The Journey Begins – From Bandung to Semarang
That morning, the sky was still dark when Marlon, Riri, and Romo started their journey. Their car slowly drove out of Bandung city, following the road that was beginning to brighten at the horizon. Inside the car, only the sound of the engine and occasional chatter could be heard, punctuated now and then by soft laughter. They didn't know exactly what they would encounter on this trip, but somehow, the atmosphere inside the car was filled with light hope. Their first destination was Semarang, a city rich with history and, of course, full of stories yet to be heard.
"I haven't been to Semarang in a long time," Riri broke the silence. "Every corner of this city seems to whisper tales from the past, from its rich history to its delicious food. I think we're going to discover a lot there."
Marlon, sitting beside Riri, nodded in agreement. "I'm curious to see how history and modernity coexist in a city like Semarang. I used to only hear stories about this place from books, but now we get to experience it firsthand."
Romo, sitting in the back, listened while enjoying the scenery that was gradually opening up, then quietly added, "Semarang is indeed interesting. There are many traces of history here, but it's more than that. The city is also rapidly developing with the times, right?"
They continued along the toll road, with the scenery of West Java gradually changing. When they finally entered Semarang, their eyes immediately caught sight of old buildings standing firmly amidst the bustling modern life.
Arriving downtown, they stopped at a coffee shop located on the corner of Pemuda Street. The strong aroma of coffee greeted them as soon as they opened the car door.
Riri took a deep breath, a slight smile appearing on her face. "This is what I love. Semarang coffee always has a distinct aroma."
Marlon followed her out of the car and walked into the modest but characterful coffee shop. "Let's start today with something simple," he said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But I'm sure we're going to find a lot of uniqueness here."
After ordering coffee, they sat at a small table near the window, watching the busy city traffic. From there, they had a clear view of the famous Lawang Sewu building.
Romo, who knew the city quite well, began explaining, "This building is a silent witness to many eras that the city has passed through. Lawang Sewu was once the Dutch colonial government office, and after independence, it became a silent witness to many historical events. Even though it holds bitter memories, this building remains part of Semarang's identity."
Marlon looked intently at the building. "It's really majestic. But there's something mysterious about this place, Romo. I think many people still fear going near it because of its ghost stories. But isn't that also part of history? That fear, the darker side of history?"
Riri added, "But Mar, fear isn't just about ghosts or invisible things, right? It could be about how we face the reality that history isn't always beautiful or noble. Sometimes history is full of mistakes that we have to accept."
Romo listened carefully, then nodded slowly. "That's true, Riri. History is often more complicated than we imagine. All events — both mistakes and successes — are part of this life journey. Semarang, with all its uniqueness, reflects the journey of this nation."
A strange silence fell as they stood in front of the large doors. It was as if the building was watching them back.
After enjoying their coffee, they continued their walk to the Old Town area. There, they strolled through streets lined with historic buildings surrounded by small parks filled with shady trees. Amidst the old city atmosphere, they found many small shops selling various antiques and Semarang specialties.
"Marlon, did you know? Semarang is famous for its lumpia," said Riri, drawing Marlon and Romo's attention to a lumpia cart that looked very tempting. "We have to try this. It's not complete if you visit Semarang without tasting lumpia."
Marlon smiled, responding with a joke. "Yeah, looks like we have to. But who knew we'd get stuck in this long queue?"
Romo chuckled softly, "Every place has its own charm, but that's true. Food is an important part of culture, and Semarang lumpia is one of the city's symbols."
They sat on a bench right in front of the lumpia stall, enjoying their food while continuing to talk about the city. The longer they stayed, the more they realized that Semarang was not just a city of old buildings or good food. More than that, it was a representation of the nation's long journey, full of memories, conflicts, and ongoing improvements.
As they continued to their next destination, they felt that Semarang — despite its complex and sometimes unpleasant historical layers — still had a uniqueness that invited curiosity and appreciation. They felt they understood the city a little better, not only through the history taught in books but also through the way people of Semarang live and adapt to the times.
"Amazing," said Marlon, watching the cityscape dimming in the evening light. "I'm starting to understand. This is not just about seeing history, but also about learning to accept reality — both the parts we like and the parts we don't."
Riri nodded. "Semarang teaches us that the past and the future always go hand in hand. If we keep moving forward without recognizing the past, we might lose our way."
Romo looked at both of them, a wise smile on his face. "Exactly. This journey isn't just about the places we visit but about how we understand ourselves through every step we take."
With that, they continued their journey, leaving Semarang behind, ready to enter the next chapter of their long trip.
After enjoying lumpia in the Old Town, Marlon, Riri, and Romo headed toward one of Semarang's famous souvenir centers. Their car slowly drove through city streets now filled with evening traffic. The shop lights began to glow, creating a warm atmosphere along the sidewalks.
