Rebirth in Southeast Asia

"Yes, Grandfather," I nodded softly. "There will be greedy ones, who feel they are entitled to more. That's why it's better to legally separate everything from the beginning. Divide it individually, so that it doesn't become a major conflict later. Don't let them fight and hate each other just because of inheritance."

Grandfather pondered for a long time, his gaze vacant, staring at the sky. Perhaps he was imagining the bad scenario I had described. There was sadness on his face, but it was slowly replaced by determination.

"Alright, Marlon," Grandfather finally said, his voice soft yet firm. "I agree with what you said. This could be a solution."

Grandfather knew that this would at least save his immediate family, his own children and grandchildren, from potential future division. Of course, for the other shareholders in the media company, they had different interests and decisions. But for our own family's wealth and inheritance, Grandfather would take firm action. This was a valuable lesson from the future that could change fate, at least for the people I loved.

Hearing Grandfather agree to my suggestion to make a will for asset distribution, I felt a little relieved. At least, hopefully this way, Grandfather's family, his children, would not have sharp conflicts that would cause division later on. I knew that inheritance could be a knife that splits families, and I didn't want that to happen to this family I loved so much. This step, though small, was an investment in our family's harmony.

I then went back to explaining my grand vision to Grandfather, which now felt even more concrete with his full support. "Grandfather," I said, "our future business, Sundawani, will be heavily involved in fundamental sectors."

"What sectors are those, Son?" Grandfather asked, enthusiastic. "Primarily, we will focus on technology, fashion, and food," I explained. "Why these three? Because these are needs that will never disappear in the future, Grandfather. Technology will continue to develop and become the backbone of life. Fashion is a human need for expression and appearance. And food? Humans will always need to eat, no matter what."

I envisioned how Sundawani would build a strong digital ecosystem, produce and distribute innovative fashion products, and become a major player in the food industry from upstream to downstream.

However, I also realized the enormity of the challenges ahead. I knew very well the condition of Indonesia, which had just passed through dark times. I looked at Grandfather, a slight burden in my eyes.

"Grandfather," I said, "I know this might sound arrogant, but I also have to be honest. I am not capable of fixing all the holes left by President Soeharto during his 32 years of leadership."

Grandfather nodded, understanding my meaning. The New Order era indeed left complex impacts, especially on the economic structure and public mentality.

"Especially in terms of industrial revolution," I continued. "Indonesia is far behind other countries that have already advanced. Our infrastructure, human resource quality, and innovation culture still need massive improvements."

I sighed, but then a faint smile formed on my lips, full of determination. "But, Grandfather, even though I cannot change all of Indonesia alone, at least..."

I looked at Grandfather with full conviction. "...at least Bandung City, at least West Java, especially Majalengka, our ancestral home, I will try to change it for the better. I will focus here, building from scratch. With strong technology, fashion, and food, I am confident we can create jobs, improve welfare, and restore glory to our ancestral land."

Grandfather smiled proudly, patting my shoulder. "That is more than enough, Marlon. Focus on what you can change. Start from what's closest. Your true business empire will begin there."

My conversation with Grandfather was finally over. All the trusts we had discussed, all the strategic plans I had entrusted to him, Grandfather had carried out well. It felt such a relief. Grandfather had also arranged a will for his family, hopefully that could prevent future conflicts.

Time truly flew by so fast. I, who was once a toddler with future knowledge, unexpectedly entered the year 2004. I was now 12 years old. Our home environment felt increasingly lively and warm. I now had two new younger siblings!

My first younger sibling, a boy, named Putra, was born in 1997, just like in my previous life. He was now about 7 years old, starting to be active and full of curiosity. Then, my second younger sibling, a girl, born in 2002, named Yola, was still very small, cute, and adorable. So, now there were four of us siblings, just like in my previous life: me, older sister Putri, younger brother, and younger sister. It felt like reliving a chapter of life, but with very different knowledge.

Besides the family's growth, something else was also developing rapidly: myself. For years, I had regularly trained physically and mentally. As a result, I now had a very strong physique. Daily running, basketball, silat, karate, and taekwondo, all those trainings shaped my body to be athletic and agile. I was no longer a sickly or weak child.

In addition, my language skills had also improved significantly. I could speak English, Mandarin, and Arabic quite fluently. These were all skills I had intensively practiced for the past almost seven years. Every day, I made time to study, read books in foreign languages, and even practiced speaking with private tutors.

Although I had knowledge of the future, I still didn't feel intelligent in the traditional sense, like being an academic genius or having a photographic memory. But one thing I held firm: I was more disciplined. This discipline was what brought me to this position, both physically, linguistically, and in guiding investments. Consistency in practice and learning was key.

Now, I had also graduated from the public elementary school near my house. It felt bittersweet. There was relief for completing one level of education, but also a little emotional for leaving old friends. I was now ready to enter junior high.

