LOGINShare
244 | Families
Last Updated:
2021-10-26 23:21:32"From the results of their Chinese-Javanese marriage, three children were born," I said, "one of them, the middle child, was named Lidia Tanoto."
"Who's she?" asked Zoey.
"She is my mother."
"What?" Zoey asked surprised. "That's not possible. You don't have the physique of a Chinese."
“As I told you, my mother is half Chinese, a half Javanese. My father is Javanese. My mother married a native,” I explained.
When I said that, it reminded me of my father. I feel like I haven't called him in a long time.
“My father himself was not a native of Surabaya but was born in Yogyakarta, Central Java Province. He served as an Indonesian National Army personnel. My father was a captain and is currently on duty in Papua.
He rarely came home, even once a year. My family was sincerely let him go to carry out his mission of the state. Keeping the peace, my father ever said. Yes, there was still indeed a separatist conflict in Papua,” I said to
Related chapters
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 245 | It's Enough!
The next day, I returned to campus after dropping Zoey at Donnie's Love Republic recording studio. On-campus things are still the same as before. Aisha, Amelia, and Julia ignored me. They seem to really take the party I hosted with the LGBT Gang and Kacey in the United States seriously.While waiting for class time, I drank coffee at Eugene's stall. Not long after that Mr. P and Matt come. However, there was something different about Mr. P. He looked very serious."Hi, Lang," said Mr. P and Matt."Hi too," I replied, "what's with that wrinkled face of yours?""Haven't you watched the news yet?" asked Mr. P."No," I replied.Then, Mr. P and Matt told me about an Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (ICEC) investigator who was injured by an unknown person.The member of the Corruption Eradication Commission is known to be one of the most persistent in exposing corruption by state officials. At the time, he was investigating the
Last Updated : 2021-10-27In the Name of the Sacred Tree 246 | It's Enough! 2
"Lang! Langley!" call Mr. P, out loud.I suddenly woke up with blurred eyesight. When my vision began to clear, I could see Mr. P, Matt, and Brother Eugene surrounding me in a booth behind the stall."Are you all right, Lang?" asked Eugene worriedly while handing me a glass of water, “you suddenly fell unconscious in the front room. Good thing Matt caught you quickly."I turned to my loyal friend, “Thank you, Matt, thank you, Brother Eugene.”"No problem," Matt replied."I don't know," I said, "I'm suddenly dizzy and nauseous."Of course, I lied. It's impossible for me to say that I fainted because too many heavy thoughts were spinning in my head. Saltyville, Alex, Rasheed, Troy, Brody, Hendryx, Bradley, George, Indonesia Muslim Defender, Indonesia Communist Party, and so on.Not to mention my personal problems with Aisha, Amelia, Julia, Kacey, and Zoey. They each burden me even more."How long have I been unc
Last Updated : 2021-10-28In the Name of the Sacred Tree 247 | It's Enough! 3
"Are you all right, Mom?" I asked."Oh, I'm sorry," said my mother, "I'm all right, son. I'm just tired."I nod, but I don't think she's tired.“By the way, why have you come home from campus?” my mother asked."I suddenly don't feel well," I replied. "I want to rest at home."After kissing my mother's forehead, I went into the room and lay down on the bed. I tried not to recall everything I had just experienced and learned. I get dizzy and nauseous.But I can't just rule it out. All the things that I experienced and knew kept replaying in my head. I'm fed up with all that. I have to find a way to forget everything.Politicians working with rich people evict people's land in Saltyville. Yes, they are Mayor Jamaal Alrasheed and Torstein Schielhort. Jamaal is the eldest son of Abdul Rasheed. Jamal is also the older brother of Aisha and Zidan.Then there are three mafia bosses who are connected to the village trying to
Last Updated : 2021-10-29In the Name of the Sacred Tree 248 | A Small Favor
