After walking from Mr. Karto's house, the three of them returned to a small hotel near Malioboro. The night grew deeper, but the distant buzz of the street still murmured through the room's window. The streetlights glowed amber, adding a touch of serenity to a city that never truly sleeps.
Inside the room, they sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning against their beds. A half-empty bottle of mineral water stood nearby, and the ceiling fan hummed softly above. Their shoes lay in the corner, and their backpacks were half-unzipped.
Marlon (sitting cross-legged, gazing at the ceiling):"Man, this city... Jogja is so calm. Not just the atmosphere, but like… the spirit of it feels peaceful."
Riri (resting her head on a pillow):"Hmm... I agree. Even the night feels different. Even though we discussed some heavy stuff earlier, it still felt... soothing, didn't it?"
Romo (leaning his back against the wall):"I was thinking... maybe it's because people here are taught to appreciate values. Not just the kind taught in schools or from the pulpit—but values that are alive."
Marlon (nodding slowly):"I've been thinking about one thing... Maybe a form of power deeply rooted in culture, like the Sultanate here, holds a gentler kind of social control. Not oppressive, but ingrained."
Riri:"And you can feel that in the abdi dalem, right? They live simply, but with pride. They're not chasing wealth—they're searching for meaning."
Romo (looking out the window):"It seems like in Jogja, religion, culture, and authority complement each other. They don't dominate one another—they keep each other in check."
Marlon (joking lightly):"So we've already covered social, cultural, political, economic topics... even the supernatural... all that's left now is love."
Riri (turning sharply while laughing):"If it's love you're after, wait until we get to Bali. Who knows? Maybe we'll meet a source who gives more than just data—maybe some feelings too."
Romo (smiling widely):"Careful now, don't forget why we're here. We're researchers, remember?"
Marlon (half-joking, half-serious):"That's exactly why we should be sensitive, Mo. Sometimes the answers to sin and virtue aren't just in books. They're in glances, in the small decisions made by the people we meet."
Riri:"This journey feels like... looking for a mirror. And Jogja reflected something calm back at us. Maybe Bali will reflect something else entirely."
Romo:"What matters is not rushing to conclusions. This world is grey, remember? And grey... always needs light to be truly seen."
They sat in silence for a moment. Only the ticking clock and the gentle whirr of the fan could be heard. In that quiet, they understood one another: the journey had just begun, but its lessons were already taking shape.
Marlon (in a soft voice):"Let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we continue to the next chapter."
The room went dark. Outside, Malioboro kept pulsing with life, while the three young travelers closed their eyes—hearts filled with questions, and a quiet fire to find the answers.
Marlon, Riri, and Romo sat in a slowly moving car. The sun began to rise, casting soft light across the quiet streets. Their hearts felt lighter, even though the road ahead was still long.
"So, what exactly are we going to Bali for, Mo?" asked Marlon, gazing out the window. Beside him, Riri was busy with her phone, not too engaged in the conversation. "Bali's not just beaches, right? There must be a lot we can learn there."
Romo smiled as he kept his eyes on the road."Bali isn't just about beaches. It's also about culture, a philosophy of life, and a unique society. Just like Jogja—it has so much to teach us, if we know how to see it."
"Jogja..." Riri began, staring out the window, then exhaled softly."There's a lot of beauty there. But it's not just about temples or tourism. Jogja, with all its local wisdom, taught us the courage to question what's already been established. But more than that... there's this calm feeling that's hard to explain, right?"
Marlon nodded, reflecting for a moment."Exactly. Jogja teaches us to embrace duality. On one side, we see rich culture; on the other, poverty and stagnation. But strangely, even with all that, people still manage to live joyfully, despite countless challenges."
"Like a contradiction," Romo said with a small smile."Many people come to Jogja searching for peace—and they find it. But some also get trapped in routines that lead to boredom. I think Jogja teaches us not just to look with our eyes, but with our hearts."
Marlon glanced at Riri, who had grown quiet."Why so silent? You agree, don't you?"
Riri turned to him, her eyes thoughtful."I'm just thinking. Jogja teaches us a lot about accepting reality. Not everything can be changed—and that's what makes it a peaceful place for many. But... are we brave enough to accept life as it is?"
Before Marlon could respond, they had already arrived at a roadside rest stop. They stepped out briefly, enjoying the fresh night air and a stunning view. From the hilltop, the city lights stretched below them, blending with the darkening sky.
"Sometimes, journeys like this help us see everything more clearly," Romo said, gazing at the view."Bali will definitely teach us more. But I think our conclusion about Jogja is important—it's a place that teaches us to value simplicity, without ignoring the complexity behind it."
Riri nodded slowly."I agree. Jogja is like a mirror. You just have to be honest with yourself to see what's really there."
Marlon smiled, realizing this journey was more than just a route to Bali."Let's keep going. Sometimes, what we're looking for isn't at the destination."
A bright morning greeted them as the car started moving again, leaving Yogyakarta behind. Riri sat in the front seat, a map in her hands, while Marlon and Romo sat in the back. A long journey awaited, and they were ready to explore further.
