by Fendy Tulodo
In the small village of Malang, where the mountains touch the clouds and the air smells fresh and clean, chickens are more than just birds. They are the heart of the village. Everywhere you go, you see chickens scratching around in the dirt, clucking happily, and laying eggs. The people here don’t just raise chickens; they believe in the magic of these birds. They are part of the rhythm of life that keeps the village going, and their clucks, crows, and fluttering wings are as much a part of the landscape as the rice fields and tall trees.
Malang is located in East Java, Indonesia, a region known for its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. The village is surrounded by lush forests, terraced rice paddies, and rivers that sparkle in the sunlight. Life here is peaceful, yet filled with activity. The people of Malang are hardworking and proud of their traditions, one of which is raising chickens. Chickens in Malang aren’t just farm animals; they are symbols of resilience, prosperity, and family. The bond between the people and their chickens runs deep, and this connection is something that everyone here treasures.
The chickens in Malang are special. They are not just any chickens—they are known for their toughness and resourcefulness. The climate in Malang is unique; it is a blend of tropical warmth and cooler mountain air, creating an environment where chickens can thrive year-round. The local chickens have developed a natural ability to adapt to their surroundings. Whether it’s the rainy season or the dry season, the chickens of Malang are always well-fed and healthy. They know how to find food in the lush underbrush, and they are quick to scurry to safety when danger approaches. The people here believe that the chickens have an almost mystical connection to the land, and they are often seen as protectors of the village. When a storm hits the village, and the wind howls through the trees, the chickens are always calm. They huddle together under the tall bamboo trees and wait for the storm to pass. They are never afraid. The villagers say that the chickens can feel when bad things are coming, and they know how to protect themselves.
One family in Malang, the Sutrisno family, has been raising chickens for generations. They live in a little house on the edge of the village, surrounded by a garden filled with colorful flowers and herbs. The Sutrisno family is well-known in Malang for their exceptional chickens, and they take great pride in the care they give to their flock. Every morning, the children wake up early to feed the chickens. The sun has just begun to rise over the hills, casting a warm golden glow over the village. The chickens are already awake, clucking in excitement as they see the children approaching with food.
The children know each chicken by name, and each has its own little story. There’s Siti, the strong one, who lays two eggs every day. Siti is a proud hen, always walking with her head held high. She’s known for her resilience, having survived several tough seasons, and the villagers often say that Siti is the leader of the flock. Then there’s Jaka, the curious one, who loves to explore the village and often finds new places to hide. Jaka has been known to sneak into the kitchen and peck at the vegetables, much to the amusement of the Sutrisno family. And then there’s Lila, the shy one, who is always seen quietly sitting in the corner, keeping to herself. Lila is known for being the most cautious of the bunch, always keeping an eye on her surroundings.
The chickens are treated with the utmost respect in the Sutrisno household. The family believes that the chickens bring good fortune, so they make sure to provide them with the best food available. They feed them rice, vegetables, and grains from the rice paddies nearby. The chickens love to roam freely in the garden, pecking at the plants and flowers, but they always come back to the coop when it’s time to rest. The chickens are given fresh water every day, and the children take turns cleaning the coop, making sure the chickens have a comfortable place to sleep.
For the Sutrisno family, chickens are not just animals. They are part of their daily life. They are the family’s source of food, income, and joy. The eggs that the chickens lay are used for cooking, baking, and sometimes even sharing with neighbors. The eggs in Malang are known for being especially delicious, with bright, golden yolks. The people of the village love to use the eggs in their traditional dishes, such as nasi goreng (fried rice), soto ayam (chicken soup), and pempek (fish cake), which often include eggs as an essential ingredient. These dishes are made with love, and the eggs from the Sutrisno chickens are a cherished part of every meal.
In the morning, when the sun rises over the hills and the rooster crows, the village comes alive. The chickens are busy in the garden, and the people of Malang start their day with a peaceful routine. The children run around playing, while the adults prepare for the day’s work. The eggs are collected, and the children take them to the market, where people from other villages come to buy them. The market is bustling with activity, with vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats, and people trading stories and recipes. The chickens have become a symbol of the community in Malang. They are more than just animals; they are a vital part of the village’s identity.
The villagers often share stories about their chickens, and these stories are passed down from generation to generation. One of the most beloved stories in Malang is the tale of a rooster named Pito. Pito was a proud rooster who lived many years ago, and it was said that his crowing could be heard all the way to the next village. He was known for waking up the entire village at the crack of dawn, and people would joke that Pito was the first one to greet the sun every day. One day, a terrible storm hit the village, and everyone feared that the chickens wouldn’t survive. But Pito, with his strong crowing and fearless spirit, led the flock to safety. The villagers say that Pito’s bravery saved the chickens, and his story is still told today as a reminder of the chickens’ strength and resilience.
Sometimes, the villagers even swap chickens, trading a hen for a rooster or a chicken for a new breed. These exchanges are a way of strengthening the bonds between neighboring villages, and the chickens are often seen as a form of currency. The trade of chickens is not just about the birds themselves; it’s about the relationships they represent. When a chicken is traded, it symbolizes trust, respect, and goodwill between the people involved.
The chickens in Malang are a symbol of the hard work and love that the people here have for their land. Raising chickens is not easy. It takes time, patience, and care. But in Malang, the chickens bring the community together. They remind the villagers of the simple joys of life – the joy of seeing something grow, the joy of sharing food with others, and the joy of being connected to the land. Every egg laid by the chickens is a gift, a small reminder that life is good, even in the face of challenges.
In the evening, as the sun sets and the sky turns orange and pink, the chickens return to their coops. The people of Malang sit on their porches, watching the chickens settle down for the night. The village is quiet, and the air is cool and calm. It’s a peaceful end to a busy day, and everyone knows that tomorrow will bring another chance to care for the chickens, another chance to share their eggs, and another chance to feel the magic of these special birds.
The chickens in Malang are a part of the land’s natural rhythm. They are a part of every meal, every story, and every tradition. As long as the chickens are here, so too will be the heart of the village. Their gentle clucking and crowing are the soundtracks of the village’s life, and their presence is a constant reminder of the beauty of nature and the bond that exists between people and the animals they care for.
In Malang, the chickens aren’t just a part of daily life; they are a reminder of the beauty of nature, the power of community, and the importance of taking care of what you love. The Sutrisno family’s chickens, with their strength, resilience, and magic, are a living testament to the deep connection between the people of Malang and the land they call home. As long as there are chickens in Malang, there will be stories to tell, eggs to gather, and a community bound together by the simple yet powerful act of caring for one another.
photo credit: Charles Chen, Unsplash
Fendy Satria Tulodo is a writer, field worker in the motorcycle sales industry, and an independent music producer based in Malang, Indonesia. With a background in management and a deep curiosity about human experiences, he enjoys crafting narratives that explore the unseen moments of everyday life. His writing often blends themes of culture, memory, and human connection, sometimes with an unexpected twist. Beyond writing, Fendy has a strong passion for music production, creating and releasing his own compositions. He also explores videography and digital media, constantly looking for new ways to tell stories through different forms of art. Living in Malang, he draws inspiration from the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether through words, music, or visuals, Fendy seeks to capture the essence of ordinary moments that often go unnoticed yet hold profound meaning.