A long time ago in Central Java, there was a cruel giant king named Prabu Boko. He ruled
harshly and often fought against neighboring kingdoms. But Prabu Boko had one treasure that
everyone admired: his daughter, Princess Roro Jonggrang, who was not only beautiful but
also intelligent. One day, Prabu Boko went to war against a powerful prince and warrior,
Bandung Bondowoso. With his magical powers and the help of spirits, Bandung Bondowoso
defeated Prabu Boko and claimed the kingdom.
After his victory, Bandung Bondowoso saw Princess Roro Jonggrang and immediately fell in
love with her. “Roro Jonggrang, become my wife, and together we will rule this land,” he said
with confidence. But in her heart, Roro Jonggrang was filled with hatred. She could not forgive
him for killing her father. Still, she knew she could not reject him outright, because his powers
were too great. Instead, she came up with a clever idea. “I will marry you,” she said, “but only if
you can build one thousand temples in a single night.”
Bandung Bondowoso laughed. “That is easy for me,” he replied proudly. As night fell, he called
upon his supernatural helpers, spirits and demons, to start building. The earth shook, stones
flew, and temples rose one after another. By midnight, almost all were complete. Roro
Jonggrang became nervous—her plan was about to fail. Quickly, she gathered the village
women. “Make the roosters crow! Pound the rice! Light the fires in the east!” she ordered. The
noise and the glow tricked the spirits into thinking morning had arrived. They vanished, leaving
the work unfinished at 999 temples.
When Bandung Bondowoso realized the trick, his face darkened with anger. “You deceived me,
Roro Jonggrang!” he shouted. With rage in his heart, he cursed her. At that very moment, Roro
Jonggrang turned into stone, completing the last temple. Today, at Prambanan Temple, visitors
can see a statue inside the main shrine that many believe to be the cursed figure of Roro
Jonggrang—forever a reminder of the story of love, betrayal, and punishment.
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