Before he knew it, Raihan had been taking his friend around several new places in the small town of Taliwang for over an hour. Athar seemed still captivated by the progress of his homeland. He occasionally asked the names of the new buildings towering majestically on street corners.
"Why are there so many new buildings, towering majestically, Han? Who owns them?" Athar seemed curious to hear his close friend's answer.
"I don't know either, Tar, why that magnificent building is here. I'm a street motorcycle taxi driver, my job is to take passengers to their homes. After that, I go back to the terminal, if I get a passenger, but if not, how am I going to pay? credit Is this motorbike Tar?ā
Raihan spoke at length. Without realizing it, his words were a heartfelt confession about the hardships of being a motorcycle taxi driver. A profession conservative which does not provide a guarantee of wealth.
"Sorry, Han, that's not what I meant. I'm just curious, why were those grand buildings built here? They don't guarantee the people's well-being. To me, they symbolize the government's injustice towards the common people. Their presence is the seed for the rise of corruptors in ties. Those grand buildings are their fertile ground. And it's those buildings that have taken away our time together, Han!"
Athar spoke suddenly full of emotion, he could not stand seeing the large buildings and sturdy walls displacing the green plants along the road to his village.
āYou are the hope of our people, Tar!ā Raihan interrupted for a moment.
"What do you mean, Han?" Athar replied.
"As a friend, I'm proud to have a friend like you. You can go to school in Java. I'm sure that one day, after you graduate and go to college in Java, you will become a great person. And when you do, you will be the one responsible for solving this problem.
If in the future you become an official, hold a rank, always remember that mandate is Tar, you hold it and carry it out as well as possible. Use your power and authority to defend the little people. Not the other way around, you oppress and exploit society. Don't forget that's my message Tar. Once again. Don't forget your friend, Raihan. Agus Raihan"
Raihan appeared more enthusiastic and teary-eyed as he expressed his hopes and concerns to his friend, Athar. Athar refused to interrupt, allowing his friend to continue grappling. Occasionally, Athar reflected on Raihan's words. Such was the reality. Officials in power could only enrich themselves. The people were impoverished, but officials lived honorably.
Before they knew it, their conversation was almost over. A few minutes later, Athar arrived in front of his house.
"Thank you, Han, for taking me home. If you're off from riding your motorcycle taxi, stop by my house. I'd love for you to take me hiking up Mantar, the village famous for its albino descendants."
"If Ustad Athar asks, I can't refuse!" Raihan replied while hugging his friend tightly.
"Peace be upon you Ustad, I'll take my leave now."
"Waalaikumsalam warahmatullah wabarkatuh"
A moment later they hugged each other tightly and separated.
