Long ago, in the quiet town of Payakumbuh, West Sumatra, there was a small village named Ibuh, located near the Batang Agam River. The people lived peacefully, surrounded by natural beauty and strong local traditions. In this village, lived two young lovers, Puti and Sutan.

Puti came from a noble family, raised with high expectations and traditional values. Sutan, on the other hand, was a kind-hearted and humble young man from a simple family background. Despite their differences, they had been close since childhood and grew deeply in love as they matured.

However, their love faced a serious obstacle. Puti’s parents did not approve of Sutan because of his low social status. They believed that a noble daughter should marry someone of equal or higher status. As a result, they arranged a marriage for Puti with a wealthy man from a nearby village.

Heartbroken and feeling hopeless, Sutan decided to leave the village and go merantau (a Minangkabau tradition of seeking fortune elsewhere) to improve his life and prove his worth. He promised Puti that he would return one day.

Puti, holding onto that promise, waited for him every single day. She would walk to a bridge near the river every afternoon, watching the flowing water and hoping to see Sutan coming back. Days turned into months, months into years, but Sutan never returned.

Puti's sorrow grew deeper. Yet, she never missed a day to sit at the bridge and wait. Her silent cries and unwavering loyalty touched the hearts of the villagers. They started calling it “Ratapan Ibuh”, meaning "the sorrow of Ibuh", referring to Puti’s tears and grief.

One day, the villagers found Puti lying weak on the bridge. She had passed away peacefully, still holding on to her hope and love. Her life ended where her heart had always waited—on the bridge, under the open sky, beside the flowing river that had witnessed her endless loyalty.

Since that tragic day, the bridge was named “Jembatan Ratapan Ibuh” (The Bridge of Sorrow in Ibuh). It became a symbol of eternal love, devotion, and heartbreak. People from surrounding areas visit the bridge not only for its beauty but also to remember the tale of Puti, a girl who loved with all her heart and waited until the end.