Indonesia Cultural Dining Series
Once upon a time, there was a queen of Tumapel called Ken Dedes, famous for her remarkably stunning beauty. So beautiful she was that she was also known as Ardhanareswari or the Ultimate Woman. Her beauty vanquished the heart of young, handsome Ken Arok. Ken Arok had also heard that by marrying her, he will also gain the power to become the highest authority in the region. But it wasn’t that easy. Ken Arok must first beat Dandang Gendis, the last king of Kediri. Thus, one day when Dandang Gendis was on his way to conquer Tunggul Ametung of the kingdom of Tumapel, Ken Arok bravely fought and defeated him. And later after he killed Tunggul Ametung (husband of Ken Dedes), Ken Arok successfully established the Kingdom of Singhasari with Ardhanareswari as his queen on his side.
