The Origin of Lake Belida

Illustration: Majalah Hidup.

SEKADAU - dayaktoday.com: A beautiful lake located in the Kapuas Hulu district of West Kalimantan. 

The water is as clear as glass, teeming with fish. This lake lies between the northeastern tip of the Muller-Schwaner Mountains and the Kapuas Hulu Mountains.

Every morning, as you stroll along the lake's edge, its surface reflects the stunning morning panorama. 

Anyone can see their reflection in its calm, crystal-clear water. Meanwhile, birds perched on the lush trees by the lake chirp melodiously.

There’s something unique about this lake. 

Even at midday, when the sun blazes down with intense heat, the water remains cool and refreshing. 

When the sun sets, flocks of birds take flight, leaving the lake behind. They hesitate to catch the small fish. They fear that the ferocious belida fish might snatch them up. This is especially true during their breeding season.

The local people believe that long ago, there was only dry season and dust. Everyone felt perpetually thirsty. 

Driven by this thirst, a man set out in search of water but found only stones. 

Accidentally, he moved one of the stones. To his astonishment, underneath it was a spring of water. They built a hut and settled there. Time passed, and a boy named Gumantar grew into a handsome, strong young man.

Unbeknownst to him, the water god also resided at the spring where Gumantar and his mother lived. The water god had a beautiful daughter with flowing long hair. When they met, Gumantar and the Water Goddess’s daughter fell deeply in love.

One day, Gumantar and the Water Goddess’s daughter went to the spring, talking about the beautiful dreams of tomorrow. 

Unfortunately, as they left, they forgot to cover the spring with a stone. As a result, the water overflowed, eventually becoming a great flood and forming a large lake.

One day, a giant came seeking to drink from this water. This giant had thirteen heads. If he managed to catch a human, he would drown them in the lake, then eat them while drinking from the lake.

Gumantar exclaimed, “Look, my love! No one can stop this giant. He will drink this lake dry, leaving humanity thirsty. I must put an end to his actions!”

The Water Goddess’s daughter was worried. She didn’t want her beloved to lose in a battle against the giant. So, she covered his head with her long, thick hair.

A fierce battle ensued. Gumantar struck the giant with all his might. After an exhausting fight, he finally managed to defeat the giant. Soon after, the floodwaters began to flow back into the lake.

While Gumantar fought the giant, his mother fell into a deep sleep. When she woke up, she saw nothing but overflowing water around her. She wandered back and forth, searching for Gumantar.

Realizing her efforts were in vain, she plunged into the lake. She dove down to the bottom, determined to find the spring. After a search, she finally discovered it. With all her strength, she covered the spring with a large stone. This action stopped the water from flowing. Unfortunately, she stayed underwater for too long. As a result, she ultimately drowned.

Meanwhile, the Water Goddess’s daughter and Gumantar searched for his mother but never found her again. In memory of his mother, they named the lake ‘Lake Belida.’

Legend has it that this is why the backs of belida fish are curved. This curvature resembles the back of an old woman. This resemblance has persisted to this day.

-- Masri Sareb Putra