Romo remained silent even longer, his eyes staring far away, as if searching for answers beyond the café window overlooking the street. The atmosphere grew quieter, filled only by the gentle drip of coffee and the whisper of the wind. Riri watched Romo intently, both of them waiting for a meaningful response.
Finally, Romo spoke, his voice hesitant. "This… isn't an easy question to answer, Marlon." He took a deep breath. "Sometimes, I feel that the teachings of religion—in this case Islam—are actually very clear. But often, we as humans fail to truly live out those teachings in our daily lives. We assume that performing ritual worship alone is enough, without realizing that the deeper lessons—about peace, justice, compassion, and mutual respect—must be sincerely applied."
Marlon nodded slowly, seeming to understand a little, though the confusion hadn't completely left him. "But why is it that in countries like those, where religion might not be as dominant as here, their lives are more peaceful? What's missing here?"
Romo looked puzzled and thoughtful, searching for the right words. "Maybe," he said after a moment, "we often get trapped in a narrow understanding of religion. Islam teaches a lot about justice, equality, and peace. But sometimes we focus more on differences than similarities. We get too attached to symbols and rules without grasping the true meaning behind the teachings."
Riri added, "And maybe we also get too caught up in politics and power, which often mixes religion with personal interests."
Romo nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Religion is often politicized and used to justify actions that shouldn't be done. In Nordic countries, although many don't explicitly identify as Muslim or even religious, they hold to universal human principles—equality, social justice, and freedom. These principles are also present in Islam, but often forgotten or misunderstood."
Marlon fell silent, reflecting on Romo's words. "So, the problem isn't the religious teachings themselves, but how we understand and apply them in life?"
Romo nodded, his eyes filled with concern. "Sometimes, we forget that religious teachings are not just for rituals but also to guide how we interact with the world. Without a deep understanding of life's meaning and the teachings we receive, we'll keep getting trapped in the same chaos."
Marlon rubbed his temples, looking confused. "So… it's the humans who are at fault, right?" he muttered to himself. "I'm confused, Mo. If the teachings are clear and true, then the fault lies with us who don't understand them well? Then, where do we start to improve ourselves?"
Romo looked at Marlon seriously, trying to explain without giving an oversimplified answer. "Not just humans, Marlon. Every generation, every society, has its own challenges. The teachings are clear, but how we—as individuals and as a nation—live those teachings is the real challenge. Maybe here, we're too caught up in collective egos and group interests, forgetting the basic values that are actually quite simple."
Riri spoke up, offering another perspective. "Maybe we're also too used to old, broken ways, so it's hard to change. We focus on non-essential things and forget the core of the teachings themselves."
Marlon looked at them both, then shook his head, still confused. "But where do we start? We can't just change everything at once. If that's what we have to do, we'll be stuck in confusion forever."
Romo took a deep breath and said calmly, "Indeed, we can't change all the big things at once. Change starts with ourselves. How we understand, live, and share these values of goodness every day. We have to be examples to others. If we want bigger change, it starts from individual awareness. If we honestly recognize our own flaws and try to improve, then we become part of that change."
Riri added confidently, "So really, we have to start with the simple things, right? Improving how we interact with others, doing good sincerely, and living consciously."
Marlon still looked hesitant, but something in their words began to sink in. "So if I start with myself, trying to live more rightly, maybe little by little bigger things can change?"
Romo nodded. "Yes, Marlon. Change is like dominoes. It might start with one, but if we all start with ourselves, eventually it creates a bigger wave of change."
Marlon paused, recalling words he once heard. He looked out the window, as if searching for answers amid the bustling city. "I once heard Jalaluddin Rumi say," he said softly, "'Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.'" He stopped, reflecting on the words. "But, from my point of view, no matter how good we are, even if the Seven Heavenly Virtues govern us, people like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos—who are clearly very narcissistic, seemingly bound by pride—they still believe they can change the world. And, well… they really did change the world."
Romo listened carefully, while Riri absorbed the statement quietly. Marlon continued, now a bit firmer. "They're not just brave enough to take big risks, but they also have a strong belief in themselves. Even if they seem selfish or too narcissistic, the fact is they still managed to bring huge change."
Romo, who had been listening attentively, finally spoke. "Marlon, you're right. They did change the world, though not always in ways we consider 'ideal.' They might feel entitled to their achievements, and that could be a form of great pride. But… maybe what we need to remember is that they weren't just trying to change the world for themselves, but also for others, even if their methods are controversial."
