Then…
‘There is still time, run! I promise to find you.’ Eky cried as he watched the love of his life run toward the valley.
Lestari stopped and looked back. Tears welled in her eyes, not wanting to leave without her betrothed. The day started so well as they picked up last minute essentials for their wedding followed by lunch at the warung. Lestari, happy everything was finally coming together, especially now her custom made kebaya fits perfectly as a traditional West Javanese bridal gown should.
Their wonderful day and delicious karedok salad lunch abruptly interrupted when a violent quake toppled everyone and everything to the ground without warning. Intense shockwaves upturned food carts and shattered warung windows to pieces. A deafening, thunderous roar followed by a toxic, menacing cloud blasted from the mountainside into the clear blue sky.
Pandemonium ensued as locals and tourists alike dispersed in panic. Terror so real, everyone ran for their lives, knocking each other to the ground. Sticky hot ash snowed upon the province of Bandung as the volcano unleashed its monstrous fury. In a matter of minutes, the once clear skies and fresh green sawah choked on a suffocating blanket of hot grey ash.
Another roar boomed, wreaking terror upon the stampeding crowd, their relentless screams enough to wake the dead. Self-appointed traffic controllers stood at road intersections as they tried to gain control, but it was no use. Eky lost Lestari in the crowd. Prayers were all Eky had to rely on while frantically looking left, right and centre for her. The atmosphere, thick with sticky ash impaired his vision.
Ya Allah, where is she? Eky thought.
There was no sight of Lestari until he saw her, head slightly above the crowd as she stood on what appeared to be the bonnet of a car. Eky and Lestari locked eyes, both relieved they found each other in their sudden fight for survival.
Sticky hot ash burned Eky’s face and hands, a pain he ignored as he struggled through to Lestari. His hope to reach her faded as the unforgiving volcano unleashed another ear-splitting explosion. The once peaceful mountain now expelled volcanic rock and toxic gas into the air. Molten rock and suspended solids slid down its surface. Lava flowed like a stream of fire. Most frightening of all, the volcano was only clearing its throat, it hadn’t even started to sing its final number.
Eky inched closer to Lestari when the ground suddenly split in two. A new border divided the land and swallowed unsuspecting lives. Panicked thoughts infiltrated Eky’s mind. How was he to get across the chasm to Lestari, all the while lava flowed down the mountainside towards them at an alarming rate.
‘Ayo Mas, loncat!’ Lestari commanded Eky to jump.
A blood curdling scream escaped Lestari’s lips. Her eyes bulged as she breathed her last moments. Eky looked on in horror, helpless, numb as he witnessed his beautiful bride- to- be with the weight of a shooting molten rock, protruding from her chest. It forced her into the split earth that swallowed her whole.
Another mighty roar shook the land, a signal for Eky to run but he could not move for all he knew was Lestari, his best friend, the love of his life, his intended bride, dead, right before his eyes.
Now…
The alluring aroma of nasi goreng wafted through to Aminah’s room, enough to draw her out of her deep slumber. Her blanket was her only protection from the frosty Western Sydney morning.
‘Bangun, Neng… cepat…’ Aminah’s uncle called.
Aminah slowly rose from her bed, put on her dressing gown and slippers then dawdled into the dining room. With only hours to go until their flight, her bright and bubbly uncle placed suitcases at the door.
‘Excited?’ Her uncle, Eman asked. A grin spread across his face.
‘Ask me again when we’re at the airport, Mang Eman.’ Aminah yawned.
Aminah moved to Australia temporarily for college on the condition she stayed with her Mum’s youngest brother and return home every semester break. Today, Aminah and Eman are heading back to Banding, Indonesia via Jakarta.
As the sun set, bright lights displayed a wonderful aerial view of Jakarta. From the coastal harbour to the streets and high-rise towers, night lights formed a maze, or a map of Jakarta City. Aminah and Eman hauled their luggage through customs clearance and exited the airport. There was no mistaking where they were as they stepped into the night. Stubborn strays of hair stuck out from Aminah’s hijab to her forehead. Perspiration ran down her neck and back. The scent of the humidity, an assault on the senses for one not regularly accustomed to the tropics.
