Sunday, December 11, 2016

Datu Matu


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.





























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