Riri nodded slowly, considering Romo's words. "Yes, they're not just successful materially or technologically, but they also impact how we live. They make us think about innovation, progress, and how the world could be different if we dare to think outside the box."
Marlon looked at his two friends, still trying to connect his ideals with reality. "But what does all this mean?" He sighed deeply. "If we follow their path, will we become like them? Should we pursue big changes like they did, even if it means dealing with narcissism or great pride? Or… is there a middle way between living virtuously and still making a big impact like they did?"
Romo pondered again, trying to offer a broader perspective. "Maybe, Marlon, what matters is how we see the meaning of change. Changing the world doesn't always have to be dramatic or driven by huge ambition. Sometimes, big change begins with small acts done with sincere intention. But if someone has the ability and vision to change the world on a large scale, maybe we can't judge that only through morality."
Marlon nodded slowly, sensing a glimmer of clarity amidst his confusion. "So maybe what we need isn't just goodness, but also the courage to take big steps, even if it comes at a high cost—like those people did."
Romo smiled gently, as if conveying understanding without giving a definite answer. "Yes, courage and intention are important, but they must be balanced with awareness. This world is full of paradoxes, Marlon. There's no simple answer. Sometimes we have to choose between two paths, both of which carry significant consequences, yet each has its own positives and negatives."
Marlon leaned back in his chair, looking at Riri who seemed serious. "Mo," he said, glancing at Romo, "how about we go on a long trip? I think if we take a road trip from Bandung to Bali, it could give us a lot of perspective. We could stop in several cities like Semarang, Jogja, Solo, Malang, and then cross over to Bali through Banyuwangi."
Riri nodded in agreement. "I think this could be a great opportunity to listen more, see more. Sometimes we focus too much on just one point of view, but the world is vast. We need to see it from many angles."
Marlon continued, "My father said it's better if we start seeing more broadly. To see and hear more. Exploring places that might give us clearer answers about what we're searching for—or at least provide us with different perspectives. Sometimes, through trips like this, we find many things we never expected."
Romo looked at them thoughtfully, as if pondering the idea. He raised his eyebrows, then said softly, "A long journey like that can indeed give you a lot of experience, that's true. But you also have to be prepared for what you'll encounter along the way. Sometimes, it's not the answers you get that shape you, but how you face the journey itself."
Riri smiled, a bit comforted by Romo's words. "But Mo, sometimes we need to meet different people, see different cultures, only then can we truly understand life. If we keep sticking to the same places, we won't grow."
Marlon added, "Exactly. I think this trip can be our way to seek more understanding. Every city, every region has its own stories and challenges. That could be useful material for our research. Besides, there are many things we don't know, and maybe we can only discover them by looking closely at this world."
Romo nodded slowly, though there was still some hesitation in his eyes. "I get it. Travel can open many eyes and minds. But remember, journeys don't always offer easy or instant answers. You might find a lot of confusing things, and not everything you see will match your expectations."
Marlon smiled faintly, realizing Romo was right. "But Mo, that's what we're after, isn't it? To understand better—not just the truths we hope for, but the reality that exists."
Riri added, "And maybe, after seeing more, we can start to understand how everything works. Not just looking at the problems, but also the solutions."
Finally, Romo nodded with a thoughtful expression. "Alright, you've thought this through carefully. If this is what you want, then go for it. But don't forget, a journey isn't just about the destination—it's about how you take every step along the way."
The atmosphere in the café lightened, even though there were still many things to consider. The three of them sat with enthusiasm, imagining the long trip ahead and what they might encounter at every turn.
Marlon looked out the window, his eyes scanning the crowd outside, but his mind drifted far away from the bustle. After a few seconds, he shifted his gaze back to Romo and Riri. "I want to take this trip without any labels," he said calmly but with conviction. "No religion, culture, or any preconceived views that we've carried so far. I want to accept everything as it is and filter it during the journey."
Riri looked at Marlon curiously. "What do you mean?"
Marlon took a deep breath, trying to choose his words carefully. "I don't want to judge something as right or wrong just because it contradicts my current beliefs. I want to be more open—see everything without bias. I know everyone has their reasons for living the way they do, for making the decisions they make. And I also know I won't be able to change much. Everyone walks their own path."
