The story of Baru Klinting, a boy said to be a dragon incarnation, passed down through generations, marks the genesis of Lake Rawa Pening in Semarang Regency. Enraged with the villagers wrongdoings, he unleashed his wrath upon the village and plunged a stick into the ground, from which water gushed endlessly forming a vast pool of water. The village faced a grim fate, except for Mbok Rondo, whom Baru Klinting spared as a gesture of gratitude for her kindness to feed and care for him.

Like a reservoir surrounded by mountains, Rawa Pening became a vital life and economic resource for the surrounding community, nature, and animals. Sadly, it is now among the 15 national priority lakes due to complex issues regarding cleanliness, threats of biota extinction and concerning ecosystem. This as if a reflection of how Baru Klinting’s abandonment may resulted in a natural disaster in the future.

This narrative is more than folklore for 71-year-old Mbah Gik, a resident of the Rawa Boni village in the coastal area of Rawa Pening, the legend of Baru Klinting offers profound life lessons and reminds us of the importance of nurturing our relationships with Allah, among humans, and with nature.

Hablum minallah, hablum minannas, hablum minal alam.

Just as Mbok Rondo showed kindness to Baru Klinting, Mbah Gik shares her wisdom with the community through local art forms like dance, poetry, music, and recycling. These activities offer not only for mere enjoyment but also as means to invite others to truly cherish nature and take care of future generations.

*) President of the Republic of Indonesia Regulation Number 60 of 2021 concerning the Rescue of National Priority Lakes. Jakarta.