Overall, I went through my education and childhood just like in my previous life. It felt like nostalgia on this journey. I met the same teachers again, the same school environment, and even some friends who were similar to my old friends. Every moment felt more meaningful.

This journey made me want to appreciate the people I had met in the past even more. Now, I had a second chance to cherish every interaction, every lesson, and every moment together. I would not waste this opportunity, both in building a financial future and in building better relationships with the people around me.

It was 2004, and I was 12 years old. After graduating from elementary school, I continued my education at a public junior high school that was still relatively close to home. It felt like reliving a storyline I already knew. I remembered very well, in my previous life, it was in this junior high that I started to get dragged into a bad environment. As soon as I entered junior high, I immediately felt a change in atmosphere. From the innocent elementary school environment, this junior high felt "rougher" and more complex. There were many new friends from various backgrounds, and it didn't take long before I started to see the seeds of trouble.

In my previous life, this is where I started joining a "gangster" group. Not sadistic gangsters like in movies, but more like a group of teenagers who liked to seek attention, were a bit mischievous, and had a different lifestyle. We used to hang out at the warung (small shop) near school, or in hidden places. From there, slowly, I started trying things I shouldn't have.

One of the things I remembered most was that I started drinking alcohol. At first, it was just out of curiosity, following older friends or those who pretended to be brave. From one sip, it became a habit when we gathered. Besides alcohol, there was also the temptation to try other, worse things, like smoking or even illegal drugs.

I knew very well that, in my previous life, I couldn't avoid it because the environment was simply like that. Peer pressure was very strong at junior high age. If I didn't participate, I would feel strange, not accepted, or even ostracized. I didn't have the strength to refuse completely back then. But this time, with my knowledge from the future, the story would be different. I knew the risks and consequences. I knew which paths to avoid.

My strategy this time was to remain friends with them. I wouldn't distance myself from old friends or the groups I used to be part of. After all, they were actually fun friends to talk and hang out with. I didn't want to be antisocial or act holier-than-thou. I still wanted to have friends, still wanted to socialize. However, most importantly, I would avoid alcohol and other drugs as much as possible. I would cleverly find excuses when offered.

Maybe I'd say Grandfather taught me not to drink, or say I had a stomachache, or pretend I had already drunk earlier. I would still join the gatherings, still joke around, but I wouldn't get caught up in destructive things. I knew this would be a challenge, but I had to be strong.

I had a much bigger goal: building Sundawani, helping my family, and changing the face of Bandung and West Java. I couldn't be ruined by past mistakes. This was my first real-world test after all those grand plans. I had to prove that I could sail through the storm without sinking.

Marlon's life in the suburban area of Bandung, West Java, is far from peaceful. The main road leading to his home, an arterial route connecting cities, is controlled by various youth gangs, which were quite disruptive in his time. He vividly remembers frequent minor conflicts and even major brawls along that road. The atmosphere could suddenly turn tense over trivial matters.

In his previous life, he often found himself caught in the middle. This was part of his adolescence, a time of experimentation and self-discovery. He knew very well what it felt like to live between two different 'powers'.

The problem was that his school, the public junior high, was in a different gang's area than the one controlling his neighborhood. So, every time he went to or from school, he crossed territorial lines. This forced him to be smart about positioning himself.

In his previous life, he managed to get along with both sides. He had good friends in the neighborhood gang and close friends in the school area gang. He successfully maintained good relationships with both, without taking sides, and often served as an informal bridge. This gave him an advantage because he could move freely in both areas without much trouble. This time too, of course, he would continue to build friendships with them. He didn't want to cut ties or make enemies. He would remain the friendly Marlon, someone easy to talk and hang out with.

Taekwondo: A Physical and Mental Fortress in Junior High

Even though Marlon already possessed proficient martial arts skills from practicing silat, karate, and taekwondo since he was five, he still needed to find activities at his new school. He looked at the extracurricular list offered by the junior high and immediately knew his choice.

"I'm joining the Taekwondo extracurricular," he told Father when enrolling. It was the only martial arts option available at that school. For him, this was no longer about learning basic techniques, but more about maintaining what he had already acquired.

Just imagine, he was still in 1st grade of junior high, but his Taekwondo belt was already a black belt with one stripe. This is a level usually only achieved after years of hard training, even by adults. So, when the extracurricular coach saw his ability, they were immediately surprised.

"You're already at this level? How is that possible?" asked the coach, astonished.

Marlon just smiled and said he had been training since he was little. At school, he no longer needed to learn from scratch. He only came to train so he wouldn't forget. He was often asked to help the coach demonstrate movements, or assist friends who were struggling. This gave him a double advantage: he maintained his fitness and martial arts skills, and he also gained recognition and respect from friends and teachers at school.

