Draft:Puake

Puake is a mythical creature believed to inhabit the Kapuas River in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The legend of Puake has developed among the local community, particularly in Pontianak, and has been passed down through generations. Puake is described as a giant dragon or other mystical creature guarding the Kapuas River, and it is said to demand sacrifices at certain times. The local belief in Puake symbolizes protection and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the river.

Illustration of Puake

Origins and Beliefs

The people of Pontianak who live around the Kapuas River believe that Puake takes the form of a giant serpent, with its head at the river's mouth and its tail at the river's source. According to local beliefs, Puake often appears as a warning for rituals to be performed. These rituals typically involve offerings such as oil, village chicken eggs, powder, nails, and yellow rice. It is believed that these offerings can calm Puake’s wrath and protect the community from disaster.

Legendary Tales

One of the most famous stories about Puake occurred in 1994, when several children disappeared while swimming in the Kapuas River. The children were playing with floats in the river when a sudden large wave swept them away. The local community, including the village head, believed that Puake was responsible for the children's disappearance. It was said that Puake became angry because the children were disrespectful while swimming in the river, and in response, Puake sent a large wave to drown them. After this incident, many parents forbade their children from playing in the Kapuas River.

Types of Puake

There are several variations of Puake known to the local community:

Puake as a Dragon or Long Serpent

Puake is most commonly known as a giant dragon-like figure with a red body and long horns. In this form, Puake is believed to have extraordinary powers and the ability to cause natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

Puake as a White Crocodile (Sarassa)

In the Bansir region of Pontianak, some believe that Puake can also take the form of a white crocodile known as Sarassa. This white crocodile is said to appear during weddings or on the night before Eid al-Fitr. The appearance of the white crocodile is seen as an omen, either good or bad, depending on the context.

Puake as a Giant Turtle (Puake Biukur)

Another form of Puake is believed to be a giant turtle called Puake Biukur. However, this form is rarely seen and often remains part of oral tradition, difficult to verify.

Role in Local Culture

The myth of Puake serves not only as folklore but also as a means for the local people to maintain a harmonious relationship with nature, especially the Kapuas River. The belief in Puake is often seen as a way to preserve the river from pollution and overexploitation. Puake symbolizes the power of nature, which must be respected and treated with care.

Influence on Community Life

The story of Puake and the belief in this creature have shaped certain aspects of the lives of those living around the Kapuas River. Beyond serving as a reminder of natural dangers, the myth also influences community behavior regarding the river, particularly with customary rules and beliefs about rituals and offerings needed to appease Puake.

Conclusion

Puake is one of the most legendary mythical creatures in West Kalimantan. Its presence in the culture of the Pontianak community shows how myths and folklore play a vital role in daily life. Although its existence cannot be scientifically proven, the story of Puake continues to live on through oral tradition and remains an integral part of the identity of the people around the Kapuas River.