Physically, my exercise routine became more intense. I continued to run daily, exploring the roads around my house or on a special track. Running gave me stamina and mental clarity. Besides that, I also regularly practiced basketball and silat. Basketball honed my agility and teamwork, while silat gave me a foundation in martial arts and movement discipline. In fact, now my training was supplemented with karate and taekwondo. I hired private tutors to train me intensively at home or in a special studio we built. I felt every movement, every kick, and every punch not only trained my muscles but also disciplined my mind.
Spiritually, since the age of five, I had accustomed myself to always fasting on my birthday. This was a form of reflection and gratitude, reminding me of the gift of life and my unique knowledge. This fast was not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also training patience, self-control, and inner sensitivity. I also made time for simple meditation and reading spiritual texts, seeking the deeper meaning of life behind all the business strategies.
However, the journey was not as smooth as imagined. Amidst all the grand plans and growing wealth, fate showed that some things were beyond my control and knowledge of the future. The year 2002 became a rather dark year for me, as my beloved Grandmother passed away.
Her passing came suddenly, even though I knew she was old and her health was declining. But still, the feeling of loss was incredibly painful. Grandmother was a warm, loving figure who always supported my crazy ideas. She was one of the emotional pillars in my life, especially since I started sharing my secret with Grandfather.
Grandmother's death was a bitter reminder that God's will regarding death truly cannot be predicted. All my knowledge of stock markets, technological trends, or even global events did not give me the ability to stop the departure of someone I loved. I could not predict when or how she would go. What was meant to happen, would happen. It was a valuable lesson in humility and acceptance. Life is a balance between things we can control and things we must surrender to fate.
Grandmother's passing in 2002 was a heavy blow. Despite my knowledge of the future, the fate of death truly cannot be predicted. The feeling of emptiness was so real, a reminder that some things are beyond control. Grandmother was an extraordinary person, full of love, and always a loyal listener to all my stories and ideas, even when I started talking about a future that seemed illogical to others.
Since I was five years old and first revealed my future secret to Grandfather and Grandmother, my relationship with them grew even stronger. I started making it a habit to visit my Grandfather and Grandmother at their house every week. These visits were not just a formality, but moments I eagerly awaited. I loved listening to Grandfather's stories about his youth, and Grandmother always prepared my favorite food. I would sit beside her, telling her about school, about the ideas that popped into my head, and she would listen attentively, occasionally gently stroking my hair.
More than that, every full month holiday during Ramadan, I always stayed overnight with my Grandmother and Grandfather. The fasting month became a special moment where I could fully focus on them. I would help Grandmother prepare the iftar meal, accompany her for tarawih prayers at the mosque near the house, and share stories late into the night. We would have suhoor together, and I would listen to Grandmother tell stories about her family's rich history.
I always hoped that, with the presence and attention I had given her for several years, my Grandmother would be happier in her remaining life. I wanted to fill her days with laughter and togetherness, ensuring she felt loved and not lonely. The beautiful memories with her during Ramadan, under the dim lamplight, were priceless treasures to me.
Now, after my Grandmother was gone, the feeling of loneliness became even more real in Grandfather's house. He was getting older, and I knew he missed Grandmother's presence. Therefore, I was determined to accompany him more often. I would spend more time with him and chat, making sure he didn't feel alone. Our conversations often revolved around memories with Grandmother, about the family's future, and also about business.
If there was a school holiday, sometimes I would accompany him to the office. I would sit at his desk, observing how he managed the company, listening to his phone calls, and occasionally asking about various things. Grandfather also often took me around the factory or warehouse, patiently explaining the process. These moments not only strengthened our bond but also gave me direct insight into the business world that I would eventually inherit and develop. I knew that now I had to be a pillar for him, just as he and Grandmother had been pillars for me all this time. I would not let my Grandfather feel alone in his old age.
After Grandmother's passing, my relationship with Grandfather grew even closer. I tried to fill the void Grandmother had left. Grandfather, wisely, not only taught me about the ins and outs of business or life. He also very often taught about ikhlas (sincere acceptance), a concept that felt so profound after losing Grandmother. "Life is like flowing water, Marlon," he said one afternoon, his eyes distant. "Some we can dam, some we must let flow. Ikhlas is accepting what we cannot change, and focusing on what we can do."
Grandfather also often told stories about the history of Talaga Manggung, which for me remained a great mystery, especially since many parts of the story felt like legends and still could not be scientifically validated for their truth. However, he told them with full conviction, as if they were truths passed down from generation to generation.
