Pedro Sudjono

The young and beautiful Roro Mendut, one of the assets of the Pati region, is brought to Mataram. In his joyous moment, Sultan Agung rewards Tumenggung Wiroguno, with the war loot, for his success in controlling the region’s revolt in the north Java ocean in the 17th century. Wiroguno cannot fully enjoy all the gifts as Roro Mendut declines to be taken as a concubine. Wiroguno is devastated and his pride crushed. For the sake of his dignity and pride, he punishes Roro Mendut with a heavy tax. However, Roro Mendut always manages to pay her tax.

In Paruk village, Srintil, a little girl is thought to have the blood of a ronggeng dancer, a semi-ritualistic position in the village, which unites the community. The Ronggeng dancer is seen as a saviour, both physically and spiritually. So Kartareja and his wife, the village shaman, train Srintil to be a ronggeng dancer. The prediction is correct and Srintil possesses the spirit of a dancer. When mature, Srintil, must undergo the "buka klambu" ceremony, which involves giving up her virginity to the highest bidder. Srintil's boyfriend, Rasus, tries to take her lover away, but is stopped by Sulam, and his friends, who also want Srintil's virginity. Srintil is escorted home, while Rasus is thrown into a ravine. The ceremony of "buka klambu" is continued. At a critical moment, Rasus, reappears and overcomes all the men. Soon after, they escape from the village.