At seven on a bright Sunday morning, Lupus and his 30 buddies from Red and White High School were trapped in the cabin of a motorboat about 10 meters long. Kids like Lupus, rare species like Boim, or Meta and Fifi Alone, didn’t miss out on the crowd, each with their own stuff. Their stuff this time was a bit different, because some of them brought reaction tubes, connecting vessels, thermometers, pipettes, microscopes, tools, and stuff like that. Obviously, those medical-smelling tools belonged to the school. They were all forcibly taken from the lab, without a single teacher daring to protest. Yeah, because they were the kids from the Teenage Scientific Group at their school.
Their story was about a Community Service Program (abbreviated as CSP). Nowadays, high school kids can do it too. They’re not any less than college students. And from the KIR kids who went, they were divided into three groups. Technology application, social, and biology. This time, the research object was quite special compared to the previous ones. If before, for practical assignments, the kids were only asked to research how tempeh or soy sauce factories work (Boim’s favorite food), now they were ordered to observe the behavior of wildlife, ecosystems, and also the social health of the residents in the Thousand Angel Islands group.
Of course, the kids, even though their vacation time was used up, were thrilled. Especially Fifi Alone. “Hoorayyy, besides researching animals, I can also research the level of my fans’ fanaticism there!” she shouted amidst the cheers of the kids. So don’t be surprised that on that bright Sunday, Lupus and his friends were trapped on a boat. Even though this trip couldn’t be called a vacation, the kids were still happy. Boim, who had threatened to bring his guitar from home, started joking around with his nostalgic songs. He was moving his mouth and trying to overpower the sound of the waves. His hoarse voice could be heard, annoying the kids because of the noise.
Fifi Alone turned out to be equally annoying. Since the pier when they departed, she kept looking at herself in the mirror like a beauty queen flooded with job offers. Beside her, there was a beauty case (you know, a bag to store cosmetics!) that she managed to bring along.
Lupus, who happened to be the leader of the biology group, which also included Fifi, Meta, Ita, Utari, Yunita, Boim, Aji, Poppi, Anto, and Rizal, started getting really annoyed with Fifi.
Hey, Fi, like, come on, join us and let’s plan what we’re gonna do when we get to our destination. Instead of just fixing your favorite black blouse all the time!” Lupus joked. But Fifi didn’t care, she just casually fixed her blouse that she felt got wrinkled from being bumped by the crowded kids. Especially Gusur, who always wanted to be close to her. Oh, don’t be surprised if the crazy artist from the language department joined the kids in researching the island. Early in the morning, Gusur was already fooling around at the port that would be their launching place. And when the kids arrived, there was Gusur, bowing down and wanting to join. Still in his dramatic style, he said, “Take me with you, my friend. Take this soul and body to the dream island. Don’t say ‘no’ to this fragile heart!” he said while dropping to his knees on the wooden dock, while his hands were swirling in the air. The kids were confused, not sure if they should invite him or not. In the end, Lupus made the wise decision to invite Gusur. Fifi responded without any reaction. “Well, as long as he doesn’t become a troublemaker there, I’m okay with it!” she said, squinting her eyes and raising the corner of her left lip.
Gusur then joined them. And on the boat, he didn’t want to be far from Fifi. He stuck to her, pretending to write poetry. But his glances occasionally wandered to Fifi’s agile legs swinging back and forth.
The boat continued to sail. The kids were having fun with their jokes. Lupus and Aji were also enjoying sitting at the bow of the boat. Enjoying the crashing waves hitting the bow, and the ripples on the surface of the sea like giant jelly.
Beautiful morning. The waves were chasing each other in the open sea. Birds flying in the air. Diving into the water every now and then to catch fish. Clouds hanging in the sky like cotton.
Finally, after the boat dropped off a number of kids from the technology and social applications on Untung Jawa Island, Lupus and his biology group were left on Rambut Island Nature Reserve. They were going to stay there for about three days for research, guided by Mas Pras, a biology student who frequently visited Rambut Island. Mas Pras had a pretty cool look. That’s why Fifi Alone insisted on joining the biology group. According to Fifi, he reminded her of her ex-boyfriend who was now in America. Meanwhile, Lupus was just amazed at his head that was all neck (probably because he’s skinny!).