"So, are we taking the southern or northern route?" Marlon asked, rolling down the window to breathe in the fresh morning air.
Riri looked at the map, her finger tracing the road."South route. It's closer to the coast. We'll pass through Probolinggo and Banyuwangi before catching the ferry to Bali."
Romo nodded thoughtfully."The south is more scenic, even though the road winds a lot. But this journey will surely remind us of many things about life."
Marlon grinned."The road might twist and turn—but what we gain isn't just at the end, right?"
Riri chuckled."Yeah. The journey is part of the goal. But I'm curious—will this road be as beautiful as people say?"
The car rolled on, out of Yogyakarta. On both sides of the road, mesmerizing green landscapes began to unfold. Coconut trees, lush rice fields, and peaceful little villages passed by. They drove past Mount Merapi, standing majestic in the distance, wrapped in a thin mist as if quietly watching their journey.
Marlon took in the view and commented,"It's beautiful. On one side, we see calm, peaceful nature—but on the other, there's always a looming threat, like Merapi. It's just like life, right? Full of peace, but also full of uncertainty."
Riri nodded. "Exactly. Just like how we keep moving forward, but sometimes we forget to notice the small things around us."
They kept driving, entering a wider highway toward Probolinggo. After having lunch at a modest roadside stall, they continued their journey.
"Throughout this trip, I feel like Yogyakarta has two sides," said Romo, breaking the silence. "On one hand, there's peace and serenity. But on the other hand, there's tension from the constant push of modernization. Do you think we'll find any answers in Bali?"
Riri smiled. "Maybe Bali holds some answers. But don't expect them to be clear. Bali has its own contradictions too."
Marlon glanced at them. "I agree. Bali is like a mirror. What we're looking for is what we'll find—depending on how we choose to see it."
When they arrived in Banyuwangi, they entered the harbor, where they would board the ferry to Bali. The night air had begun to set in, with the lights of the harbor shimmering in the distance.
The car stopped at the ferry parking area, and they got out to wait in line. Large ferries stood ready to sail, waiting to carry passengers across to the island of Bali.
"So this is it, our journey to Bali," said Romo as he watched the approaching ferry.
Marlon looked at the vessel intently. "From Yogyakarta to Banyuwangi—a long journey filled with stories. We've gone through so much, and now here we are, standing at the edge of a new crossing toward Bali."
Riri stared out at the wide sea. "Sometimes, to reach a bigger destination, we have to go through a journey full of challenges. But somehow, I feel like this journey has only just begun."
After passing the ticket inspection, they finally boarded the large ferry. The ship began moving slowly away from the port, leaving Banyuwangi behind and heading toward Bali. The night sky grew darker, but the sea still reflected the moonlight, illuminating their journey.
"This journey feels like more than just reaching a destination," said Marlon, gazing out the ferry window, watching the island of Bali draw nearer. "We've already learned so much—even before we arrive."
Romo simply smiled, enjoying the night's quiet and the refreshing sea breeze. "We still have much more to learn. Bali is just one of the stops. But in truth, this journey is a never-ending search."
The ferry moved steadily away from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, heading toward Gilimanuk Port in Bali. The hum of the ferry engine provided a constant backdrop to their conversation, while the fresh sea wind brushed against their faces. The vast ocean stretched endlessly, separating them from the world they left behind.
Marlon stood by the side of the ship, looking at the calm sea, lit by the shimmering moonlight. "Look how vast the sea is, Riri. It feels like we're in the middle of an infinite world, doesn't it?"
Riri slowly nodded, taking in the view. "Yeah, it feels like it's just us and the sea, and everything is so peaceful... but at the same time, I can't shake the feeling that something is hidden beneath it."
Romo, who was sitting not far from them, looked up at the night sky. "The sea has a powerful allure. But like you said, there's also an unseen threat. The sea is vast and beautiful—but it can also be extremely dangerous."
Marlon turned to him, curious. "A threat? What do you mean?"
Romo gave a small smile, then looked out at the ocean with a serious gaze. "According to religious teachings, the sea is one of the domains heavily inhabited by supernatural beings—especially jinn. In Islam, many hadiths mention their presence in the sea. One narration from Abu Hurairah quotes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying: 'There are jinn who dwell in the deserts, and there are those in the sea.'"
Riri furrowed her brow. "Jinn in the sea? You mean they're really here, beneath these waters?"
"That's what some of the hadiths explain," Romo continued. "The sea is a vast and mysterious place. Jinn are believed to reside in remote and desolate areas—like the sea, mountains, or dark places. The sea is their domain, because they can move freely without boundaries."
Marlon reflected on that, turning back to the seemingly endless ocean. "So... we're kind of crossing into their territory right now?"
Romo nodded gently. "Yes, you could say that. The sea holds beauty and also an invisible power. And like we've seen, beneath tranquility, danger often lurks. Just like the jinn here—they may not be visible, but we never know what could happen."
Riri thought for a moment. "But how do we really know they're here, Mo? Maybe it's just an old tale passed down over time."
Romo gave a wise smile. "Belief in jinn really depends on our perspective. But religion teaches us that there's more to this world than what we see. This sea reminds us of the unseen world—a world of mysteries far beyond our understanding."