But the discomfort of humidity was all forgotten as they were greeted by their welcoming committee. Aminah’s mother was the first to push through the cousins in the dozens and embrace Aminah in a tight hug. ‘Allhamdulilah, so good to have you home Neng,’ her mother said through happy tears. Multiple hugs and salams were exchanged when a handsome stranger, not much taller than Aminah, greeted her.
‘Selamat dating di Jakarta,’ his deep voice welcomed.
Aminah was immediately taken by his dark eyes, square jaw and charming smile. She nodded, suddenly forgetting words for an appropriate response. All awkwardness eliminated when Aminah’s sister, Ade stepped in.
‘Teteh!’ Ade squealed. ‘So good to see you again sis, I missed you so much! Ya ampun sorry, you remember our neighbour Mas Zacky?
How could she forget? Zacky and Aminah spent a lot of time together during her last visit, a best kept secret not even her sister knew. They promised to keep in touch when Aminah returned to Australia but somehow the calls and text between them lessened over the last semester. Aminah vowed to forget him and anything she may have felt for him. Now, here he is, standing before her smiling that perfect smile again, feelings and memories start flooding her mind. Aminah suddenly found herself flushed, though not from the humidity. She returned a shy smile with a quiet ‘Nice to see you again, Mas.’ Then joined her family to exit the airport. Jakarta traffic was as it always has been – jammed with three lanes converting to six even after peak hour.
Before long, the family made it to the traditional Padang Restaurant for dinner in the City Centre. Multiple selections from beef rendang, green vegetables and seafood served on small plates across the table, enabling a family buffet style for all. Aminah helped herself to the fish curry, accidently brushing Zacky’s hand when they both reached for the same scoop.
‘Maaf, you, first.’ Zacky apologised, offering Aminah the scoop.
‘I’m surprised to see you, Mas.’ Aminah whispered.
‘Your sister told me you were coming back, of course I had to come see you.’
Aminah did not know how to respond so remained focused on scooping up the fish curry on her rice. ‘I missed you.’ Zacky said, catching Aminah off guard.
‘Missed me so much you couldn’t even stay in touch?’ Aminah huffed.
The exchange was interrupted when Ade chimed in. ‘Mas, don’t forget to come pick us up 8am tomorrow, we need to get to Tangkuban Parahu early enough to beat the traffic.’
‘Mas Zacky is taking us there?’ Aminah asked, trying yet failing to keep the irritation out of her voice.
‘Well yeah, he is our driver.’ Ade replied.
Seeing Zacky again was bringing up mixed feelings for Aminah. The way she felt when they first held hands at the Dunia Fantasi theme park. The twinge in her heart when she said goodbye at the departure gate last visit to the betrayal when he stopped calling. What happened? Aminah wondered.
‘Min, tell everyone about our latest adventures in Sydney.’ Aminah’s Uncle Eman interrupted her reverie as he helped himself to chill fish balado. Aminah smiled, taking the opportunity to share stories about their adventures with friends so far in Australia. From climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to hiking Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains. For every story Aminah shared, Zacky was so intrigued he didn’t realise he was staring at her until Ade cleared her throat and asked for the beef rendang.
Tangkuban Perahu is an active volcano and tourist attraction located north of Bandung towards Lembang. A place Aminah wanted to visit for some time yet even as a local, she never had the chance due to crowds her parents were not prepared to battle. Having lived in Australia for over a year, Aminah struggled to readjust to the humidity of Indonesia. The higher altitude of Tangkuban Parahu was a welcome respite as the temperature dropped and her hijab and clothes weren’t so sticky.
Aminah, Ade and Zacky beat the tourist bus and were first to arrive at the lookout. The overpowering stench of sulphur penetrated their noses until each had to wear a white surgical mask just to breathe before they adjusted to the smell.