They finally arrived at a fairly large souvenir shop, its building still maintaining a colonial style with white walls and large wooden-framed windows. As soon as they entered, the distinct aroma of bandeng presto, wingko babat, and various traditional snacks greeted them.
Riri immediately went to a shelf filled with various treats. "I always like places like this," she said, picking up a box of wingko babat. "Sometimes, souvenirs are more than just food. They're a way to bring home memories from the places we visit."
Marlon looked around. The shop was crowded, full of tourists from different cities. Some were seriously choosing their food, while others busily captured moments with their phone cameras. There were even large families, complete with children running down the aisles.
"I wonder," Marlon suddenly said, "why do we, as humans, feel the urge to bring something from the places we visit? Is it because we're afraid of forgetting the journey?"
Romo, who was looking at various types of Semarang coffee, turned and replied, "Maybe it's more than that, Mar. Perhaps it's about wanting to leave a trace. When we return home, we want something tangible that proves we were once somewhere."
Marlon nodded slowly. "Interesting. But what I see is that people are more busy with their shopping than actually enjoying this place. Is their journey just about what they can bring home, rather than what they can learn here?"
Riri looked at him with a small smile. "Maybe we're taking this too seriously, Mar. People have their own ways of enjoying a trip. For some, this is part of their experience."
Marlon sighed, admitting there was some truth in that. "Yeah, maybe I'm judging too harshly. I just want to know how many of them really see this city, not just stop by and leave."
After buying some souvenirs, they returned to the car and continued their journey to the next destination: Cheng Ho Mosque.
The mosque stood majestically, with architecture different from most mosques. Red and gold dominated its structure, with a roof curved like a Chinese temple. Tall pillars stood firmly, adorned with Arabic calligraphy carved alongside traditional Chinese motifs.
Romo looked amazed. "This is one example of how Islam can adapt to local culture. Look at how Chinese cultural elements are incorporated into the mosque's design, yet it still functions fully as a place of worship."
The three of them took off their shoes and went inside. The atmosphere inside the mosque felt calm, in contrast to the bustling city outside. Some people were praying devoutly, while others simply sat quietly, enjoying the peace of the place.
Marlon observed the carvings on the walls, noticing how Arabic script and Hanzi characters stood side by side. "So, religion and culture can coexist like this, huh?" he murmured.
Romo nodded. "Islam entered Indonesia differently compared to the Middle East. Traders from China, Arabia, and India brought the religion, but they didn't force full cultural assimilation. That's why Islam here has a different color."
Riri sat down beside them. "But why do so many people nowadays feel they have to choose between religion and culture? As if holding on to culture means being less religious?"
Romo sighed. "Maybe because more people want something pure. They think religion must be practiced without cultural mixing. But in reality, no religion lives in a vacuum. Every religion adapts to the place where it grows."
Marlon pondered quietly, then said softly, "Maybe that's also what's happening in our country. We get so busy deciding what's most 'correct' that we forget diversity isn't the enemy."
They sat there for a while, enjoying the calm and reflecting on what they had just discussed.
Their journey continued to the most visited tourist spot: Simpang Lima. The large square was filled with neon lights from surrounding tall buildings. The streets were busy, crowded with vehicles and street vendors.
Marlon looked around. Little kids ran chasing balloons, young couples strolled while enjoying roasted corn, and groups of tourists took photos beneath the city lights.
"Look," Marlon said, pointing to the passing people. "This place is like a miniature life. Some are busy seeking happiness, some are just passing through, and some are truly enjoying the moment."
Riri laughed. "You always like to see things deeper, huh, Mar? Sometimes this place is just where people come to unwind."
Romo, sitting on a wooden bench, added, "But Marlon is right. Look at them. Some come with family, some alone. Each with their own purpose."
Marlon smiled faintly. "And us? We're not just tourists here. We're looking for something, but we don't even know what it is yet."
Riri looked at him for a long moment, then said, "Maybe that's part of the journey, Mar. We don't always know what we're searching for, but we keep moving forward."
That night, they stayed at Simpang Lima long enough to let the city's crowd fill their minds. Semarang had given them many lessons, through its history, culture, and the people living within it.
Back at the hotel where they stayed, Marlon, Romo, and Riri began discussing the data they had collected in Semarang that day. They played back the videos they had taken and started analyzing.
"Semarang is fascinating," said Marlon, his eyes tracing every architectural detail. "Dutch buildings, a mosque with Chinese elements, and its people who seem torn about where they belong."
Riri smiled softly. "We always talk about how religion and culture should coexist, but here it has been happening for a long time."