These martial arts abilities, combined with his social skills, would be a protective fortress for him in this tough environment. He could take care of himself, and he could also maintain friendships. He would not repeat the mistakes of the past that led him astray. This time, he would be a stronger, wiser version of Marlon, more focused on his big goals. This was part of his second life adventure, where he had to navigate the same environment in a different way.

Time truly cannot be predicted. Amidst his busy adaptation to junior high life and building the Sundawani business, the thing he least wanted finally came. While he was still in 1st grade of junior high, his Grandfather, his discussion partner, his teacher, and also the person he trusted most in the world, passed away at the hospital.

He remembered clearly the last time he visited him at the hospital. Grandfather was already lying weak in the spacious VIP room. His body looked frail, but his spirit never faded. Marlon sat beside his bed, massaging his cold feet. The room was silent, only the faint sound of a heart monitor. He tried hard to hold back tears, wanting Grandfather to see him strong.

Actually, there were some funny things that happened while Grandfather was hospitalized. His Grandfather was truly a heavy smoker, from youth to old age, cigarettes were like a part of him. Even though he was sick and being treated in a sterile room, he still smoked inside the room. Thin smoke wafted in the corner of the room, mixing the smell of medicine with the scent of tobacco.

The doctors and nurses, of course, often reprimanded him. One young doctor who often examined him, Doctor Arya, once politely tried to forbid Grandfather.

"Abah, I apologize, but you are not allowed to smoke here. This is a hospital room, and it's also not good for your health, Sir," said Doctor Arya, trying to be firm but still respectful.

Grandfather turned, his old face showing a mischievous smile. He inhaled his cigarette deeply, then slowly exhaled the smoke into the air.

"Ah, Doctor," Grandfather replied casually, with his husky, heavy smoker's voice. "Even a horse that never smokes, still dies, right?" Doctor Arya was silent, unsure how to respond.

"My Grandfather has a horse in the village," Grandfather continued, nodding as if giving a lesson. "The horse is healthy, eats fresh grass every day, never smokes. But yesterday, that horse died too. So, don't forbid me from smoking, Doctor. It'll be the same in the end."

Doctor Arya, seeing an old man over 80 years old with an argument so illogical from a medical perspective, could only smile in exasperation. Perhaps he thought, 'How can there be such a stubborn patient?' But that was indeed his Grandfather. Always had a quirky answer for every prohibition.

After Doctor Arya left, Grandfather chuckled, coughed, and then resumed smoking. Marlon smiled along, though his heart ached. His humorous antics were his trademark, a way to keep fighting and enjoying life until the very last moment.

Grandfather's passing left a big void in Marlon's life. He was the only person who knew his secret, who always believed in his crazy visions. Now, he was alone in carrying out this mission. The responsibility felt heavier, but he knew he had to continue it, for Grandfather's trust, and for the future he had planned.

Grandfather's passing left deep sorrow, but one thing brought a little warmth amidst the sadness. As Marlon suspected, Grandfather had prepared everything thoroughly, even for his last day.

His Grandfather was buried side-by-side with his Grandmother in the public cemetery located very close to their house. The funeral process went smoothly, full of emotion, attended by the extended family and Grandfather's friends from various circles. Seeing Grandfather's grave right next to Grandmother's, Marlon couldn't hold back his tears.

It felt like there was an unspoken story there. It seemed Grandfather had prepared everything, even his final resting place he had made sure of. He and Grandmother, who were always together in life, would now continue side-by-side in eternity.

"He must have missed Grandmother terribly," Marlon whispered to himself. Perhaps, this was Grandfather's way to finally reunite with his true love, after living without her for several years. Their togetherness, both in this world and the afterlife, was a picture of sincere and eternal love.

Seeing their graves side-by-side, there was a little relief in Marlon's heart. Now, both of them rested peacefully. Grandfather's tasks and trust were on his shoulders, and he would carry them out to the best of his ability, for both of them.

After Grandfather's emotional funeral, a somber atmosphere still enveloped their extended family. As is common in Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) culture in Indonesia, they held yasinan and tahlilan ceremonies for seven consecutive days at Grandfather's house. Every evening, after the Isha prayer, relatives, neighbors, and Grandfather's friends would gather. They would read the Surat Yasin together, chant tahlil, tahmid, takbir, and prayers for the deceased Grandfather.

Marlon sat among the adult men, participating in reading yasin and listening to prayers. Although still a child, he knew very well how important this tradition was for their family. This was not just a religious ritual, but also a moment of togetherness, mutual strengthening, and remembering Grandfather.

His Father once explained, "Marlon, in Indonesia, Islam has many different cultures. There are groups like NU (Nahdlatul Ulama), Muhammadiyah, Persis (Persatuan Islam), and many more."

"What's the difference, Father?" Marlon asked back then. "Well, they have different views on traditions like this tahlilan," Father replied. "Our family usually follows the NU understanding. So, yes, we continue to perform this tahlilan."