Discover various unique facts about Saranjana City in Kalimantan, a mysterious city known as a ghost city with a history full of mystery and legend.
Kalimantan, an island rich in culture and history, has various mystical stories that surround certain places. One of the stories that is quite interesting is about the city of Saranjana.
The city that is called as the “ghost city” has various unique facts that make it interesting to explore, although its existence remains a mystery to many people. In this article, we will reveal 10 unique facts about the City of Saranjana that covers South Kalimantan.
1. Called the Invisible City
Saranjana City is known as a city that is invisible to the naked eye. Although many believe in its existence, this city is believed to only be visible to people with special abilities, such as the inner eye.
In stories circulating among the people of Kalimantan, this city is seen as a very advanced city, with tall buildings that symbolize extraordinary technological and cultural progress. The community believes that only selected people can see and access this city.
2. Found on Ancient Maps
Saranjana is not only mentioned in oral stories, but also has written evidence that shows its existence. In ancient maps, such as the Salomon Muller map of 1845, the Isaac Dornseiffen map of 1868, and even the dictionary of Pieter Johannes Veth 1869, the name Saranjana is found.
This evidence shows that this city did exist, but over time, the city disappeared without a trace. These ancient maps provide an overview of the location of the city that is considered mysterious, providing important clues for anyone who wants to trace the history of this city deeper.
3. Locations That Have Multiple Versions
There are many versions about the location of this magical city. One of the most famous versions states that Saranjana is located in the Kotabaru area, South Kalimantan. Another version says that the city is in Tamiang Bay, Laut Island.
Lambung Mangkurat University historian, Mansyur, explained that there are various different stories related to the location of Saranjana, which ultimately makes its existence increasingly difficult to ascertain.
In fact, some say that the city is located on a small hill in Oka-oka Village which has beautiful views but is considered haunted by local residents.
4. Associated with the Legend of Mount Sebatung
The existence of Saranjana City is also closely related to a very famous local legend in South Kalimantan, namely the legend of the creation of Mount Sebatung. This legend tells the story of King Pakurindang who ruled the Halimun Kingdom.
This king had two sons, Sambu Ranjana and Sambu Batung, who were always fighting. To end the division, the king divided his territory between the two.
Sambu Batung eventually transformed into Mount Sebatung, while Sambu Ranjana chose to establish Saranjana City in the supernatural world as a way to live separately from his brother.
5. The compatibility of the name Saranjana with Terajana and Saranghaeyo
The name “Saranjana” is often associated with other words that have phonetic similarities, such as “Terajana” and “Saranghaeyo.”
“Terajana” is a word popularized in the song Roma Irama, while “Saranghaeyo” is a Korean word meaning “I love you,” which is often used in Korean dramas.
Although the words have similarities in pronunciation, according to Mansyur, researchers prefer to look at the name Saranjana from a historical perspective and deeper meaning, and not just a coincidence.
6. Cities Associated with the Dayak Community
Saranjana, although better known as a magical city, also has a close relationship with the Dayak tribe, the indigenous people of Kalimantan. In many folk tales, Saranjana is considered as one of the places related to the ancestors of the Dayak tribe.
Some stories even mention that this city was once the center of Dayak civilization before it disappeared. This adds to the mystical impression around this city, considering that the Dayak tribe itself has a very strong culture and belief in the spiritual world.
7. A city that was once a trade center
Based on several studies, some historians believe that Saranjana was once a very advanced city in the past. The city is said to have trade relations with the great kingdoms in Southeast Asia.
This center of civilization is said to have had a bustling market, as well as a number of grand buildings used for important meetings.
Although there is no clear physical evidence of the market or buildings, word of mouth suggests that Saranjana was once a thriving city economically.
8. The Forgotten Existence of Saranjana
Although Saranjana was once recorded in various maps and historical literature, its existence is now almost forgotten. Many people believe that the city did exist, but disappeared for some reason, such as a natural disaster or spiritual reasons.
Some say that the city disappeared because too many people tried to access it in the wrong way, so that the city was closed off from the real world and could only be seen by selected people. This further adds to the aura of mystery that surrounds Saranjana.
9. Saranjana as a Spiritual City
Many people in Kalimantan believe that Saranjana is not just a physical city, but also has a higher spiritual dimension. The city is believed to have magical powers that can be accessed by those with special spiritual abilities.
Some people even report experiences of seeing the city in a trance, where they can see tall buildings and a very advanced civilization even though the city is invisible to the naked eye.
The concept of Saranjana as a spiritual place makes it more than just a physical city, but an entity that has a connection to the other world.
10. Saranjana in the Contemporary World
Today, many people are interested in finding Saranjana, especially adventurers, historians, and those interested in the supernatural world. Some tourists even try to find the location believed to be the former city, although no one can confirm its truth.
This phenomenon invites much speculation and interest, making Saranjana a part of the myth that still lives in the culture of the people of Kalimantan and Indonesia.
The city of Saranjana is indeed full of mystery and supernatural aura which makes it an interesting topic to discuss. Although its existence is difficult to ascertain, the facts that exist still provide a picture of a civilization that once existed but is now lost from the world map.
Similar to the mysteries surrounding Masalembo, did this city really exist, or is it just a legend that lives on in folklore? Only time will tell, but for now, Saranjana remains an important part of Borneo’s history and culture that deserves to be explored further.