I took out my cell phone and immediately called someone who had previously been imprisoned for being involved in the underground world. Uniquely, after serving his sentence or being released from prison, he even became a manager of a five-star hotel. It's so easy for him to get a job.“Hello Brother Eric,” I said.“Hello, superstar,” replied Brother Eric, “how are you? There must be something you need that you should call me.”"Bingo!" I replied, "can we meet?""Come over to the hotel," Eric replied.As a reminder, Brother Eric is actually a member of the famous pop band from Surabaya, Erpid 19th. This guy used to be famous as a drug dealer and celebrity pimp. He can provide all kinds of drugs. In addition, he has a long list of celebrity names who can be invited to a one night stand by paying a certain fee.One day, he and former 19th Erpid vocalist decided to stop using drugs. They follow a drug ad
Last Updated : 2021-10-30In the Name of the Sacred Tree 249 | Drug Dealer
"What?" asked Brother Eric."I need marijuana," I repeated.“Yes, I heard you say that,” said Eric, “I'm sorry for being surprised. But this is the first time I've heard such a request from you. I never heard of you using drugs before. I thought you just like alcohol.""I'm a trustworthy person," I said."Why do you use marijuana?" asked Eric.“I have a problem with headaches,” I replied.“A headache is the same as a serious problem. That's right?" said Eric, “I can also guess that you have a stomach ache too.”"That's right," I replied.Eric then opened his desk drawer. He seemed to be picking up something like a cigarette. I know what it is. Then Eric turned it on, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. His distinctive aroma immediately burst into the workspace."This is what you need, isn't it?" said Eric as he handed me the cigarette."That's right," I replied. "Tur
Last Updated : 2021-10-31In the Name of the Sacred Tree 250 | A Benefit
"Are you sure?" I asked. "Maybe you don't know the truth about Brody.""Who knows. But I'm pretty sure I'm safe. The proof, so far, I'm fine, " said Eric."I hope it stays that way," I responded."Relax, Bro. Why are you worrying about me like that," Eric said."Because there's a story you don't seem to hear about Brody," I said."And what story is that?" asked Eric.Yes, I thought, there is a past story that Brother Eric doesn't know. Previously, I had heard scary stories about two figures who are now big mafia bosses in Surabaya and Jakarta, Uncle Brody and Uncle Troy. And they are both former subordinates of my grandfather, Bradley Tanoto."So, I heard this story from three different people. And they told the same thing about Brody. That means this story is probably the fact,” I began.“The first story I heard from Cameron and Ratty was after my house was attacked by two unknown people. The same story I heard fro
Last Updated : 2021-10-31In the Name of the Sacred Tree 251 | Another Ally
After finishing taking care of all the needs of Gabriella's arrival to Surabaya, I said goodbye to Brother Eric. I thanked him and told him I had an appointment elsewhere. Of course, I didn't say who I promised."Is by helping you I have become your inner circle?" asked Eric."I think so," I replied."Wow, that's cool," Eric responded, "I'll try to help as much as I can."“Thanks, Eric,” I said, “you are a reliable ally. Now, I have another appointment elsewhere.”"Okay. Good luck to you," said Eric.After meeting with Eric, I immediately went to Donnie's recording studio. There, of course, I picked up Zoey. And coincidentally, the recording process had just finished."Langley!" said Donnie, who was walking with Zoey, “Calliope is really amazing. This way, we can advance the schedule earlier. We will adjust promotions, introductions, concert schedules, and so on."I saw Zoey smiling happily.
Last Updated : 2021-10-31In the Name of the Sacred Tree 252 | The Unsung Hero
"What a wonderful story," said Calliope."Yes. And you won't find his name in school textbooks," Donnie added.There was no mistaking it. It was the same story that Emmerich – my father - told."Didn't he disappear after the 1998 riot incident? At that time, President Suharto had to resign from his position," I replied.Donnie was surprised at my words, “How did you know about that?”"Actually, Bradley Tanoto is my grandfather," I replied."Impossible!""Yeah," Zoey said, "you never told me that.""It's not something you can tell anyone," I said.“I idolized someone, and now I'm sitting with his grandson,” said Donnie, “It's amazing. We should have another drink."We toasted for the umpteenth time. I don't care if I'm drunk or not. All the things that weigh me down I have to let go."Okay. Back to Bradley. You're saying he disappeared during the 1998 riots?" Donnie asked.
