Datu Matu! My Story, Your Story and Our Story
Datu Matu celebrated the circumcision of his son Khalid. Matu presents
a kris to Khalid. The kris was also a gift from Matu’s father Datu Malik. The
whole people of their tribe are invited to the kanduri in a grand kalilang
(celebration). Datu Awalo unites with Matu through the engagement of Matu’s
daughter Tarintang to Awalo’s eldest son Maduk to end the long feud between
their clans. But Datu Matu didn’t trust Awalo’s alliance. However Matu’s
warriors are led by the young man named Hassan, Abu’s son, who is secretly in
love with Tarintang. Abu knows that
Matu has united the bangsa (nation) to form a stronger force against the
Americans. Abu always obey Matu’s command. Abu warns his son Hassan to stop his
feeling for Tarintang so that the unification of the families can’t be tamper
and interfere Matu’s plans.
Meanwhile, the
Americans orders to build roads, education of the youth, and the service of
labor of the men. As Datu Matu reluctantly complies under the pressure of law
and firepower. Awalo willingly provides labor to the Americans. Nevertheless,
the Datu have volunteered only slaves for fear that a new religion or ideas may
“contaminate” their ways of life. The Americans are led by a Colonel and
Captain who is in charge of implementing by the letter all the orders. Hassan
leads a group of laborers on a road project. The American soldier rudely order
him to do the same. Because of the conflict, Hassan cuts the soldier’s head off
and he run away.
The Americans
order the soldiers to capture Hassan as the bandit. The Americans unable to do
it so they capture Datu Matu. Abu laments the events, and secretly helps Hassan
build a small force against the Americans. But Awalo is aware of Hassan’s plans
and informs the Colonel. As Hassan arrives, he is ambushed and killed by
American soldiers. Matu is released. Abu and Matu’s warriors decides to fight
in the way of God. They kill Awalo as the traitor. They build their last
defense in the forested jungle. The Americans surround the kuta (fort).
Negotiations continue as the Colonel hesitates to attack for his concern for
the children, women, and elders. The negotiations failed because of the Captain
who led the Americans attack. All men, women, children, and elders are killed
or wounded. Khalid is only didn’t die, he bringing the kris, father’s heirloom,
and the banner.
From that the
Colonel salutes the bravery and heroism of the fallen people.
He is Datu Matu who ruled their tribes or the Datu of one place. I admire him because he was brave enough to stand, peaceful, and also he never gave up even his enemy is stronger.
Thank you for this information :)
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