AUTHOR: INDONESIA HERO
Theme: Epilog

Four months since the incident, the situation in East Jakarta has begun to recover, although there are still many people who feel the impact of the attack. Some families have lost their homes and jobs, and many are still experiencing post-war trauma. Domestic and foreign assistance is needed to restore the condition of East Jakarta.

The government promised to go to great lengths to ensure the safety of the people and prevent this kind of attack from happening again in the future. However, there are still many people who are dissatisfied with the government's explanation of the perpetrators of the attack. Many speculations and rumors were circulating in the society, but nothing could be proven.

The memorial built in front of Garuda Nusantara University became a place of escape for the community to remember the victims and pray that this disaster never happens again. December 2026 will always be remembered as a devastating day for East Jakarta and the entire community of the archipelago.

"Your uncle must have calmed down there" said Clara. Kahar continued to look at the monument containing three hundred and forty-one names of the victims. He was holding back tears that slowly fell.

"I miss him, Clara," said Kahar in a trembling voice. "I miss my uncle who was always there for me, who always gave me advice and support."

"I know, Bang. I miss your uncle too. But we have to believe that he is now in a better place" Clara said as she placed her hand on Kahar's shoulder.

"But I feel guilty. I never had enough time to express my true love and gratitude to him" Kahar said.

"It wasn't your fault, Bang. Your uncle must know how much you love him. She must be proud of you and what you're doing now" Clara replied with a smile to Kahar.

Kahar nodded and wiped his tears. "You're right, Clara. I must continue the fight and for truth and justice."

Kahar stepped closer to the memorial. He looked at the names engraved on the white marble walls. Names that serve as a reminder of the victims who died in the attack.

He took a long breath. The memorial reminded him of the grief he experienced when his uncle died. However, as the gentle wind blew, he felt calm. It was as if the wind was giving the message that everything was fine.

The afternoon was cloudy, but the rain did not fall. It was like a rain held back, as if waiting for the right day to fall. As well as Kahar's grief, he felt unprepared to let go. But he knew that one day, he would have to let go of the grief and remember the victims with dignity and respect.

Kahar stood in front of the memorial, with the wind still blowing, he promised to keep fighting and working hard so that an attack like this would not happen again, the victims' struggles were not in vain. He closed his eyes and prayed for the peace and security of the country and its people.

"Already," answered Kahar looking up at the sky.

"I must finish Thomas Dharma's novel immediately." Zico could not take his eyes off the black-cover novel.

"I've never heard that name, what's the title of the novel?" ask Kahar.

"The Failed Writer." Zico shows the front cover. A small book with red text.

"I want to read it later." Kahar approaches Zico followed by Clara. The four of them returned from the monument. Towards a new day. More recent than new words.

...****************...

"You got anything?" ask for a deep voice.

"He hasn't spoken since he was arrested, sir." The white-clothed researcher replied hesitantly.

The owner of the inner voice went inside the glass-walled isolation room. He looked at the exact same two bodies. Twin bodies in prison.

"Secondary, where's the PKI?"

The body stared at by the owner of the inner voice remained still and motionless. "He won't speak, sir. We have tried all methods" said the researcher in white.

The owner of the voice within let out an annoyed breath. "I'd guess. PKI has always been very tough." He turned to the researcher. "Check him again, this time harder. I need to know where they're hiding."