"According to our ancestors' records," Grandfather began one day, his voice filled with pride, "our lineage comes from a great figure named Prabu Ajiguna Linggawisesa and his consort, Uma Lestari." He was a powerful king in the Sunda Kingdom around 1333-1340 AD. I knew Prabu Ajiguna Linggawisesa was a quite important king in Sundanese history. "They both had several children," Grandfather continued, "and our lineage comes from their youngest child named Suryadewata. Now, it was Suryadewata who later became the ancestor and founder of the Talaga Kingdom."
So, according to Grandfather, our lineage and Prabu Siliwangi's lineage both originated from the descendants of Prabu Ajiguna Linggawisesa. This meant that we and Prabu Siliwangi, the famous king of Pajajaran, were still "distant relatives" in the same genealogy. A blood tie that felt so vast and transcended time. Grandfather then broadly continued the genealogy of the Talaga Manggung Kingdom, according to what he knew from our ancestral records, all the way to Ratu Simbar Kencana:
Brief Genealogy of Talaga Manggung Kingdom (Our Ancestral Version)
Prabu Ajiguna Linggawisesa (King of Sunda, 1333-1340 AD): He was the king of the Sunda Kingdom. From his marriage to Uma Lestari, they had several sons. One of his sons was Suryadewata.
Suryadewata (Ancestor of the Talaga Kingdom): He is the one Grandfather spoke of as the progenitor and founder of the Talaga Kingdom in Majalengka. So, from Suryadewata, the lineage of the Talaga Kingdom began.
Subsequent Kings in Talaga Manggung: After Suryadewata, the kingdom continued to be led by his descendant kings. Grandfather did not detail all the names of the kings between Suryadewata and Sunan Talaga Manggung, but essentially, power continued within the family line.
Sunan Talaga Manggung (Munding Sae Ageng, approximately 1388-1420 AD): This was one of the most famous kings in the history of Talaga Manggung. He was also known as Munding Sae Ageng. During his reign, the Talaga Manggung Kingdom was quite prosperous. Sunan Talaga Manggung had two children, one of whom was Ratu Simbar Kencana.
Ratu Simbar Kencana (approximately 1420-1450 AD): Daughter of Sunan Talaga Manggung. Ratu Simbar Kencana was a very important figure in the history of the Talaga Kingdom. After her father passed away, she ascended the throne and ruled the kingdom. In her history, she was briefly married to Palembang Gunung (the Patih of the Talaga Kingdom) which later led to a tragic story. After that, Ratu Simbar Kencana married Raden Kusumalaya Ajar Kutamangu and had several children, including Sunan Parung who would later continue the kingdom's leadership.
Grandfather always emphasized that although there were several different historical versions or stories out there, this was what was recorded and believed by our ancestors. This was the genealogy that underpinned our existence as descendants of Talaga Manggung, and which formed the basis of the statue, goong, and lake we visited in the museum. For me, these stories were not just history, but also a heritage of identity that I now had to hold dear.
After Grandfather finished his long story about the genealogy of the Talaga Manggung Kingdom up to Ratu Simbar Kencana, I was still curious about one part. I knew from my memory that it was during the time of Ratu Simbar Kencana that this kingdom experienced great turmoil, some even calling this era the beginning of the kingdom's "disappearance" and transformation into the Talaga we know today—more of an administrative region than a sovereign kingdom.
"Grandfather," I asked one afternoon, "what tragic story happened during the time of Ratu Simbar Kencana? I heard there was a conflict brought by Palembang Gunung?" Grandfather sighed, his eyes a little gloomy. "Ah, that is indeed a dark story, Marlon. One of the saddest chapters in the history of Talaga Manggung, and indeed many refer to this as the beginning of major changes in our kingdom."
Conflict and Betrayal of Palembang Gunung "So it goes like this," Grandfather began, "Ratu Simbar Kencana was the daughter of Sunan Talaga Manggung (Munding Sae Ageng). He was a wise and judicious king. Ratu Simbar Kencana herself was beautiful, intelligent, and strong. Unfortunately, she married her own patih (prime minister) named Palembang Gunung."
According to the story, Palembang Gunung originated from Palembang and had enormous ambition. Although he had been appointed patih and the queen's husband, his heart was not satisfied. He grew envious of his father-in-law's power, Sunan Talaga Manggung, and aspired to seize the royal throne.
"Patih Palembang Gunung then betrayed him, Son," Grandfather said with a concerned tone. "He conspired with someone named Centang Barang to launch a coup. With Centang Barang's help, Palembang Gunung managed to steal the keris—a royal heirloom weapon—and used it to attack and even kill Sunan Talaga Manggung, Ratu Simbar Kencana's father, when the king was off guard."
The tragedy was a huge blow. Sunan Talaga Manggung fell, and his body was later handled according to Hindu Kahiyangan teachings, with his ashes scattered in Situ Sangiang. This wicked Palembang Gunung then crowned himself king.
