Folklore And Fairy Tales

The Origin of Balikpapan City

In the past, in Tanah Pasir, East Kalimantan, there was a large kingdom led by King Aji Muhammad who was famous for being fair and wise. Thanks to the leadership of the King, the country was always safe, prosperous, and sentosa. Its inhabitants live off of abundant marine and agricultural products. The country has a large area, one of which is a bay with a very beautiful view.

King Aji Muhammad had a daughter named Aji Tatin. He is the sole heir to the throne. That is why, all the affection of his father and mother poured out to Aji Tatin. Dozens of palace ladies always accompany Aji Tatin to care, care, protect him and ensure all the needs of Aji Tatin are met.

After growing up, Princess Aji Tatin married a noble son from Kutai. As the only daughter, Aji Tatin's wedding party was very lively. Dozens of cows and buffaloes were slaughtered to be avoided to invited guests from all over the country. Not only the princes of the neighboring kingdom, but also all the people of the country partied. It was a beautiful and happy day for both brides.

As the feast was going on, King Aji Muhammad rose from his throne to give gifts to his beloved daughter.

“My daughter, Aji Tatin, on this happy day Father gave the beautiful and enchanting bay area as your wedding gift,” the King said in front of the princess and witnessed by the whole invitation, “Currently, the bay has become your territory. You may also collect tribute from your people.”

“Thank you, Ayahanda. Hopefully Ananda can keep this mandate,” said Princess Aji Tatin with a happy feeling.

One day, the confidants of Princess Aji Tatin led by Commander Sendong were collecting tribute from the people. The carpet in the form of boards is transported by sea by boat. However, when they had almost reached the bay, suddenly the wind blew very hard. A few moments later, a very powerful sea wave hit the boat they were riding. The entire boat was in a panic.

“Come, quickly paddle his boat to the bay!” shouted Commander Sendong.

Hearing the call, the rowers immediately paddled their boats quickly. But everything is too late. Before the boat reached the bay, the increasingly large ocean waves crashed into the hull of the boat. Sea water came in and filled the entire boat. No doubt, the boat filled with wooden boards was overturned.

The boat that was almost drowned was then carried by the sea waves and finally crashed into a reef around the bay so that it broke apart. Tokong (galah) the rowers were broken. The wooden planks that filled the boat were partially washed out to sea and some others were washed up on the shore of the bay. Meanwhile, none of the boat passengers survived, including Commander Sendong.

Princess Aji Tatin and her husband are deeply saddened by the misfortune that befell the commander and his confidants. To commemorate the event, the area of the bay where the boat capsized was called Balikpapan, which is from the word back and board. Meanwhile, the coral where the boat crashed was getting bigger and bigger so that it became an island. Until now, the island is called Pulau Tukung which comes from the word tokong, which is the shop of the crew of the boat that was broken due to crashing on the reef.