‘This place is amazing huh.’ Zacky said to Aminah.
‘Ayo, selfie!’ Ade called as she took a photo of the three of them in front of the vast expanse of the volcano. ‘Okay I’m off to get some snacks.’ Ade winked at her sister before heading to the row of warungs.
Zacky smirked. Aminah moved to the railing, looking out to the crater. White smoke billowed from multiple spots, the smell of sulphur, once overpowering, now started to settle. Aminah was always in awe of the distinct landscape of this volcano, having read stories about the mountain growing up. She remembered the story connected to this volcano and how it looks like an overturned boat.
‘Come this way, I’ll show you to the peak.’ Zacky offered.
Aminah stayed still, staring out at the crater to avoid looking at Zacky.
‘Aminah?’
Aminah sighed.
‘I guess I owe you an explanation.’ Zacky said.
‘I guess you do.’ Aminah spat.
‘I’m not lying when I say I missed you every day since you left. I didn’t know if you
were ever coming back. When we spoke by phone or when I saw your texts, social
media updates, it hurt knowing you were so far from me. I guess I became distant since I
fell in love with someone I couldn’t have.’
Falling in love?
That caught Aminah off guard.
Zacky was never direct about his feelings. She didn’t know he felt this way, always thought the last visit was nothing more than a holiday romance. The kind one says what happens on tour stays on tour. Aminah would be lying if she denied her feelings for Zacky. He was hurt through their connection, she was hurt from his ghosting her.
‘You could have just told me that, we could have worked something out. I thought you
met someone else.’ Aminah sighed, quickly blinking away the tear threatening to fall from her eye.
‘Maafin saya, Aminah. Zacky stepped forward. ‘It was so stupid of me.
You’re right, I should have been honest with you. Now that you’re back, could we
have another chance?’
Zacky took Aminah’s hands into his, her pulse thickened from the touch. Afraid to speak in a shaky voice, Aminah nodded as her heart pounded.
Holding Aminah’s hand, Zacky led them up a steep hike of the side of Tangkuban Parahu. Mesmerised by the vast, grey/wide landscape, Aminah couldn’t stop taking photos and video footage.
‘Australia has nothing like this,’ Aminah observed, still taking photos.
Aminah suddenly lost her footing as she slipped backwards. Quick to act, Zacky stepped forward and caught her before she could fall. Time and earth suspended as Aminah and Zacky looked into each other’s eyes, the closest they have ever been with each other.
Slowly leaned forward, inching his lips closer to hers as he smoothly tucked a stray hair back into Aminah’s hijab with his finger. The deep earthy scent of his cologne luring Aminah into temptation. The moment fractured as a loud voice interrupted them.
‘Hey! You two! Stop that right now!’ Warned a strange man in a white t-shirt, blue jeans and brown and black batik bendo wrapped around his head.
A rumble suddenly shook the ground beneath them. White smoke from centre of the volcano’s crater thickened. Aminah and Zacky looked at each other. Another earthquake struck, this time more intense.
‘We have to get out of here, find Ade!’ Aminah cried.
Zacky took Aminah’s hand and guided them down the shaky, unstable mountainside but Ade was nowhere to be seen. The earthquake intensified, shaking Aminah off balance. Zacky wrapped an arm around her waist in support.
‘Teteh!’ Ade yelled as she ran to them.
Aftershocks continued, the earth shaking violently as crowds disperse in panic. With no time to drive, they ran towards the valley when the earthquake stopped abruptly. The air stilled, not a sound, not even from the birds in the surrounding trees.
The man from earlier grabbed Zacky’s arm.
‘This is your fault!’ he accused. Ade aggressively stepped in, but Zacky held her back.
‘Pak… Tolong, what did I do?’
But Zacky was interrupted by a lady dressed in a long-sleeved pink top, long brown skirt and white hiijab. ‘Pak Doddy, are you alright?’ She asked.