Once the boat approached the edge of the island, a black man greeted them.
“This is Pak Laksa, the caretaker of Rambut Island. And you will be staying in his cabin. He will also guide you in your research!” said Mas Pras. The kids introduced themselves one by one.
“And don’t hesitate to ask anything you want to know about animal behavior, because this man is very experienced here,” Mas Pras continued. Pak Laksa smiled reassuringly. Busyest, sweeter, right?
Challenged like that, Boim suddenly jumped forward and said, “Okay, sir, you have enough experience in island and animal behavior. I have one question. If you can answer it, you must be a genius.” Boim paused for a moment, squinting his eyes. “Here’s the story, there’s a monkey stranded on a small, barren, and isolated island, surrounded by ferocious crocodiles. So, how does the monkey get off the island to find food without being attacked by the crocodiles?”
Pak Laksa was clearly surprised by such a riddle. The kids also started looking annoyed at Boim. Especially Mas Pras.
“Why would you ask something like that to Pak Laksa?” Rizal exclaimed. Yeah, because Pak Laksa lives alone on that isolated island. When has he ever played riddles? Besides, he only has experience, but that doesn’t mean he’s a genius.
“If he can’t answer, then you guys answer!” Boim challenged the kids. The kids started getting heated by being challenged like that. Trying to think hard. But they couldn’t figure it out.
“Maybe the monkey is having a bad dream, so it just wakes up!” Fifi replied playfully, flicking off the dust on her dress. Meanwhile, Gusur, the eccentric artist, faithfully stood behind her, carrying Fifi’s piled-up belongings.
“Wrong!”
“What’s the answer then?” Aji started getting curious.
“Do you know that monkey?” Boim asked again.
“No!”
“And do you feel a connection with that monkey?”
“Of course not! Damn you, Im!”
“Not a sibling, not a friend, don’t even know each other, so why bother thinking about it? It’s someone else’s monkey!” Boim replied casually as he walked away from the curious kids.
“Wuuuuuu!” the kids started getting angry.
The first activity of the day was an environmental introduction. The kids were taken in and out of the forest, which had quite challenging terrain. Going through thick bushes, walking on branches, crouching under low trees, or climbing up towers to see sleeping bats and the surrounding scenery. Well, you can imagine, Fifi Alone was the most troubled. With her high heels and fashion model-like clothes, she was quite annoyed being taken in and out of the forest. But her heart was also happy because Mas Pras often helped guide her. Gusur, on the other hand, remained grumpy.
Popi, who used to be Lupus’ girlfriend and is now close to Rizal, was seen walking together at the back with Rizal. But Lupus often heard Rizal scolding Popi when she slipped, “Walk properly! Spoiled brat!”
Popi just stayed silent and tried to pick herself up.
Meanwhile, Pak Laksa walked at the front, occasionally answering the kids’ questions that were being thrown at him.
“Don’t ever be afraid of snakes or other wild animals. Because believe it or not, all animals are actually afraid of humans. They will only attack if they feel threatened or disturbed. So if you don’t bother them, they won’t attack you. Walk carefully, don’t disturb them!”
During the break, Fifi took the opportunity to touch up her makeup.
“Damn, Fifi, finding time to put on makeup in the middle of the forest! Trying too hard to look cool!” grumbled Boim, annoyed at Lupus who was sitting exhausted next to him.
“If you’re not cool, then don’t be mad, Im. Just accept it as it is!” Lupus replied nonchalantly.
Boim pouted.
Meanwhile, Pak Laksa continued explaining about the creatures that inhabited the island. There were thousands of bird species, monitor lizards, snakes, and other marine animals.
“Actually, if we say it’s a bird paradise, it’s not quite accurate. Because there are more birds in Pulau Dua Nature Reserve. But in terms of variety, there are indeed many here!” explained Pak Laksa. The kids just nodded along.
“Now, anyone else has any more questions?” Mas Pras asked. “Before we continue our journey.”
