Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

The story seemed to reflect life in my hometown. Reminiscing about Si Kabayan

Sundanese folk tale - film Si Kabayan

Si Kabayan. Cunning, lazy and very funny. Source: Image by punctuum /Creative Commons

The story of Si Kabayan is a Sundanse folk tale that has moved across generations from the oral tradition into Sundanese and Indonesian written versions as well as in theatre and film. Why is Si Kabayan so popular?


Published

By sri dean

Presented by Ricky Kusumo

Source: SBS




Share this with family and friends


The story of Si Kabayan is a Sundanse folk tale that has moved across generations from the oral tradition into Sundanese and Indonesian written versions as well as in theatre and film. Why is Si Kabayan so popular?


SBS invites you to share your Indonesian folk tales.  Nita Noviani was born in Garut and currently working on her PhD at Tasmania University.  She recounts to Sri Dean her first experience reading the Si Kabayan story in Sundanese when she was a primary school student.  In what ways did the tale resonate with Nita?

If you want share a folk tale from your region of Indonesia call 02 9430 3135 or 03 9949 2208

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm. Follow us on Facebook and catch us on podcasts.

And you can keep abreast of the latest information about the corona virus in your language at sbs.com.au/coronavirus

Sundanese folk tale, Si Kabayan on stage
The tale of Si Kabayan has survived across generations, but can it survive the current changes in technology and shifts in values? Source: Image by Luluk/Creative Commons

Latest podcast episodes

Follow SBS Indonesian

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS Indonesian News

Watch it onDemand

Watch now