Foto: George P. Lewis/ Studio Kurkdjian/National Gallery of Australia
The photo above is Situ Bagendit in Garut circa 1910, taken by George P. Lewis and published by Studio Kurkdjian in Surabaya. Situ Bagendit is a popular tourist attraction in Garut, in the form of a beautiful lake (situ).
According to folklore, Situ Bagendit origin was from the story of Nyai Bagendit, a wealthy woman. After the death of her husband, Nyai Bagendit received a rich inheritance. Often he held parties at his house and flaunted his wealth. Nyai Bagendit was known to be stingy and never helped her neighbors who were in needs.
One day an old man came to ask her for food. Nyai Bagendit threw him away violently. She didn't want the dirty old beggar to pollute his house. The next day something strange happened on a road in the village. There was a stick stuck in the middle of the road and no one was able to pull it out.
Then came the old beggar who yesterday was kicked out by Nyai Bagendit and pulled it out. Suddenly, water came out of the hole and it was getting heavier and faster. The villagers fled in fear. However, Nyai Bagendit refused to leave her house and property. Eventually he drowned and the village became a lake called Situ Bagendit.