Most villagers chose to stay behind their doors, afraid of the growing threat posed by Village Chief Rasyid. Fear, once whispered quietly, now echoed through every home like a warning bell. No one dared speak openly, not even among neighbors. The village atmosphere had become tense and full of suspicion.
In a hidden hideout behind an old rice barn once used only for storing grain a makeshift strategy room had taken form. At its center stood a worn wooden table, on top of which lay a large, tattered map showing plantation areas, water distribution lines, and disputed land boundaries.
Boni and Yuni sat side by side, their heads bowed seriously over the map.
"So, we're heading to Mr. Mahmud's field tomorrow, right?" Boni asked, his finger tracing a red hand-drawn path on the map.
Yuni nodded and scribbled something in her worn-out notebook. "Yeah. He said he'd consider joining after reading our flyer last week. I think it made him start rethinking his silence."
In the corner of the room, Lilis sat leaning back with her phone in hand. Her eyes were sharp, but her lips remained quiet. She listened closely before speaking in a low, almost whispering voice.
"I'm not sure we can fully trust Mr. Mahmud."
Boni turned, frowning. "Why? You think he's working for Rasyid?"
"Maybe." Lilis replied seriously. "He's got connections to the city people close to Rasyid's network. We don't know if he truly wants to help, or if he's just a distraction."
Yuni fell silent, her fingers pausing mid-writing. "We can't keep doubting everyone… But you're right. We also can't let our guard down."
Boni leaned back, eyes on the ceiling. "Every step forward is going to be heavier. But if we back down now, everything we've built will mean nothing."
Meanwhile, at the village hall, a different scene was unfolding. Chief Rasyid stood in front of a large office window, arms crossed behind his back. The street outside looked deserted too deserted.
"Lilis, Yuni, and the others…" he muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Those kids are getting bolder. If they keep meddling, I'll need to act faster."
The door opened. A large man entered and gave a brief salute.
"Sir, we received a report. The Duren Guardians are planning to launch an information strike against the palm oil project. They might try to rally public opinion."
Rasyid turned, his eyes sharp. "Do we know who they are?"
"Not entirely. But one of them is reportedly forming close ties with local farmers. That could be dangerous."
A crooked smile appeared on Rasyid's face. "Then we cut that tie before it spreads. I want this handled… quickly and quietly."
The next morning, mist still clung to the sky as Boni, Yuni, and Lilis walked a narrow path toward Mr. Mahmud's field. They wore wide-brimmed hats and rough work clothes, blending in with the morning laborers.
The path felt heavy. Silent. As if even nature was holding its breath.
Mr. Mahmud stood at the gate to his land, dressed in a faded brown shirt. His expression was somber, his eyes hiding something.
"Mr. Mahmud." Yuni greeted, trying to smile despite the tension in her voice. "We came as promised."
Mahmud gave a small nod and lowered his gaze. "I've heard what you're doing. About Chief Rasyid and all his plans. You're right… This village is being sold piece by piece. I can't stay silent anymore."
Boni stepped forward. "We need proof, sir. Not just words."
Mahmud sighed, then led them into his modest stilt house. A few minutes later, he returned with a thick folder.
"This… these are the originals. Project records, financial flows, even cooperation contracts between Rasyid and an out-of-town company. I've kept them hidden for a long time."
Boni opened the folder. Page after page detailed suspicious transactions large sums of money, one-sided agreements and land clearances without villagers' consent.
Suddenly, the crunch of footsteps on gravel made them freeze.
"Who's there?!" Boni called out, standing up.
From behind the trees, a man in black appeared. Tall, moving with quiet precision. As his face came into view, Boni stiffened.
"Rizal?! What are you doing here?!"
Rizal gave a sly smile, arms crossed. "What do you think? Trying to play the hero? No, I'm here to make sure you don't ruin something bigger than yourselves."
Yuni stepped forward, eyes sharp. "So it's true. You work for Rasyid."
Rizal nodded, chuckling. "Since a long time ago. You think you can take him down with this stack of papers? You don't even know how deep this goes."
Lilis scoffed. "We know enough to bring him down and you, too."
Rizal's expression darkened. His eyes turned cold.
"Naïve." he said. "This village isn't about your ideals. It's about power and you don't have it."
Boni clutched the folder tightly. "We'll see about that. We've got something stronger: trust."
They hurried back, moving quickly down the path, constantly checking over their shoulders. Once they arrived at the hideout, they slammed the door shut and examined the documents again.
Yuni's phone kept vibrating, but she ignored it.
"Now they know who we are." Yuni whispered. "There's no more hiding. They'll come for us."
Boni stared long at the folder. "That means we're on the right track."
Lilis gave a bitter smile. "Let them come, We're not kids anymore. We're the Duren Guardians and we won't back down."
Yuni placed her phone on the table. The screen was still lit an incoming message from an unknown number.
"We need to act now. These documents have to go public. If the villagers know the truth, they'll stand with us."
Boni nodded. "We'll use the village radio, posters, videos. We'll show everything."
Yuni looked at them both, then said, "We start tonight. We'll turn their fear into strength."