FRIEND OF THE NATION
EPS 7 I AM THE SON OF IBO
EPS 7 I AM THE SON OF IBO
Baliem Valley one afternoon. The wind softly whistled. Giving a cool feel when the sun is shining. The leaves danced for a moment in an irregular motion. Weak trembling in the rhythm of the rancak sound of river water that is quite heavy hit the rocks. In the interlude of the excited cries of the little boys who cheered whenever they saw something awesome.
It has been three days of rain. The people huddled on the airy land on the banks of the Baliem river. Although not as big as the Kapuas river, but the Baliem river becomes the pulse of the lives of the tribes who inhabit the Baliem valley. Today they are watching an archery race followed by young men from the Ibo and Mek tribes. They feature the best archers to win the race. Because every winner carries the honor of his tribe.
“Execute this race with your highest ability,” said the middle-aged man wearing a sports shirt.
Name's Marama. He is the one who is trusted as the race jury. Marama is a gym teacher at a Primary School in Wamena. He is from Sorong. He was deliberately invited to train Ibo and Mek young men ahead of the Baliem Valley Fetival. Almost all of the young men who participated in the morning race were once his students. They believe Marama can be fair and be a good judge.
“Good Teacher.”
After giving a little advice, finally the archery race began.
“Now stand you one by one in the middle of the rushing river.”
Marama gives an example. He was standing in the middle of a very heavy river.
“I will shoot a small hole in the banyan tree,” he continued while aiming for a small hole in the banyan tree.
Marama stood up straight. His feet stood firmly against the swift currents of the river. Not moving at all. Calmly released the arrow.
“Clap!” right in the center of the hole.
People look in admiration. They applauded and cheered. A moment later he signaled the participants to prepare. A few young men immediately descended into the river to prepare themselves. They seek a strong footing between the swift currents of the shaking river. But it was not an easy thing, aiming at the target with swaying legs.
Among the participants there appeared to be a child participant who stood out. He was not even fifteen years old, his body was sturdy and taller than children his age. His face was hard hiding his good looks. Her hair is curly black. But strangely in the middle of his hair there is a pinch of golden yellow hair.
Everyone liked him because his behavior often amazed him. He also always targets very well. He was the best archer of the Ibo tribe. His name is Marlin Isier Ibo. Uniquely, he always screams loudly after successfully aiming at his target.
“Clap! Claps! Claps! Clap!”
Finally the participants did the first challenge, archery in the middle of the swift river Baliem.The arrows shot quickly towards the target. Some manage to shoot precisely, but most of them fail. They can't aim at their target exactly. Among those who managed to escape were the twins Marlon and Marlin. Marlin's arrow even managed to split Marama's arrow that had been planted for the first time.
“Excellent,” inner Marama while shaking her head.
“There is no easy competition. The five of you who have managed to aim for the target will rise to the next challenge,” shouted Marama encouraging.”For the first challenge, the best archer is Marlin Isier Ibo!”
Marlin jumped onto a large rock and shouted while patting his chest.
“I'm Marlin Ibo! Prince Neles Ibo, the great leader of the valley!”he shouted while patting his chest.
He stood up with his mouth, his face straight facing forward. His eyes were sharply staring far away as if he was the ruler of the world.
“I'm Marlin Ibo! Prince Neles Ibo, the great leader of the valley!” screamed once more.
His shout was accompanied by applause and cheers from his admirers.
“Life Marlin Ibo! Hail Marlin Ibo! Live Marlin Ibo!” exclaim them.
Marama raised both of her hands, signalling for people to be silent. Instantly the atmosphere became silent. All views are focused on the teacher.
Huh huh? People stare.. It's a very difficult challenge. Archery a matoa fruit as big as a ping pong ball tied at the foot of a flying bird? Is anyone capable of doing it? Marama received a bird of paradise from one of the tribe members. Then a shiny black matoa was hung from the bird's feet. With a single pat, the bird flew rapidly into space.
“Patch the bird and arrow the fruit of the sun.” says Marama.” Remember that! Your arrows must not touch the bird. Understand?”
“Ready! Understand sir!” the five young men answered in unison.
Then their bodies ran after the bird. They were the best participants who escaped the first challenge. Soon they could catch up with the bird's flying speed. They try to shoot the matoa fruit that continues to sway in the air. But none of them made it. Only Marlin's arrow was able to punch right in the middle of the matoa fruit without destroying it.
“Excellent Marlin!” praise Marama without realizing.
Applause back. Marlin Isier stood back in the middle of the boulder while patting his chest with Jumawa.
“I'm Marlin Ibo! Prince Neles Ibo, the great leader of the valley!” his yell.
His shout was accompanied by applause and cheers from his admirers.
“Life Marlin Ibo! Hail Marlin Ibo! Live Marlin Ibo!” exclaim them.
Marama looked at Marlin with amazed eyes. The child's abilities were even beyond his estimation.
“The boy says he is the son of Neles Ibo the leader of the valley?” he said in his heart. “What does it mean to be Neles Ibo son of Nene Yoteni chief of the Ibo tribe?”
Carried by his curiosity, the elementary school sports teacher tried to find information about Marlin Isier Ibo.
“This kid has amazing talent. He could be an archery athlete and represent the province of Papua in next year's National Sports Week, his inner”.
After that he immediately packed his equipment and returned to Wamena to report this news to the chairman of KONI Jayawijaya district.
***
After thinking long and listening to the consideration of Nene Yoteni, Neles Ibo finally gave up his sons to go to the forbidden forest. At night, he called his two twin sons. Then he told me about what Iles Mowa ordered for the recovery of Johana. There was no look of disappointment, anger or fear on the faces of her twin sons. They even smiled as if encouraging to his father.
“Do all Atou commands, for the sake of healing kaka Yohana,” said Marlon.
“Papa calm down, we will definitely be fine,” Marlin continued.
Perpetua cried while hugging his two sons. While Neles Ibo just silently glued without saying anything. After that Nene Yoteni gave a black stone necklace Iles Mowa gave to her two grandchildren. He gave it to Marlon, who was considered older than Marlin.
“Come with Nene's prayer. This stone will shine in the darkness,” he said. “Remember! You guys have to take care of each other. Nene is sure Atou is with you.”