’Bu, what is his problem?’ Zacky asked with as much respect as he could muster.
The lady looked between Zacky and Aminah and nodded knowingly. A gentle, sad smile crossed her face. ‘You better come with me.’
What was meant to be the administrative office looked more like a traditional home in West Java. Bamboo seating, rectangular windows and aquamarine painted walls. The lady entered with freshly brewed hot tea. A sweet floral smell wafting from the traditional clay tea pots.
‘Nama saya Wulan.’ The lady introduced herself in a gentle voice as she set the tray down and offered each of them a clay teacup. Pak Doddy helped himself to the tea. ‘Maaf ya.’ Wulan giggled. ‘Pak Doddy is our caretaker, he has lived around these parts for a very long time, he can be abrupt.’
‘Fair enough, but he kept saying this was my fault. Why?’ Zacky asked.
‘Do you know the legend of Tangukban Parahu?’ Wulan asked.
Aminah and Ade nodded. Zacky looked confused.
‘Sangkuriang’s spirit still alive here in Tangkuban Parahu. His heart was so broken, he never moved on.’ Wulan explained, a tear welled in her eye. ‘Three months ago, a couple came to this mountain.’ Wulan continued. ‘The very week of their wedding Tangkuban Parahu exploded without warning, it split the earth, killed many including that couple. What news did not report was they placed a lock on the railing that looks into the crater to mark their unbreakable bond.’
Aminah gasped, she remembered the legend of Sangkuriang’s love for a woman he could never have but never thought this ancient legend was alive in modern times and strong enough to kill someone. Ade huffed, her reaction clear she believed this to be fairytale nonsense. But maybe Bu Wulan is right, Aminah thought, as she recalled the ground quaking the moment she and Zacky almost...
‘Maaf Bu, but what does this have to do with us?’ Zacky asked politely.
Pak Doddy huffed like he should already know the answer, but Wulan raised her hand to ask Pak Doddy for patience. Aminah and Zacky looked at each other, a new awkwardness settled between them now.
‘Bu Wulan, could you please tell us the story of Sangkuriang?’ Aminah asked for Zacky’s benefit.
Wulan nodded, took a sip of the sweet floral tea from her clay teacup and began the story.
In ancient times, a beautiful princess named Dayang Sumbi lived in Parahyangan, present day West Java. Her beauty was famous across the island, so many wished to marry her, but no one knew of her curse, she was ageless. With many noblemen wanting her hand, Dayang Sumbi was afraid any choice she made may result in war, so she ran away to the jungle.
Over the years, Dayang Sumbi grew lonely in solitude. One night, she was weaving when she accidentally dropped her thread and it rolled into the jungle. She promised herself if a nobleman returned her thread roll, she would marry him. Instead, a dog like creature trotted up, dropping the thread-roll on the steps. Thinking her luck had run out, the creature transformed into the most handsome man Dayang Sumbi had ever met.
‘Who are you!?’ Dayang Sumbi gasped in fright.
‘I am a demi-god.’ He replied.
The illustrious demi-god’s aura was glowing. Radiating his square jaw, almond eyes and jet-black hair. He didn’t have a name, so Dayang Sumbi called him Si Tumang. They married and had a son: Sangkuriang.
One night, Sangkuriang went hunting and brought home a creature he believed to be a deer but when he showed his mother, she realised Sangkuriang brought home his father in his animal form. Enraged, Dayang Sumbi hit her son so hard across the head with a piece of wood and banished him from home. The hit left a distinctive scar and caused Sangkuriang to lose all his memories.
Sangkuriang lived off the land and grew to become a strong hunter. One afternoon, Sangkuriang found himself in the middle of a jungle where he came across the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Captured by her radiant beauty, Sangkuriang instantly asked to marry her without even knowing her name.
Startled by this stranger’s forwardness and appearance of long raggedy hair covering most of his face, the lady was lost for words until a breeze swept through the trees, blowing his hair, revealing a distinct scar on his head. The woman recognised him to be Sangkuriang – her long-lost son. With no memory of his past, Sangkuriang did not realise he proposed to his beautiful, ageless mother, Dayang Sumbi.
