Hundreds of years ago, during the reign of King Brawijaya, the last ruler of the Majapahit Kingdom, the queen gave birth to a baby girl. She was named Roro Anteng. As the years passed, Princess Roro Anteng grew into a beautiful and graceful young woman.
In time, she married Joko Seger, a man from the Brahmin caste. Their life was peaceful, but soon chaos struck the kingdom. The Majapahit Empire began to fall, and the king and his followers were forced to flee eastward—to Bali and the mountains of East Java. Roro Anteng and Joko Seger joined the group that journeyed to a volcanic region. They later settled there and named the area Tengger, a combination of Anteng and Seger.
Years went by, and the region flourished under their care. However, the couple remained childless, and this brought them deep sorrow. In their desperation, they decided to climb to the top of the volcano to pray to the Gods.
“Dear Almighty,” pleaded Joko Seger, “we have been married for many years, yet we still have no children. Please bless us with sons and daughters. I swear, if You grant our wish, I will do whatever You command.”
Suddenly, a deep roar came from the volcano. Streams of lava rose high, glowing with golden lightning. A mighty voice echoed, “I have heard your prayer. You shall have many children—but in return, you must sacrifice your last one to me.”
The couple returned home. Not long after, a baby boy was born. They named him Tumenggung Klewung. Year after year, more children were born until they had twenty-five in total. Their youngest and dearest child was named Kesuma.
Roro Anteng and Joko Seger lived happily with their twenty-five children, especially little Kesuma, whom they cherished deeply. Yet, behind their joy, they were haunted by fear—fear of the day when the Gods would demand the promised sacrifice.
Time passed, and at last, that day arrived. The Gods reminded them of their sacred vow. But the parents could not bear to lose Kesuma. In tears, they broke their promise and tried to flee with their children, hoping to hide from the divine command.
Then, the ground trembled violently. The volcano erupted with thunderous force. Fire and ash filled the sky. In the chaos, Kesuma was swallowed by the crater before their eyes. At once, the eruption ceased, and silence fell over the mountain.
From within the crater, a gentle voice was heard:
“My dear brothers and sisters, do not mourn for me. I was sacrificed to the Almighty Hyang Widi Wasa for the sake of our people. Live in peace and harmony. Honor the Gods and hold a ceremony every year on the 14th of Kasada, under the full moon.”
Since that day, the Tengger people have faithfully held the Kasada Ceremony each year at Mount Bromo, offering crops and livestock to the crater in remembrance of Kesuma’s sacrifice and the devotion of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger.
“True devotion means keeping your promise, even when it demands great sacrifice.”
π Cultural Background
The Legend of Rara Anteng and Jaka Seger is a cherished folktale from East Java, Indonesia, especially among the people living around Mount Bromo. It tells not only the story of love and courage but also the deep devotion of a couple who sacrificed everything for the good of their people.
The name of the Tengger tribe is believed to come from the last syllables of their names — Rara Anteng and Jaka Seger — symbolizing their lasting legacy. To this day, the Kasada Festival is held every year by the Tenggerese people as an expression of gratitude and remembrance of their ancestors. During this ceremony, offerings such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, and livestock are thrown into the crater of Mount Bromo, echoing the promise made by Rara Anteng and Jaka Seger long ago.
Their story continues to live on — in the mist that rises from Bromo’s crater, in the devotion of the Tenggerese, and in the hearts of all who believe in love, sacrifice, and faithfulness.
