Introduction
The Jatigede Dam, spanning 4,891.13 hectares, not only serves practical purposes but also intertwines with the enduring folklore, bridging ancient myths with contemporary landscapes.
The legend of Sangkuriang typically concludes with him kicking the boat he built, transforming it into the iconic Mount Tangkuban Parahu. However, for the residents of Cipaku Village in Darmaraja Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, the story does not end there. Interestingly, Sangkuriang’s deep love for Dayang Sumbi lingers, inspiring a continuation of his quest to win her heart.
In this lesser-known version, Sangkuriang envisions creating a breathtaking lake, adorned with blooming flowers along its shores. This paradise, he believes, would captivate Dayang Sumbi and persuade her to embrace his love. Moving from myth to modernity, this imagined lake now resonates with reality. Today, in the areas of Darmaraja, Jatigede, and Wado, the vast expanse of the Jatigede Dam stands as a tangible symbol of this tale.
The Myth and Its Connection to Jatigede Dam
A Myth Passed Down Through Generations
The Jatigede Dam spans 4,891.13 hectares, and locals believe it is the very lake Sangkuriang dreamed of creating. This tale has been deeply ingrained in the collective memory of the community, passed down from generation to generation.
Yeni Mulyani Supriatin, in her study published in the Sociotechnology Journal (2010), sheds light on this myth:
“The story of Sangkuriang circulating in Cipaku Village, Darmaraja Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, describes Sangkuriang building the most beautiful lake in Jatigede as a honeymoon destination for him and Dayang Sumbi, should he succeed in marrying her.”
Myth and Mysticism in Jatigede Dam’s Construction
The creation of Jatigede Dam is shrouded in mystical beliefs. Supernatural entities are thought to play central roles in myths surrounding the dam.
According to literary scholars, myths often narrate tales of gods, the creation of the world, and supernatural beings. These myths usually provide explanations for the origins of natural phenomena, often through mystical forces.
The Babon Darmaraja manuscript even foretells the damming of the Cimanuk River and the flooding of Sumedang’s rice fields. In this narrative, supernatural entities like the White Crocodile (Buaya Putih) and the White Crab (Keuyeup Bodas) are key figures, both directly connected to Sangkuriang’s dream of creating the lake.
Key Figures in the Myth Jatigede Dam
The White Crocodile (Buaya Putih)
In this myth, the White Crocodile represents a powerful supernatural being—none other than Sangkuriang’s spirit. Locals believe he rules over Darmaraja and its surroundings, relentlessly attempting to dam the Cimanuk River to fulfill his vision of a lake.
However, his efforts are thwarted by another supernatural entity, the White Crab, which opposes the lake’s creation. Despite this, Sangkuriang’s determination to create the lake and his powerful army make the White Crocodile a prominent figure in the local lore.
The White Crab (Keuyeup Bodas)
The White Crab is an opposing force to the White Crocodile. Equipped with its mighty claws and a formidable army, the White Crab is believed to possess the power to destroy the Jatigede Dam.
Yeni Mulyani Supriatin suggests an alternative interpretation: the myth of the White Crab could serve as an educational tool for disaster mitigation.
In her study “Interpreting Myths as Disaster Mitigation Media in Sundanese Communities,” she explains that locals may have used these myths to warn against the construction of the dam due to potential disasters like flooding and the loss of cultural heritage.
The myth foretells the dam’s eventual collapse, attributed to the White Crab. However, viewed scientifically, the White Crab might symbolize tectonic fault lines threatening the dam’s stability.
“Crabs are generally dark in color, but in this myth, the crab is white. Thus, the White Crab metaphorically represents the active faults—Lembang, Cimandiri, and others—that form a curving shape like a crab. If these active faults move, the dam could break and suffer catastrophic damage,” Yeni explains.
A Myth with Modern Implications
While deeply rooted in Sundanese oral tradition, the myths surrounding Jatigede Dam carry modern relevance. They act as both cultural heritage and a reminder of the potential environmental and geological risks associated with large infrastructure projects.
By interpreting these myths through a scientific lens, we uncover not just ancient beliefs but also lessons in disaster awareness and mitigation.
Read More:
Nyi Rengganis Folktale: Challenging the Selfish Beauty of Taman Banjarsari
References
- Supriatin, Yeni Mulyani. “The Development of Jatigede Dam and Its Myths in Sundanese Oral Literature.“ Sociotechnology Journal, Edition 20, Year 9, August 2010.
- Supriatin, Yeni Mulyani. “Interpreting Myths as Disaster Mitigation Media in Sundanese Communities.”