Marlon looked out at the sea, a bit calmer now. "Interesting. This vast ocean holds so many stories, and we're only brushing the surface of it."
Romo nodded, his eyes returning to the darkening horizon. "That's why we must always stay vigilant and respectful of nature. The sea gives us life—but it can also take it away in an instant."
As the two of them pondered, the soft crashing of waves could be heard—like a whisper reminding them that even though the journey felt peaceful, they were still in the middle of something much greater than themselves, something they could neither control nor fully understand.
The ferry continued its steady course toward Bali, as the sea guarded its deep mysteries.
The ferry sailed calmly across the vast ocean, and the night grew deeper. The three of them sat in the ship's dining area, enjoying a simple meal that had been served. The fresh sea air flowed through a small window, creating a tranquil atmosphere even in the midst of their long journey.
Marlon stared at the food in front of him, occasionally glancing at Romo, who seemed lost in thought."Mo, earlier you mentioned something about a jinn ruling over the sea. Are there any other stories about sea creatures in religious teachings?"
Romo leaned back in his chair and took a few bites of his food before answering."There's one particularly interesting story. In Islamic teachings, there is a sea creature so enormous that it's beyond our imagination. Its name is Al-Ḥūt al-Kabīr, or 'the great fish.'"
Riri furrowed her brows. "A great fish? What does it look like?"
Romo lifted his gaze and stared out the window, as if searching for the right words."This fish is so massive that it is said to encircle the world. In some narrations, it's described as having a body so long and large that it could swallow the world and everything in it all at once. They say it lives in the deepest part of the ocean, a place unreachable by humans."
Marlon looked at Romo with curiosity."That sounds... terrifying. But why would such a creature be part of religious teachings? Does that mean the sea holds unimaginable power?"
Romo nodded slowly."That's right, Marlon. The sea isn't just a source of life—it's also full of mysteries. In Islam, Al-Ḥūt al-Kabīr is a symbol of God's greatness and dominion over the universe. It's also a reminder to us. The sea is vast and deep—there's so much we still don't understand."
Riri, listening attentively, asked,"But why do myths like that exist? Are they just stories meant to scare us, or is there something deeper behind them?"
Romo shrugged slightly, his expression serious."Myths and stories like these don't appear out of nowhere. Every myth has some kind of root. There may be truths hidden within them, even if they're hard for us to grasp now. In many cultures and religions, you'll find tales of giant sea creatures—like Al-Ḥūt al-Kabīr—that represent something far beyond human comprehension or control."
Marlon nodded, taking in the explanation."So, these giant creatures are symbols of humanity's fear of things greater than ourselves?"
Romo looked at Marlon and smiled slightly."You could say that. The ocean teaches us humility. It can be beautiful and life-giving, but also terrifying and destructive. Myths about sea monsters serve as reminders of nature's immense power. We can only live alongside it—not dominate it."
Riri fell silent for a moment, then asked cautiously,"But what if the great fish really came out? Could the world actually be swallowed?"
Romo gazed out the window, looking toward the boundless dark ocean."That's what makes such myths so powerful. They're not just stories—they're lessons. The ocean and the creatures within it represent unseen forces we can't control. Sometimes, we have no choice but to accept that some things are bigger than us—beyond our ability to change or handle."
Marlon smiled faintly."So, the myth isn't just to scare us—it's to remind us?"
"Exactly," Romo replied, looking at both of them with understanding."Every myth or story we hear—whatever it is—always carries a purpose. It might be meant to guide us to a deeper understanding of life or remind us of our limitations as humans."
Riri looked out at the dark, calm sea, sensing something larger than what her eyes could see."Maybe the myth is teaching us to respect nature and everything in it."
Romo smiled wisely."And to not become too arrogant. Because there are forces out there that we can neither see nor control."
The ferry continued to move slowly, heading toward Bali. The vast and calm sea remained a mystery that humans could never fully grasp, hiding both beauty and danger in its depths.
The ferry sailed quietly, the gentle sound of waves audible from outside. The three of them sat together in the ship's dining area, enjoying the silence of the night beneath a sky full of stars. The vast ocean stretched before them, accompanying their journey toward Bali.
Marlon, still seemingly captivated by the sea, finally spoke."Did you know that over 80% of the world's oceans have never been explored or even seen by humans?" he said, still gazing at the endless water.
Riri turned toward Marlon, curious."You mean this ocean we're looking at? We see it all the time, don't we?"
"Yeah, that's the thing," Marlon replied, his eyes still fixed on the vast sea."The ocean feels so present, right in front of us. But the reality is that more than 80% of its depths remain untouched by humans. So many mysteries lie hidden down there, and even with today's technology, we're still not capable of uncovering them all."
Romo, who had been quietly listening, joined the conversation."That's true, Marlon. The sea holds countless secrets. While we can see its surface, the world below remains a massive mystery. There are forms of life we've never encountered, phenomena we can't yet explain."
Marlon nodded."Imagine that—we can see the ocean, we know it's there, yet most of its contents are still unreachable. We can travel to space and explore other planets, but here on Earth, the ocean remains one of the most mysterious places."