Last Updated : 2021-10-31
Latest chapter
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 283 | The End
News of my arrest spread rapidly and wildly - from surrender, twisted by the Indonesian Herald by forced arrest. The wave of mass demonstrations was getting bigger in Surabaya.Until one day, a man was demonstrating alone carrying the body of a woman in the Surabaya House of Representative building yard which was recorded by television broadcasts. A moment later, he poured gasoline over his body and the old woman's body. Then, he started a fire which quickly burned himself and the body he was carrying.Everyone knew that he was Mr. Wayan who intended to show his protest by presenting himself and his wife in front of the people's representatives. He had a desperate on the government.When that happened, I was in the detention room.All the prisoners present stood up to learn of Wayan's self-immolation on television. I thought the prisoners would kill him for being the instigator of this distressing incident. Apparently, they even cursed the authorities. Th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 282 | The Black Mask Movement
Julia then revealed that her pregnancy was actually from my seed. Therefore, Julia asked in return whether it meant that the child she was carrying was a bastard child too. That was why Julia was forced to accept Gerald's marriage proposal to cover my disgrace.I asked Julia why she hadn't said that earlier. Julia admitted that she had tried but was afraid to ruin my happiness. At that time, I received a phone call from Quinn if I was appointed as Hendryx's replacement at The Boumerank. Besides, I was already a famous person. Julia was afraid of damaging my image and defaming Bradley.I also asked how could this happen? Julia reminded me of when I lay in the courtyard of a closed Middle Eastern restaurant. That night, I forced Julia to make love to vent my frustration.I asked why Julia didn't refuse or fight me. Julia admitted that if she fough
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 281 | The Bastard
When my mother found out that I wrote a book, she could only cry. I softly asked Lidia again. Lidia admitted that she did not want one of her loved ones to be lost in front of her again.Lidia finally told how Bradley disappeared. At that time, Brad and George were advocating for Saltyville residents not to be evicted by the government. The reason at that time was the same, namely the eviction of the brothels. The goal was to control coastal land to build an industrial complex.Bradley struggled on the pitch staging protests, while George, a journalist, struggled through writing. Because George's writings were considered threatening, he was hunted down by a group of unknown people. George during the New Order era was more famous than Bradley because of his profession as a critical journalist.One day in February 1998, a group of people dressed i
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 280 | Saltyroth Rhapsody
I visited Aisha at her palace at Royal Certajava. There, I asked Aisha if it was true that the Rasheed's were eyeing a new source of oil in Saltyville. Aisha said she knew, but was not involved.I asked, why didn't Aisha try to block her family's intentions? There were thousands of people living on the land of Saltyville. Aisha replied that she was only a Muslim woman. She had no power to decide. I accused Aisha of enjoying the result.Aisha started crying, telling me this was not what I accused her family of. I asked, then how exactly. Aisha replied she couldn't expose it.Then, I clashed with Aisha by accusing her of being hypocritical because she pretended not to know what was going on. We both mourned each other and move away from each other.So it was with Kacey.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 279 | Investigation
Knowing that I again urged my mother to talk. However, Lidia did not budge. Then, I said goodbye and would find out for myself and continue Bradley's struggle. Lidia strictly forbade my intention. But I was determined.Based on clues from Brad's book and Zoey's notes, I and Amelia, with Vincent's help, discover the mode of money laundering by the Rasheed and Schielhort families. Bribes to and from Jamaal, Syahnaz, Fatima, and Malloch, were deposited through the CLIF Foundation and Islamic boarding schools and houses of worship as a form of charity.Besides, some were used to establish Islamic boarding schools in Jombang and Madura. This was done by asking one of the pesantren students to be used on his behalf. That way, the Rasheed and Torstein families were not legally touched. An example was Bowie.While tracing this dirty practice, I continued to experience terror.Exploring further to Jakarta, I also discovered a flow of money to state officials. The
