Once upon a time in a fishing village, precisely in West Sumatra, there lived a boy named Malin Kundang. He lived with his mother, Mande Rubayah. His father had long since left his mother and only child.

Malin grew up to be a smart and brave boy, but a little mischievous. They lived in poverty. Until one day when Malin grew up, he thought of seeking his fortune in a foreign country. He hoped that when he returned to his hometown, he would already be a wealthy merchant.

Malin was attracted by the invitation of a merchant ship captain who was once poor and has now become a wealthy man. His determination getting stronger, Malin asked his mother for permission. Mande Rubayah did not agree with her son's wish, but as Malin kept insisting, she finally gave her permission.

“My son, when you have succeeded and become a wealthy person, don't forget your mother and your hometown, son,” said his mother.

It turned out that Malin's presence on the ship was well-liked. Apart from being very diligent and always ready to help, he was also a hard worker.

As the years passed, Malin became a captain of many merchant ships. He also managed to marry one of the king's beautiful daughters. News of his success reached Malin's mother. Every day Mande Rubayah took the time to go to the dock hoping to meet her son, Malin.

Malin Kundang returns to his hometown

One day, their ship arrived at the village where Malin had grown up. Malin Kundang got off the ship. He was greeted by his mother.

“Malin Kundang, my son, why did you go so long without sending any news,” she said while hugging Malin.

Instead, Malin Kundang immediately broke the embrace and pushed his mother to the ground.

“What an ignorant woman, carelessly claiming to be my mother,” Malin said to his mother. Malin pretended not to know his mother, because he was ashamed to see his mother who was old and wearing tattered clothes.

“Is that woman your mother?” asked Malin's wife. “No, she's just a beggar pretending to be my mother in order to get my money,” said Malin.

Seeing Malin's arrogant behavior in front of his wife, Mande Rubayah was very hurt. She watched her son's ship departing from the shore, praying in her heart that God would punish her son.

A big storm then hit Malin Kundang's ship until all its contents were destroyed. It turned out that the fragments of this ship turned into coral reefs, including the figure of Malin Kundang who was kneeling.