Folklore and Cultural Memory: An Examination of Prambanan Temple Narratives

Indonesia is a nation rich in orally transmitted folktales that have been preserved across generations. One of the most renowned folktales is the legend of Roro Jonggrang, which is believed to underpin the existence of the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia, the Prambanan Temple. The story of Roro Jonggrang embodies local wisdom passed down from ancestors. Since folktales are traditionally conveyed orally, there inevitably exist differing perspectives that challenge the authenticity of the Roro Jonggrang narrative. This skepticism arises as scholars have uncovered evidence pertaining to the historical facts of Prambanan Temple. This study employs a qualitative descriptive research method, which is well-suited for systematically exploring and interpreting complex cultural phenomena. The findings reveal a comparative analysis between the folktale and historical accounts, demonstrating that the folktale is more widely accepted within the community. This acceptance is attributed to the folktale’s capacity to convey religious values, cultural heritage, ethical principles, and social norms associated with Prambanan Temple.