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 278 | Bradley's Diary
The next day, I asked my mother, Lidia, about Saltyville in more detail. The village elders refused to talk about it unless Lidia had already told me. And how did Bradley relate to all of this? But Lidia refused to talk about Bradley and Saltyville.I insisted that I read old documents at the Dr. Sue Thompson Regional Hospital. The document stated that there was the name of Lidia Tanoto, who gave birth to twins without a father. Lidia didn't budge.I was not broken. Then, I rushed to the warehouse of my house. I unpacked old chests and suitcases that were there. Every old document I read to find what I looking for. But, actually, I didn't know what I was looking for. I only knew Bradley and Saltyville.Then there was a clean pocketbook, tied with ropes from torn cloth. I opened it slowly because the book had rotted with age. In the book, apparently, Bradley wrote his daily life up to three days before mysteriously disappearing.In the book, Brad wrote abo
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 277 | Burning Revenge
After Brody investigated, it was Troy who was about to collect Zidan's debt from Jamaal. Troy told Jamaal that Zoey was somewhere in Newton and would kidnap her as bail. Shortly after, there was an IMD raid into the Guysville prostitution complex that left three people dead.We said Brody - referring to himself and Troy - concluded that the mastermind behind the brothel attacks was the Rasheed's. Brody also revealed that the most responsible behind Calliope's past to bring down Jamaal was Vincent. I was surprised.Brody added that Vincent found out from Zidan. And the Zidan was pretending to be angry and running away from the house so as not to stand out, that he was the one who leaked it.I also asked, how did Zidan know if Calliope was Zoey aka Melody? Well, therein laid the mystery. Who told Zidan? Said Brody.I further asked why Brody was willing to let Zoey go to me. Brody answered because I was his nephew.Then, I was reminded of Troy. Actual
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 276 | Climax
Then, suddenly the rumor spread that Vincent Limantoro was a descendant of communists. Vincent's family said the issue once defended Saltyville because they wanted immorality to continue in Saltyroth. George Limantoro was touted as a dissident against the regime.Shortly, Mayor Jamaal announced three villages, not two, whose citizens were asked to leave immediately. The problem was, the three villages would be evicted by the authority in a couple of days. The three villages were Saltyville, Wigan, and Certajava. For Saltyville in particular, the eviction would be the next day.Those facts made me even angrier. I ignored Brody's advice to remain silent. At a concert that refused the eviction in Saltyville, I participated in openly voicing my rejection of Jamaal.At that concert, I was no longer wearing Che's robes. I wanted the world to recognize me and the voices I represented.Then hundreds of IMD masses suddenly attacked Saltyville. There were clashes b
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 275 | Dangerous Teror
It was Santos. To me, Santos confessed that he and other service officials travel to Singapore for a comparative study on the construction of city parks also the cleanliness rules. He gambled in his spare time. At first, I understood Santos's reasons.We then talked about music and other things. We didn't have much time together because Santos had to leave, while Quinn and I went back to the hotel.The next day, I had a concert with Boumerank. As usual, the atmosphere is always lively. After that, we all returned to Indonesia.Day by day, Zoey's life began to improve. I had also kept his promise to fulfill Zoey's dream of becoming a singer.However, when everything seemed fine, I and Zoey were suddenly hunted down by strangers. They demanded me and Zoey shut our mouths or be killed. Zoey and I at first thought it was someone from Zoey's past.In the midst of her popularity, news spread that Calliope was a former drug addict and prostitute with the