Romo listened attentively, staring at Marlon with a hint of surprise, but also sensing the depth in his words. "Marlon," Romo began, "this journey isn't just about finding answers. Sometimes, trips like this make our questions clearer and open many perspectives. But accepting without judging—that's not easy."
Marlon nodded slowly, as if fully understanding what Romo meant. "I know, Mo. But that's exactly what I want to try. We live surrounded by so many labels and judgments—from religion, culture, or backgrounds. I want to let all of that go and just see the world as it really is. Without immediately judging, without feeling I have the right to decide what's right or wrong."
Riri, who had been listening attentively, finally spoke."So, you want to see everything more neutrally? But wouldn't that make us feel confused, Mar? If we don't have any solid ground, how will we know what to choose?"
Marlon smiled faintly."That doesn't mean I don't have principles, Riri. I still know the values that matter to me. But on this journey, I want to try accepting how others live, without feeling the need to fix it. Everyone has their own struggles, right? They act with their reasons, and I have to respect that, even if I don't always agree."
Romo was silent for a moment, thinking."Marlon, sometimes we do need to learn to let go of our judgments. This world is full of diversity, and often we get stuck in our own perspectives, believing that only our way is right. But by letting go of that, we can better understand others—although sometimes it also means accepting realities that aren't always easy."
Marlon nodded, feeling enlightened."That's why I want to take this trip. So I don't get trapped in narrow thinking. I want to see more, hear more, and judge less. That way, maybe I can start understanding this world in a different way."
Riri, who had been listening quietly, finally smiled."That's a brave step, Mar. I agree we should try, but we still have to be careful. Don't let yourself get too carried away and forget the principles we hold."
Romo smiled wisely."True. We always have to remember who we are, even as we learn to see the world more broadly. But this journey could be a good chance for you both to grow."
Marlon sighed in relief, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten a bit."I just want to learn. Without burden. Without judgment."
He looked at Romo with a more serious gaze, his eyes full of deep understanding, as if there was something he had wanted to say for a long time."Mo," he said softly, "I just want to remind you of one thing. I know your background, everything you've learned, and the values you hold. But I hope you remember this: whatever values you have, whatever you believe in, use them for yourself first."
Romo looked at Marlon, a bit confused, as if trying to find meaning in that sentence. Marlon continued,"During this journey, we have to start learning with an open mind. Don't be influenced by dogma, or what others have taught us. I know we have different understandings, and that's okay. But I want us to try seeing the world more freely, without being tied down by whatever has limited us so far."
Riri listened carefully, sensing a depth in Marlon's words that seemed not only meant for Romo but also for herself. Romo was silent for a moment, seeming to reflect on what Marlon had just said.
"I understand," Romo finally said softly, his voice heavy but humble."Sometimes, we get trapped in what we believe, without realizing it might limit how we see the world. I get it, Marlon. Maybe I also need to let go of some things to truly see more clearly."
Marlon nodded, sensing a shift in Romo's attitude."I just want us to learn with a more open mind. We don't know what we'll find on this journey, and we don't know how it will affect us. But we have to be ready to accept whatever it is, without being influenced by dogmas we might have held for so long."
Romo looked at Marlon and Riri, his eyes calmer now."Maybe all this time I was too fixated on what I believe, thinking it's the only truth there is. Maybe I have to learn to see wider, and maybe that's what will help me on this journey."
The atmosphere in the café quieted down, as if Marlon and Romo's words hung in the air, giving space for all of them to reflect. Marlon felt a little relieved, knowing Romo was beginning to open his mind for the journey ahead—a journey not only to see the outside world but also to look inside themselves more honestly and openly.
Romo sat in the living room of his father's house, Pak Hasan. The dim twilight made the room quieter than usual. Pak Hasan, known for his sternness since youth, sat in his favorite chair, wearing a slightly worn long-sleeved shirt, gazing at Romo with an unreadable expression. They sat in silence for a moment before Pak Hasan finally spoke.
"So, you were talking about the oxygen paradox with your friend Marlon?" Pak Hasan asked, his voice heavy, full of curiosity.
Romo nodded slowly, his eyes focused on his clasped hands."Yes, Pa. Marlon and Riri were discussing that earlier. The oxygen we breathe every second is necessary for life, but on the other hand, it also speeds up aging and death."
Pak Hasan raised his eyebrows."A paradox, huh? This world is full of those." He sighed, then continued in a softer tone, "But why do you feel the need to talk about it? What does it have to do with your trip from Bandung to Bali?"