“I do!” suddenly exclaimed Fifi Alone, putting powder into her beauty case. “Hey… has Pak Laksa watched the movie ‘Waiting for the Regular Customer at the Gate’? It’s a cool movie. And if you want to know, I’m the star of it!” Fifi said, winking.
Once again, Pak Laksa was left speechless.
In the following days, the kids started their research. Lupus, Boim, Fifi, Meta, and Ita formed a special group to study birds, while the others formed two more groups to study snakes and monitor lizards. They suffered quite a bit during the three days of research on the remote island. The problem was they had to be really careful with water and food. Gusur, who joined them, ended up eating all the food. Because whenever he was frustrated, his way of compensating was by eating non-stop. And during their time on the island, he was quite jealous of Fifi getting close to Mas Pras.
While Lupus felt sad seeing Poppi being ignored by Rizal, he couldn’t help but notice that Poppi joined Rizal’s group to work on their thesis about snakes. And since Poppi wasn’t used to getting dirty in the mud, she often needed help. But Rizal didn’t seem to care. Instead, he was busy joking around with Utari.
“Hey, hey, can you help me out here? I don’t really understand what Mrs. Sutartinah explained in her dissertation. Do you know anything about it?” Poppi approached Lupus one day, interrupting his bird poop research.
“Well, didn’t you discuss it with your group first?”
“I did, but I still don’t get it. And Rizal doesn’t want to explain it again. He said everyone else understands, so why can’t I? I don’t want to beg him for an explanation. I want to join your group, Lupus!”
“Well, my group is already full. Besides, why did you choose Rizal’s group during the group assignment in class?”
Poppi stayed silent. Lupus felt sorry for her, so he tried to explain what he knew as well.
Later in the evening, Lupus and his friends went on another exploration, venturing through the forest and even swimming in the marshes. Lupus didn’t pay much attention to Poppi this time.
Finally, all of that was over. They gathered again on Pulau Untung Jawa for their presentation. Then they had a farewell event with the locals. Despite being tired, the event was quite lively. Boim, who brought his guitar, started singing his nostalgic songs, not caring if he messed up the lyrics:
“…Goodbye beautiful Teluk Bayur
Pray for me in a distant land
I feel the sadness in your waving hands
Wait for me in Teluk Bayur…”
The silent Gusur suddenly approached Lupus with a cheerful smile, “Hey, hey, turns out my participation here has its benefits too, you know. I managed to create a poem that’s gonna be a masterpiece. Wanna read it? Wow, this is the most memorable poem for me, ’cause I made it when I was really in the mood!”
Lupus was totally down to read the poem Gusur handed him:
Black as a belibis bird, oh
Not as black as your eyeliner
Your long wavy hair, oh
Like the ocean
Fifi Alone
Be the mommy of my kids
I ponder day and night
Your face never absent from my thoughts
Can you hear this heart screaming?
Fifi Alone
Make me the daddy of your kids!
“How’s that, dude? Pretty awesome, right?”
Lupus just grinned, “Yeah, it’s quite revolutionary!”
“So, can I read this poem out loud for the event?” Gusur’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Like the bonfire in the middle of it all.
“Oh, no! Don’t! Don’t do it, Sur! Your poem is great, but it would be even better if you don’t read it in front of everyone!” Lupus panicked. Because if he dared to read his poem, the islanders would definitely freak out. They’d think someone got possessed.
But Gusur didn’t care. He was busy practicing in a dark corner.
Meanwhile, the event continued to be lively. The kids were having fun joking around with the island teenagers. They were so connected. But Lupus noticed a hint of sadness in Poppi’s eyes, while his Rizal was busy chatting with Svida, Siska, and Sari. Lupus approached her and handed her his favorite chewing gum.
“You like it, right? I always chew it when I feel lonely. But you can keep it for now, ’cause tonight the kids are so rowdy. Why don’t you join us and let’s make some crazy riddles like we used to?” Lupus suggested.
Poppi smiled. Her hand wiped away a tear that was about to fall. Lupus never understood why some people didn’t appreciate what they had, while others were so eager to have it.