Dayang Sumbi refused but Sangkuriang was relentless, so she decided to challenge him with an impossible task. ‘Build me a boat before the first rooster crows at dawn and I shall marry you.’ So in love with Dayang Sumbi, Sangkuriang got to work in building the wooden boat. Dawn was fast approaching and Dayang Sumbi panicked. I cannot marry my own son, she thought. Dayang Sumbi called upon her hidden magical powers to create a magnificent red cloth to cloak the sky to create the sunrise which woke the roosters before dawn.
With only one piece left, Sangkuriang heard the rooster’s first crow. Defeated, dejected and furious, Sangkuriang screamed so loud, it echoed throughout all Parahiyangan. He kicked the almost finished boat so hard it flung all the way to the sky then landed upside down on the land. Sangkuriang was never to be seen again and the overturned boat transformed into the mountain we see today: Tangkuban Perahu.
‘Everyone believes this is where the legend ended.’ Wulan continued. ‘But when love or connection is expressed in Tangkuban Parahu, it angers the spirit of Sangkuriang who wakes Tangkuban Parahu, unleashing the horror upon those who feel love the way he never could.’
Aminah felt sadness for Sangkuriang. Imagine feeling love toward someone who would not reciprocate. This is exactly how she felt about Zacky. They bonded during her last visit, it was real for her but the connection was broken not long after she returned to Australia. The moment Aminah and Zacky reunited in Jakarta, she felt a mix of emotions from delight to outrage – how could he just show up and act like nothing happened. But then today, on the mountain, Zacky finally opened to her, he almost stole a kiss from her at the peak of Tangkuban Parahu when the mountain suddenly shook. As if he read her mind, Zacky turned to Aminah, a silent understanding flowed between them. Perhaps there is truth to the legend after all. Perhaps their connection is so strong, even the spirit of Sankguriang felt it.
‘Bu Wulan, Pak Doddy, maaf ya.’ Aminah said. ‘We did not mean to cause any problem or endanger the lives of anyone. Thank you but we will go now.’ Aminah rose but Wulan put up her hand, signalling them to wait. ‘At least finish your tea first.’
‘I wish you had more time here.’ Zacky said, handing Aminah’s suitcase to her.
‘Ya Mas, me too.’ Aminah replied, looking to the ground.
‘Something I haven’t told you, my application for one of the universities in Sydney got accepted. I’ll be coming next semester. I can’t wait so long before you come back again. At least studying gives my parents a valid reason for me to leave Indonesia.’ Zacky winked. Aminah tried to hold back tears, she couldn’t believe Zacky was making this move. Her temptation to hug Zacky flaked at the arrival of her sister who drew her in for a goodbye hug.
‘I will let you know when we arrive safely.’ Aminah said as she farewelled everyone. With a final salam, Aminah took one more look at Zacky, sadness in their eyes as they will be apart again but hopeful it won’t be for too long this time. Aminah’s uncle Eman helped Aminah with her suitcase as they walked through the to the departures gate.
Aminah’s phone vibrated on her bedside table, waking her with a jolt. It was dark outside, her glowing clock confirmed it was 3AM. Rubbing sleep from her eye, Aminah entered her passcode to the multiple missed calls, voicemail messages and a text from ‘Mas Zacky.’ Aminah opened his text first, a link to a news article with a horrifying headline.
Breaking News: Tangkuban Parahu erupts for the second time in a year with earthquakes measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale. Several casualties, deaths and missing persons reported. West Java is now on tsunami alert. Photos posted below the headline are of multiple missing persons. Aminah’s heart leapt to her throat as she zoomed on one of a beautiful lady wearing a long brown hijab, long sleeve pink top and long black skirt. Aminah remembered her as Wulan only, the name on the lady’s name tag was: Dayang Sumbi.