Bawang Putih didn't realize it when a piece of cloth belonged to her mother was washed away by the river. One day, Bawang Putih was doing her stepmother and sister's laundry. She always served her stepmother and sister happily. Meanwhile, Bawang Merah and the widow just spent times making themselves up, because when they needed something they could just ask Bawang Putih.īawang Putih never complained the bad fate she had to face. Doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, essentially all works were carried out by herself. It was Bawang Putih who did all the works in the house. The widow always gave her everything she wanted. Bawang Merah's bad personality was worsened because her mother spoiled her. Meanwhile, Bawang Merah was lazy, glamorous, proud and envious girl. Bawang Putih was diligent, kind, honest and humble girl. Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih had opposite characters and personalities. Bawang Putih's real father which was also the widows's husband died long ago. In a village, live a widow with her two beautiful daughters, Bawang Merah (Red Onion or Shallots) and Bawang Putih (White Garlic). I already altered the story a little bit here. The folklore shared the same theme and moral with European folktale Cinderella. Bawang Merah Bawang Putih (Malay and Indonesian for Shallots and Garlic) is a popular Malay Indonesian traditional folklore originated from Riau, Sumatra, about two siblings with opposite characters one good and one bad, and an unjust step mother.