The Metaverse World
Integration and Trust in the Gresik Region
A very large sacrificial ceremony lasted all morning and only ended at noon. After the break, in the afternoon, Heru Cokro planned a meeting with two important groups of guests.
The first group consisted of chieftains from various mountain barbarian tribes. In the Gresik Region, there were a total of twenty-four mountain barbarian tribes whose total population reached seventy-eight thousand. They were an important community within the commoners of the Gresik Region. As the new year passed, all the chieftains gave gifts to show their loyalty to the ruler. Their meeting was arranged in the main hall, and the Director of Administration, Kawis Guwa, was also present.
The chieftain had come from thousands of miles away to arrive at this place, it was clear that they had not only come to give gifts. They also bring their problems and requests.
One of the main problems faced by the mountain barbarian tribes was the lack of food. They have missed the second growing season of grains while migrating to Gresik, thus affecting their food supplies. Heru Cokro had previously promised that the barn would lend them food and help them through these difficult times. When the first harvest arrives, they will return the lent food.
To solve this problem, the tribes began seizing farmland and set up irrigation systems from the beginning of the year, to prepare for planting after the Lunar New Year. The areas along the Batih Ageng River and Kebonagung River became fertile farmland, with hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland successfully reclaimed. However, with a growing population, they also have to face increasing food needs.
Heru Cokro understands the importance of food independence for his region. Therefore, he has ordered the Agriculture Division to ensure that the region can become self-sufficient in food matters by the second half of the second year. The Treasury Department has even prepared a subsidy of ten thousand gold to help buy agricultural tools, cattle, and irrigation facilities.
After listening to the complaints and requests from the chieftain, Heru Cokro wisely gave promises and solutions to overcome their problems. Afterwards, he gave them a little advice to consider their integration with the Gresik system. He acknowledged that their tribal system had advantages and reasons, but also suggested that they work harder to integrate with the more advanced Gresik system.
The meeting with the chieftain went smoothly, and they all felt happy because of the promise and solution given by Heru Cokro.
"Thank you, my Lord!" said the chief with great respect and gratitude.
Heru Cokro smiled, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. He described his vision and hope for the future, building closeness and trust with the chieftain.
Kawis Guwa, who attended the meeting, was relieved to see the meeting go smoothly. He also realized how wise the steps taken by Heru Cokro in dealing with the problems of the region.
After finishing with the meeting of the chieftain, Heru Cokro wanted to meet with the second group of guests, the leaders of the residential areas. Among them was Maspion, the leader of the first settlement in the east.
However, before the meeting began, Heru Cokro had a small suggestion for the chieftains, "Chief! I have a suggestion. Why don't you go back and think about it?"
Of course, the chieftain wanted to hear further advice from his ruler. "Please tell us!" answer them kindly.
Heru Cokro firmly conveyed his views, stating that integration with the Gresik system is a better step for the future. He reminds them to stay independent, but also to open up to positive change. Although he spoke firmly, his intention was not to make an example out of them, but to give valuable advice.
The chieftains felt a tremor in their hearts, as they felt the presence of Heru Cokro as a wise and powerful ruler.
"You don't have to worry. Letting you all set yourself up is my initial promise and it will not change" Heru Cokro explained, calming them down.
The meeting went well, and the chieftains were relieved that their rulers understood and respected their need for independence. Heru Cokro hopes that the Gresik region will become more advanced with better integration and cooperation among all communities.
The problem was that the mountain barbarians had too deep a tribal outlook. For them, the interests of the tribe were more important than the interests of the territory as a whole. When the two things are not aligned, problems will inevitably arise. Seeing this situation, Kawis Guwa suggested that Heru Cokro make some administrative changes to address the problem.
However, Heru Cokro decided to put that suggestion aside at the time. He was clearly aware of what problems and challenges he would face. He knew that this was not a problem that could be overcome with simple administrative changes. He realized that the right time should be chosen wisely to solve this problem.
And now is the right time. The tribal leaders of the various grassland tribes gathered, having the opportunity to express their questions and problems about the Gresik region. Moreover, the prestige and power of Heru Cokro had grown tremendously, making him the ruler feared by the tribal leaders.
However, the advice he gave was no small suggestion. Heru Cokro understood that this could have a major impact on the relationship between the prairie tribes and the Gresik region.
After listening to the advice of Heru Cokro, the tribal leaders pondered seriously. They were the elite people in their tribe and wisely understood the implications of the advice given.
After a while, one of the tribal leaders became a representative and stood up, "On the advice of master, we will go back and consult our shaman. I'm sure we'll get the right answer."
Heru Cokro nodded, "Then I don't have to worry!"
Kawis Guwa who was present also witnessed how Heru Cokro faced the tribal leaders wisely. He was proud to see how their ruler had grown tremendously, both in terms of prestige and leadership ability.
After finishing with the meeting of the leaders of the prairie tribes, Heru Cokro was ready to meet the second group of guests, the leaders of the various grassland tribes. Although Sajana Sher could not attend due to health reasons, seven other chieftains were present in the main hall.
This moment was very historic, and the tribal leaders honored the ruler of Gresik by kneeling down, showing their loyalty.
Heru Cokro sat in the leader's chair quietly, and emotionlessly said, "Please sit down."
"Okay, Your Majesty!" answer them while returning to their seats. However, most of them had anxious expressions as they realized the importance of this meeting.
Among them was Junda, the eldest son of Sajana, representing the Pangkah Tribe. Junda looked arrogant and arrogant, wore a gold necklace and sword, and sat confidently in front. This sight made Heru Cokro frown because of Junda's disrespectful behavior.
Seeing the reaction of their ruler, the other tribal leaders were pleased that Heru Cokro showed firmness towards Junda's attitude.
Heru Cokro later named Akhsat, the leader of a prairie tribe that tried to help the alliance army during the Battle of Gresik and was eventually convicted of his treason. When Heru Cokro called Akhsat, the atmosphere became tense as they all remembered the event.
Heru Cokro revealed that although he did not want to treat the prairie tribe badly, he would also not give a second chance to the person who tried to betray Gresik's territory. For him, maintaining loyalty and territorial integrity was the most important thing.
He then asked the tribal leaders about their views on punishment for Akhsat. Heru Cokro wanted to listen to their opinions before making a final decision.
None of the tribal leaders dared to express their disapproval. They all understood that Heru Cokro would not hesitate in enforcing the law and maintaining the integrity of his territory.
Heru Cokro finally declared, "I will not hide anything from you all. Some of my officials told me that Akhsat was a role model in the meadow. To the prairie tribe, I should not show mercy and pluck out their roots to make them loyal."
He revealed the decision to execute Akhsat tomorrow on the streets, as a sanction for his actions.
The tribal leaders were terrified and trembled at this decision. They realized how strict Heru Cokro was in upholding the law and maintaining the integrity of his territory.
Heru Cokro added that Akhsat is an example that everyone should remember, that betrayal will be dealt with decisively and will not be tolerated. He wanted all the leaders of the prairie tribes to understand how serious he was in maintaining the stability and security of the Gresik region.
In a mixed atmosphere, Heru Cokro then invited tribal leaders to further discuss the issues and challenges facing the Gresik region. In this discussion, they will work together to find solutions for a better future.