters and appeal to the village head, who reroutes the road. Children still swing from its hanging roots today.