Badai Sastrawan was a young Prime Minister, full of spirit and idealism. His clean background and sterling reputation were the reasons he was chosen. It wasn't because Badai was a master politician that he was elected to lead his country, but because of his emotional bond with the common people who had been oppressed by the previous ruling administration.
On his very first day occupying the Prime Minister's seat, he encountered various irregularities—oddities within his own cabinet. There was a lack of discipline among the staff, who failed to arrive at the office on time.
"Damn it! So, all this time they've been robbing the people's money however they pleased. They have no shame! I won't let them get away with this. I will expose all their crimes, even if I have to sacrifice everything."
"Whatever it takes, even if I have to lose my life. I will fight for the people who have been oppressed and lived in misery due to the greed of corrupt officials."
"This is the greatest test of my life. I have to make a very difficult decision. If I choose the easy path, I can keep my position and live comfortably. But if I choose the path of truth, I must be ready to face the consequences. I have to think this through carefully, for the future of this nation."
An inner battle raged within Badai. He did not want his people to experience what he had felt during his childhood.
Flashback
Badai grew up in a modest family that lived hand-to-mouth. His father, an underpaid contract teacher, passed away from an untreated illness due to a lack of funds. At the time, Badai was still in middle school. That event made him determined to change a system he felt was unjust. His resolve hardened when he saw his hometown destroyed by development projects rife with corruption. Many residents lost their livelihoods and were forced to evacuate. Badai promised himself that he would expose all corrupt practices and build a better country.
The atmosphere in little Badai's house was cramped, with a tiny living room. Badai was studying diligently. His father and mother seemed to be chatting when a knock came from outside.
Knock Knock
Badai's mother walked to the door and opened it. On the threshold stood four men with unfriendly looks on their faces.
The four men barged in immediately before being invited by the host.
Three of them stood with ferocious expressions, looking as if they wanted to devour the homeowners.
"Hey, you!" shouted a small-statured man, though his face was incredibly fierce, with a thick mustache adorning his lip.
"When are you paying your loan arrears?" the man's voice rang out, piercing the eardrums of Badai, who was in the middle of studying.
The man stood with his hands on his hips, looming over Badai's father, who stood slightly hunched.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't have the money to pay yet," Badai's father's voice was hoarse and sounded fearful.
"You're three days overdue, and today you must pay off your loan to our Bank!" the man snapped.
"I know, sir. Give me a chance to find the money, and I will pay off my loan," Badai's father merely bowed his head.
"What? A chance? There are no more chances. You must pay it off tonight!" the man's voice grew louder. He grabbed the collar of Badai's father's shirt, who was terrified.
"Please, sir, have some mercy. I promise to pay off my loan," Badai's father continued to beg.
"If you can't pay your arrears, we will seize this house," barked the man, who turned out to be a banker.
"Don't, sir. Where will we live if our house is seized!" Badai's father pleaded for a chance.
"I don't give a damn where you live. Live in the gutter for all I care. That's not my business. The point is, I am seizing this house," the man threatened Badai's father.
"Please, sir, don't take our house. I will pay it off tomorrow," Badai's father's voice broke while in the man's grip.
"Fine. Tonight, you and your family can stay in this shack. But if you don't come to pay off your loan by tomorrow afternoon, I will seize this dilapidated house," said the banker.
Without saying goodbye, the man and his three bodyguards walked out and headed to their car.
after the banker and his three bodyguards left, having come to collect the arrears from Badai's father and mother, the house fell silent. Badai's mother and father sat facing each other.
Badai's mother let out a long sigh. "Finally, they left. But, I'm not sure this is over."
"They will definitely come back!" Badai's father's face looked pale.
"How are we going to pay a debt that large?" Badai's mother asked softly.
"I don't know. We have to find a way out. Whatever it takes," Badai's father scratched his head.
Badai, who had stopped studying because of the commotion caused by the banker and his guards, could only sit silently in his desk chair.
That bitter memory was never forgotten by Badai, even after he earned his bachelor's degree. His parents' struggle to make Badai a successful and highly educated man had succeeded. He was even a genius young man; because of his intelligence, he won an award—being gifted a company by an old CEO who had disguised himself as a lecturer at the campus where Badai studied to find an heir.
Badai's personality and character made the CEO sympathize with him and feel that Badai was the right person to inherit all the companies he owned.
After the graduation ceremony was over, the old CEO, Hartawan, ordered his personal driver to pick up Badai and bring him to his office. At the old CEO Hartawan's company, Badai went straight to the room located on the 5th floor. There, the old CEO, Mr. Hartawan, was waiting for the arrival of his heir. Although Badai was neither his son nor family, he was very certain that his company would not fall into ruin in Badai's hands.
Badai entered the room, knocking on the door gently. Hartawan lifted his head from a pile of files.
Hartawan invited Badai to sit.
"Badai, I want us to speak openly. I know you might be wondering why I chose you as my successor," Mr. Hartawan spoke with great charisma.
Badai just looked at Mr. Hartawan sitting in front of him. "Honestly, sir, I am curious too."
"I see in you the same spirit as the founders of this company. You dare to take risks and are not afraid of challenges," revealed Mr. Hartawan to Badai, who sat silently listening.
"Thank you, sir," said Badai briefly.
"But remember, being a leader is not easy. You will face many obstacles and pressures," Mr. Hartawan reminded Badai.
"If you place such high hopes and this responsibility on me, I will strive to work hard regardless of the risks I will face."
"But before that, I must say, sir, I am just an ordinary human being. Whether I am trusted or not depends on other people's judgment of me."
"I might say I am an honest person, but if others say I am not honest, then what can I say?" explained Badai.
Mr. Hartawan looked at him with admiration.
"I am ready to face it if you give me the trust you are offering. I hope you do not regret choosing me."
"Because between us, there is no blood tie, nor family. I am a stranger receiving such a huge mandate from you," added Badai in his gentle voice.
Hartawan nodded, his eyes glassy with tears.
"I believe in you, Badai," said Mr. Hartawan.
"I know you are not my biological son, but I see great potential in you. I am sure you can take this company to a higher level." Mr. Hartawan stood up and approached Badai.
"Starting tomorrow, you will begin working here. I will help you adapt," Mr. Hartawan said while patting Badai's shoulder.
"Yes, sir. Thank you," said Badai, standing before Mr. Hartawan.
Badai stood, then shook Hartawan's hand. The two looked at each other, appearing to understand one another perfectly.