The video showed a busy souvenir shop. People were crowded inside, choosing lumpia, bandeng presto, or wingko babat stacked neatly on wooden shelves.
"Look at that," Romo said, pointing at a group of tourists busy buying souvenirs in large amounts. "Is this just part of tourism, or is there a social need to bring something home as proof they've been here?"
Marlon crossed his arms. "Consumerism. People always want to have something as proof of their experience, not just experience it itself. They might not care about Semarang's history, but they do care that they can go home with bags full of souvenirs."
Riri chuckled softly. "Maybe this is part of greed, human greed wrapped in tradition and social norms."
The video moved inside the shop, capturing the surroundings. A middle-aged woman loudly bargained at the cashier, while in another corner, an old man offered his goods in a friendly voice. The contrast between customers and vendors was clear. Some bought in a hurry, others browsed calmly.
"There's charity here too," Romo said, watching a customer deliberately buying more from a small seller. "Some people buy not because they need it, but because they want to help."
Marlon nodded, though his expression remained skeptical. "Even that can be manipulation. Sometimes charity isn't about helping others, but about feeling better about oneself."
The footage left the souvenir shop and moved toward the Cheng Ho Mosque. Its building stood out with red and green colors, dragon carvings on several corners making it look more like a Chinese temple than a mosque.
"Unique, isn't it?" Riri said, observing the structure. "Many people think religion should remain 'pure,' but here we see a religion growing together with culture."
Romo brought his hand closer to the fence, examining the Arabic writings blended with Chinese ornaments. "This is what's called Islam Nusantara. Adapting without losing the essence."
"But some reject this," Marlon said. "Those who think religion must be free from local culture. Human pride makes them believe they have the authority to decide what's 'right' and what's 'wrong'."
Romo was silent for a moment. "Pride in religion can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can give strong conviction, but on the other, it can close us off from broader understanding."
Marlon sighed deeply. "So, are we practicing religion or just satisfying our ego?"
No one answered right away. Silence filled the room, only footsteps of other visitors passing by could be heard.
"Seeing all this, I realize," Marlon said, "we live in contradictions. People talk about sacred religion, but their lives are full of compromises. Talk about morality, but manipulation in trade and business still goes on."
"Paradox," Riri murmured.
Romo smiled faintly. "Maybe it's not about right or wrong, but about how we find balance. We can't just hold on to the seven deadly sins or seven heavenly virtues alone. The world moves because of both."
"So, what's your conclusion about this city?" he asked, stretching his body.
Riri, drying her hair with a towel, glanced at him. "For me, Semarang is an example of a city that can accept differences without having to merge into one. They live side by side, each maintaining their identity."
Romo, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "But there's still friction. I talked to a man at the mosque earlier. He said not everyone agrees with that kind of diversity. Some still want to keep religion 'pure,' without cultural influence."
Marlon raised his eyebrows. "There it is. Pride. The pride of religious 'purity' that sometimes makes people close themselves off from reality. We often think religion must be whole, but without realizing we also shape it with the experiences, history, and culture around us."
Riri sat on the bed, leaning on a pillow. "But if religion mixes too much with culture, doesn't it lose its essence?"
Marlon snorted softly. "And that's the paradox. We want religion to be relevant to the times, but also want to preserve its purity. We want the economy to grow, but fear losing moral values. We want change, but are afraid of the consequences."
Romo nodded slowly, then lay down on his bed. "Then maybe we really need to look broader. Let's see how Yogyakarta deals with this. That city, known as 'special,' must have a different perspective."
Marlon stared at the ceiling. "Yeah. Tomorrow we continue to Jogja. We'll see how the world really works."
With that, they let the night creep into the room. The traffic noise faded, leaving silence for their thoughts to settle. Tomorrow, a new journey would begin.
As they left the city, under the dim streetlights, they paused briefly—not from exhaustion, but because something in this trip was starting to change their view—about the city, themselves, and their future purpose.
"Maybe we won't come back as the same people," Marlon whispered.
The car slowly drove out of the narrow alley around Semarang's Old Town. The morning air carried a mixed scent: coffee, asphalt dust, and something indefinable—like a memory reluctant to leave the old colonial walls they passed.
In the middle seat, Marlon leaned against the window. His eyes were heavy, but his mind wandered.
Marlon: "Feels like leaving grandma's house. Wanting to go, but something's stuck in my chest."
Riri: (from the back seat, slicing an apple) "More like leaving grandma's house with expensive rent and a leaky AC."
Romo: (in the front seat, holding a digital map on a tablet) "But grandma has a long history. And her grandchildren don't always fully understand it."
They chuckled quietly. The streets were still empty. The morning traffic was light, and the city seemed to send them off politely.