Badai closed the worn notebook slowly, his gaze now much sharper and colder. The information about Bima, who turned out to be related to Silvi, his most trusted Deputy Director, had changed the entire dynamics of the game. This was not just a moral battle; it was an intelligence battle with the potential for betrayal at the highest level.
"Tar, thank you. This is more than I hoped for," Badai said, his voice remaining calm despite the storm of emotions raging inside him.
Muchtar saw the lines of tension Badai couldn't hide. "What is it, Dai? That name, Bima?"
Badai shook his head slightly. "He is just part of the chain. This chain must be broken from both ends. Listen to me carefully, Tar. My plan has changed. We have to attract their attention, but in a way they don't expect."
Badai reached for the cup of coffee just served by Mak Ijah and took a sip. "Muchtar, I'm going to do something very simple, but it will make them—especially Mr. Jabrik and Rajo feel threatened."
"What is it, Dai?" Muchtar asked anxiously.
"I'm going to buy the farmland at the edge of the village, right next to the land Rajo wants to control for his fake resort project. I will pay a price far above Rajo's offer to the farmers, and I will announce that I'm turning that land into a modern agricultural training center and a people's cooperative," Badai explained.
Muchtar's eyes widened. "You're crazy, Dai! That's tantamount to waving a war flag right under their noses. They will come and destroy you!"
"Exactly," Badai smirked. "They will come. But I won't fight with fists. I will fight with the law and publicity. When they come, they will be violating private property rights and public order. That will be the perfect excuse for me to call for real help."
Badai took out his old phone not the satellite phone, but a regular smartphone prepared for this scenario.
"I need your help with two things, Tar," Badai continued. "First, spread this news immediately. Not through an official announcement, but as hot gossip among the farmers that a 'successful native son' has returned and wants to help them by buying their land at a fair price. Make sure that gossip reaches Mr. Jabrik and Rajo's ears today."
"Second, contact the youngest lawyer in that city. Find the cleanest and most idealistic one. Tell him there is a major case involving local official corruption, and he will be paid five times his usual rate. Don't mention my name. Just say he will be paid by an 'anonymous donor who cares'."
"Then, what is your own plan?" asked Muchtar, starting to get interested in Badai's structured strategy.
"I have to secure the other end of the chain," answered Badai, his eyes implying deep determination. "Bima. He is the entry point. I will use the person who knows him best to approach him."
Badai reached for his satellite phone and sent another short message to Silvi.
Badai: Forget the previous task. Shift focus. Find detailed information about Bima, his personal life, weaknesses, and where he often operates. Get here immediately, today. Come as a 'cousin' who misses him. This is a top-secret order. Do not involve anyone other than yourself.
Badai knew the risks. Summoning Silvi to the enemy's den was a dangerous move, especially if Silvi was truly tied to Bima and Jabrik. However, if Badai could exploit their relationship, Silvi would be the key to bringing down that network from the inside. Silvi's loyalty would be tested in this hometown that Badai loved.
That afternoon, Badai wore a simple shirt and cotton trousers. He headed to the Village Head's office. His steps were relaxed, as if he were just a visitor wanting to take care of inheritance papers.
When he entered the grand village office a contrast to the potholed roads in front of it he was greeted by a clerk who looked bored.
"I would like to see the Village Head, Mr. Jabrik," said Badai in a friendly voice.
"The boss has important business. Cannot be disturbed," answered the clerk without looking up.
"Please pass this on to him," said Badai while placing a stack of thick envelopes on the clerk's desk. The envelopes contained copies of deposit certificates in Badai's name; the amount was large enough to make anyone's eyes pop out.
"Tell him I want to buy all the agricultural land in the east of the village. And... I am willing to pay a compensation price 50% higher than the price offered by his son, Rajo."
The clerk instantly lifted his head. His eyes were fixed on the stack of thick envelopes. Badai smiled.
"Just pass that on. I await the good news," Badai turned and left the village office.
The bait had been cast. Badai knew for sure that afternoon, not only would Rajo come looking for him, but also the greedy Mr. Jabrik. And he had to be ready with his new role: Badai, the arrogant hometown hero, challenging their power with money.