The story follows the tragic fate of two young lovers, Sutan Pangurabaan and Siti Rohani, who are forced to navigate the complex and oppressive social hierarchy of colonial Indonesia. Sutan, a young man from a lower-class family, falls in love with Siti, the daughter of a wealthy and influential merchant. However, their love is forbidden, and they are met with harsh punishment and violence from Siti's father and the community around them.
