Mute Witness

Strenuous Family Meetings (1)

Dinas House

I was being read by Ali when Ari entered the room this morning.

“What's the first, Ali?”

Ali pointed at me, “Read history.” The answer was short and went back to reading seriously.

“Make what reading lies.” Ari ketus said.

He was obviously not excited this morning.

“It's the original Great Book, Ari.”

Ari reflexively looked at and noticed me, “Oh.. I thought you read the book.” He said while pointing at my copy.

Ali nodded and continued reading.

“Huft.. Ali, you're always boring every time you're dealing with a book.” Ari said sniffly as she threw herself on the chair.

Ali smiled in response.

“I suggest, you just marry the book later.” He said joking to provoke Ali's attention, “If you marry a woman. I'm sure, he'll continue to be irritated.”

Ali smiled again, not caring.

Ari sighed. He finally decided not to bother Ali and stepped towards me. He took the book to XII from me and returned to the chair to read it.

Looking at her relaxed demeanor, I'm sure she's often treated as such.

Look, Ali even looks like he's in another world.😄

***

December 6th, 2019

Author: Ali and Ari

Monthly family meetings are held. The theme is about the management of the mine later.

In accordance with the agreement with the government, this month is the last month of the rights to manage the mining area in the hands of the Husain family. Regional regulations allow for families if they want to extend the management period. Of course with a new contract.

The government gives the family full right to decide whether to continue management or hand it over to the government.

With a controversial theme, it certainly makes the meeting this time more exciting. The discussion in the meeting is interesting to hear.

We came to the meeting room tensely. Today, we have to make an important decision.

As a decision maker, we should relax, right? After all, we simply take the best opinion in the meeting.

Unfortunately, the situation and conditions do not support it to happen. But look, the Advisory Board looks really happy!!

The meeting was opened according to formality. Mr. Arif as chairman, appeared as director of activities. After presenting the theme of the meeting, each participant is welcome to express an opinion.

“See current government capabilities. I suggest that Husain's extended family, will take a big decision to return to take responsibility in mine management. We certainly know very well that, this family has experience in it.”.

“..I know the risk of liability is huge. But remember, that we do all this for the people as well.” Brother Zen who is a board member expressed his opinion with enthusiasm.

All council members who are given the opportunity to speak out, express the same opinion, the family must return to manage the mine.

Although they use a series of different sentences, the reason is the same, the government has not been able to. It was as if that reason could not be eliminated or investigated at all.

We breathe heavily. Ten members of the council have already expressed their opinions.

None of them want the same thing as us.

When it was Tito’'s turn, we looked at him with hope.

The Judge always said that Tito’ was on our side. However, unexpectedly, Kak Tito’ actually thinks the same as the board members all.

Of course we are very disappointed. Brother Tito’ looked at us with a faint look. There's guilt there.

Then how's this business going?

Two boys ‘ingusan’ now have to dare to face off with twelve board members who have different opinions.

What should we do to deal with their anger?

“Thus, All the members of the advisory board have expressed their opinion. However, whatever their opinion, it is certainly not the final decision.

We all know, the board members have a role to express an opinion. Decision maker remains the prerogative of the next generation.” Mr. Arif smiled looking at us, a view that implied demands.

“Now, the time and place we give to the next generation to express their opinions, as well as the decision-making that can satisfy various parties.”

Before deciding to speak, we looked at all the participants. They all stared demandingly. Except for Tito’ Sister who chose to keep her head down.

We realized that if we dared to go against the tide, then our eleven advisory boards would be opponents in an instant.

By Ari:

As representatives of the next generation, giving opinions and helping leaders formulate decisions is a new privilege in this family. I should be proud of that.

However, seeing the meeting conditions that are potentially chaotic if we appear different makes me stop to argue.

Although I knew, Ali would definitely take care of the problems I made as he often did.

But this time, I chose silence.

By Ali:

In order to maintain the situation, Ari chose not to have an opinion. He just looked at me and smiled at me.

If it wasn't in this formal condition, then he would say, “you, Ali. You are better able to keep emotions.”

If so, despite the weight, I still do it. Fortunately, Ari always gave me support.

“I'm very grateful for all the suggestions that have been given.” I said after a few preliminary sentences.

I looked at the whole council members who were getting more enthusiastic.

I started to swallow, how is this?

“Me and the representative have often discussed the issue of this mine. Well, of course, it's our duty as the next generation.

We have compared the various conditions that might occur. Before making a decision, it would be better if the conditions are described first.” I forced myself to smile casually.

The enthusiastic face of the council members still lingered. They agreed to my suggestion.

“Family choice over mine there are two, keep managing or handing over to government.

Based on the advice of the advisory board, the best decision is to continue managing.

I fully understand that, the consideration is very reasonable.” I look at the whole council.

They look happy.

“The government has not been able to manage the mine. As the manager so far, of course we are more competent.” The board members nodded confirming enthusiastically.

“As for the second condition, which is a condition that may occur when we hand over the mine to the government. We do know, the government is not yet competent.”

I looked back at the entire meeting. “However, we certainly should not underestimate them.” The enthusiastic face had already begun to fade.

“What do you mean son? You want to hand over the mine to amateurs?” Mr. Arif seems to understand what I mean.

“Give me a chance to explain first, Sir!” I'm trying hard.

“You already know very well about the risks of handing over the mine to the government. After all, you promised to.”

“Although a small child, Ali is the leader of the pack generation. Appreciate it!!” Ari who had been silent since then suddenly said sniffly. His words suddenly made Mr. Arif speechless. Wind face.

“I understand, giving mines to the government is very risky. However, we can just avoid the risk if we want.” I returned to the view to all the participants.

Disgruntled faces were clearly visible here and there. However, I had no other choice but to stick with my vision that I had shaken up with Ari long ago.

“Aku and Ari as the next generation have different opinions.” I swallowed spit.

The ‘different’ word I said suddenly made some participants frown.

The faces of some of them actually look red. The enthusiastic face was perfectly gone. But none of them were seen asking permission to comment. Maybe they want to avoid the words ketus Ari who always thrown it whenever I look underestimated.

“I have never underestimated the ability of this family in managing mines. Experience is always the best teacher.” I was silent for a moment, breathing out.

“I have no intention of harboring this family ability. I want us to keep managing it.” Those faces folded and the anger had already started to fade.

“However, I would like our oversight and accountability affairs to hand back to the government.” The faces returned crimson withstanding anger.

I continued my words quickly, “While mine is in the hands of the government though, we must ensure that the government will give management authority to us. Thus, mine management remains in the hands of its experts.”

I swallowed spit. I really hope that my last sentence will fix the situation.

“You will make us laborers?” An advisory board said tensely, restraining anger. The others nodded firmly, staring intently at me.

This was beyond my expectations.

“I didn't say so.” Reply quickly.

“If supervision and accountability in the hands of the government. Even though we become the sole manager. It does not erase the fact that we work under the auspices. In other words, we are workers. You know what labor means, right?” another said with a grim.

Ari looked unable and was about to speak. However, I hinted to be quiet. His half-opened mouth closed.

“Worker.” I answered without a second thought.

“Iya. Do you know the impact in front of other respectable families?” The participant returned to bark. “Our family will automatically switch status from honorable to despicable!!!”

The other participants except Kak Tito’ and Ari nodded confirming. I swallowed spit.

What am I supposed to do?

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The story continues mid-July, God willing