FRIEND OF THE NATION
EPS 15 ARRIVES IN JOGJA
EPS 15 ARRIVES IN JOGJA
Being something or forming something is not easy. It requires hard work, sacrifice and a long and winding process. Sometimes it hurts because what we get is not worth what we do. But it's more boring when we're just looking. Who doesn't need a way out. Just trying to understand and judge, both good and bad. But really get nothing.
After a long debate, between Lukas Ibo and warlord Deo's group, there was no meeting point. The atmosphere is getting out of control. The men began to stomp their feet on the ground. Then he shouted strange words over and over again, singing war songs. Do a circular motion, back away and then back forward until the distance they stay one meter. Oou wa! Oou wa! Oou wa!
Nature shows its magical side. From above the trees suddenly descended a thick white mist, shrouding the conflicting bodies. People can no longer see freely. Their bodies continued to move while pulling arrows at his bowstring. And among the white kabts that covered the eyes, they began to slide each other's arrows towards their enemies.
“Clap! Claps! Clap!”
“Arrgh!”
“Awh!”
And a moment later, screams of pain began to sound here and there. The sound of complaining and the bodies falling down hit the earth. Their faces looked blank, stiff and fearless. Blood spilled, sweat flowing profusely, loud breaths gushing. Death is only the end of one episode of life, and they will climb in the next episode, living with their ancestors in space.
An hour later, the atmosphere became quiet. No more screams of pain, no more voices. Blood was still dripping, sweat soaking up the bodies that were still alive. Silent, only a sigh sounded fast hunting. The tired and desperate faces, looking down on each other in defeat. No more anger and resentment. All have been exposed in battle, even though there is no winner.
With great sadness, the guests brought their dead and wounded brothers back to their homes. Bring back the bow that ran out of arrows with a tight grip. Paying off their debt that blood must be paid for with blood, death must also be avenged with death. Done already. No more grudges and anger.
The host did almost the same thing. Carrying the bodies of his brother and collecting them in one house. Chanting silent talk about the sadness of losing a brother. And among them, Neles Ibo, the chieftain, sat quietly on the rock. Just looking at everything. He did not fight, but his heart was full of wounds.
Not a beautiful sight worth seeing. When the white mist finally disappeared, the bloody faces were exposed by arrows. The entire village stared with a pushy look and a trembling body. No one spoke, they were silent with their own thoughts. Only Manamakrdi and Marlon looked busy, they started burning rattan and tying the injured legs and hands.
This will not be the last conflict. This time at war were the Deo people far from the depths of the forest and the Ibo tribe. Maybe another time the Mowa and Mek tribes. But there could be a major war involving several tribes. And all this is exhausting…
***
“Warfare for war has reduced the number of men in Papua who have to die in vain. Many people are tired of war and want a peaceful life. But many also still consider war as their way of life, assuming that no other tribe lives in the forest except themselves,” Marlon said in a sad tone.
Erizal was still fixated on hearing the story of his new best friend. Without him noticing the fine hairs on his skin vessels stood up. He still felt astonished and goosebumps.
“For that reason did your papa send you to Java?”
Marlon nodded his head.
“Yes. It has been a long time since papa expected a peaceful life among the tribes and groups in the Baliem valley. But as you can see, changing tradition requires great sacrifice and not a little time. He realized, he could not possibly realize his dream now. That's why he sent me to Java to study.”
“Your father wants you to become a doctor?”
Marlon nodded his head.
“Then you must try hard to live up to your papa's expectations. You must become a doctor and return to your hometown to change everything.”
Marlon smiles.
“Thank you friend. Promise us we will always be together, striving to achieve all the ideals and expectations of our parents.”
The Garuda plane they boarded finally landed at Adisucipto Airport, Jogjakarta. Marlon and Erizal went down together, then took their belongings. The two new friends joined hands, as if they did not want to lose each other. Although confusion seems both trying to stay calm. Sitting on an empty bench while thinking about the next step.
That afternoon the atmosphere at Adisucipto airport was very busy. Large aircraft alternated landing and take off from home and abroad. Adisucipto Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Jogjakarta and Central Java. How not, its location near the city makes this airport always crowded with visitors.
Marlon and Erizal find themselves alone in a corner of the waiting room, known as the Airport Lounge. The room is designed very comfortably and equipped with a number of supporting facilities such as free WiFi and various foods in the buffet system or all you can eat. But they just stood there, not knowing what to do.
The people who passed in front of him. Like a moving machine with an irregular groove, they busied themselves without words. There is no reprimanding and spreading smiles, like the hospitality of Indonesians when they meet each other on the streets. Who did not go back and forth just sit still while playing his fingers on the board of his cellphone.
“Erizal..” whispered Marlon.
Erizal glanced at his best friend without answering the call.
“I'm peeing.”
Erizal was silent. His gaze twisted to every corner of that huge room.
“I too. But where do you pee?”
Marlon was silent too. Huh, it turns out that it is still better to live in the forest, he can pee anywhere. Many hidden places he could use without fear of being seen by people. But finally the tip of Erial's eyes managed to find the little ruanan.
“Marlon, come with me.”
“Hah? Where?”
“Fourth we can pee and wash our face.”
Erizal took Marlon by the hand and rushed her to go to the public toilet.
