Among the local tales from Bangka Belitung Province, the story of Batu Balai holds a special place. This notable stone, situated in the Mentok District, carries a rich history and is a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.

Our story begins with a humble young man named Dempu Awang. His life wasn't exactly easy, yet he had developed an understanding and acceptance of his circumstances. Awang's daily task was to clean the fish that local fishermen caught.

Dempu Awang lived with his mother as his father had passed away a long time ago when Dempu Awang was still a child. He had to shoulder responsibility from a young age and work hard just to have enough to eat each day.

Dempu Awang’s mother cultivated a small field behind their house. Though the yield wasn't much, it was enough for the two of them. It was a simple life where they shared the little they had and cared for each other deeply.

Dempu's routine consisted of walking home carrying some small fish every day. These fish would serve as their meal in the evenings. Despite the simplicity and repetition of his life, Dempu never complained.

His day ended the same as it began, with work and a few small fish as payment. His evenings were spent eating with his mother. This routine was all he knew, and he found comfort in its predictability.

Dempu and his mother worked as a team. While he was out getting fish, his mother worked tirelessly to cultivate rice in their small field. Their lives were intertwined with the rhythm of their daily tasks.

As night fell, they would conclude their day, relishing the fruits of their labour. Silence filled their home, only interrupted by the calm sounds of night and their shared laughter. The bond between them was unbreakable.

Despite the simplicity of their life, they were content. They had each other, their health, and enough food for their daily needs. Their lives, though bereft of luxuries, were filled with love and gratitude.

Every day was an echo of the previous one, each night a reflection of the last. Their world was small, their life uneventful, but their hearts were full. Simplicity was their practice, gratitude their faith.

But their peace was interrupted one day. A large stone appeared overnight in the middle of their field, destroying their crops. It was a disaster they weren’t prepared for. Their only source of sustenance was gone.

The stone was gigantic, nothing like they'd ever seen before. It was impossible to move, and it posed a significant threat to their existence. Their immediate concern was how to feed themselves in the coming days.

Together, they made a decision to seek help from the villagers. The villagers were equally baffled, unsure of how the stone appeared overnight. Despite their bewilderment, they promised to help.

Unfortunately, despite the villagers' efforts, the stone wouldn't budge. It was as if it was attached to the earth, refusing to move. Their hopes began to dwindle as each day passed without any progress.

However, amidst the despair, a mysterious old man appeared. He was a stranger to the village but claimed to have a solution. The villagers, out of options, decided to trust him.

The old man, with a calm and serene demeanor, walked up to the stone. He touched it gently, murmuring something incomprehensible. It was an unusual spectacle; everyone waited with bated breath.

Suddenly, the stone began to change shape. It started to look like a large fish, the kind Dempu cleaned every day. The villagers were astounded, their jaws dropped in sheer disbelief.

The old man explained that the stone was a magical entity, a balai that had taken the form of a stone. It had been displeased with how it was being treated and hence, had ruined the field.

He told them that the stone would remain in the shape of a fish as a constant reminder for them to respect all forms of life. After imparting his wisdom, the old man disappeared, leaving behind a bewildered crowd.

Over the years, the stone or the 'Batu Balai' as the villagers called it, became a symbol of respect for the environment and livelihood. Even today, it stands tall in the heart of the village, reminding everyone of the valuable lesson learnt.

Despite the hardships they faced, Dempu and his mother persevered. Their life resumed, although it was much harder now. But they never forgot the lesson the Batu Balai taught them.

They treated every form of life with respect, from the smallest fish that Dempu cleaned to the plants that his mother cultivated. The Batu Balai had forever changed their perspective on life and work.

The story of Dempu Awang and Batu Balai spread across the province, reminding generations about the importance of respecting nature and animals. The tale was passed down, weaving its way into regional folklore.

Today, Batu Balai is more than just a stone; it's an embodiment of an important life philosophy. As people pass by the large stone, they are reminded of Dempu Awang's story and the teachings of the old man.

The story of Batu Balai serves as a reminder: even in adversity, one must respect all life forms. Its tale of resilience, respect, and humility will continue to resonate through the generations, just like the stone continues to stand tall in Mentok District.