Ratu Simbar Kencana's Revenge "But Palembang Gunung's villainy couldn't be hidden forever," Grandfather continued. "At one point, Ratu Simbar Kencana learned the bitter truth that her father had been murdered by her own husband. Her heart was shattered, but also filled with rage and determination for revenge."
Ratu Simbar Kencana, with her cunning and bravery, didn't immediately attack. She pretended to know nothing, even continuing to be intimate with Palembang Gunung to find his weakness. A tragic irony.
"While Palembang Gunung was sound asleep," Grandfather continued his story, "Ratu Simbar Kencana used her hairpin or hair stick to stab and kill Palembang Gunung. It was a cold and brave revenge from a daughter whose heart was deeply wounded."
Impact and Shift of the Kingdom After Palembang Gunung's death, the kingdom was in chaos. Ratu Simbar Kencana's elder brother, Raden Panglurah, who had previously been meditating on Mount Bitung, returned to the palace. He was shocked to see the palace destroyed, and his father dead due to betrayal. It is said that Raden Panglurah, along with his four loyal heroes, then disappeared into the depths of Situ Sangiang.
Many believe that the disappearance of Raden Panglurah and the destruction of the Sangiang palace at the bottom of Situ Sangiang was one of the main reasons why the Talaga Kingdom began to fade as a strong political entity and later became known more as a territory or region.
"To maintain the continuity of the kingdom, Ratu Simbar Kencana then remarried Raden Kusumalaya Ajar Kutamangu, a nobleman descended from Galuh," Grandfather explained. "From this marriage, they were blessed with eight sons, one of whom was famously Sunan Parung, who later inherited the throne."
Although Ratu Simbar Kencana successfully exacted revenge and continued the lineage, this tragic event left deep scars. The center of government was even moved from Sangiang Talaga to the Walangsuji area. It was during this time that Islamic teachings also began to spread strongly in the Talaga region, brought by students from Cirebon, which would later transform the character of the Talaga Kingdom into an Islamic one.
"So, although the kingdom did not 'disappear' instantly, the tragedy involving Palembang Gunung and the death of Sunan Talaga Manggung, and then the disappearance of the palace in Situ Sangiang, indeed became a significant turning point. It was the beginning of a major shift, from a proud standing kingdom to a region that holds many memories and historical traces," Grandfather concluded, his voice a little wistful.
After Grandfather's tragic story of Ratu Simbar Kencana and Palembang Gunung, I became even more curious about the continuation of Talaga Manggung's history. How did the kingdom survive? What happened to the subsequent generations?
"Grandfather," I asked one afternoon, as we sat on the porch of the house, enjoying warm tea and a gentle breeze, "after Ratu Simbar Kencana, who else continued the kingdom?"
Grandfather smiled faintly, his eyes gazing far away, as if looking back into the past. "Well, after Ratu Simbar Kencana and Raden Kusumalaya Ajar Kutamangu, there were several important descendants, Marlon. One of the famous ones is Sunan Parung."
The Era of Sunan Parung
"Sunan Parung was the son of Ratu Simbar Kencana, from her marriage to Raden Kusumalaya Ajar Kutamangu," Grandfather explained. "He was highly respected. It is said that during his leadership, Sunan Parung not only politically controlled Talaga but also deeply studied Islamic teachings. That's why he was called 'Sunan,' because he was also a spreader of religion."
During Sunan Parung's time, the Talaga Kingdom's Islamic character became increasingly strong, especially with the continuous influence from Cirebon. This was an important period where cultural and religious shifts became deeply rooted.
Ratu Pucuk Umum: Successor to the Throne
"After Sunan Parung, there was his daughter named Ratu Pucuk Umum," Grandfather continued. "She was the successor to the throne. Ratu Pucuk Umum was also a strong and wise leader. It is said that she married Pangeran Santri from Sumedang Larang. This marriage linked Talaga with Sumedang Larang, another Sundanese kingdom that also had great influence."
In the era of Ratu Pucuk Umum, the relationship between Talaga and neighboring kingdoms became closer, especially with Sumedang Larang. This also showed that women played an important role in the leadership of Talaga Manggung.
Ratu Sunyalarang: The End of a Line
"Now, after Ratu Pucuk Umum, there was her daughter named Ratu Sunyalarang," Grandfather said, his voice slowing slightly. "Ratu Sunyalarang was also a queen regent, continuing the tradition of female leadership in Talaga. Unfortunately, there are not many detailed records about her reign in our genealogical book. Perhaps because her era was drawing closer to the modern era, or perhaps the records were somewhat fragmented."
Grandfather explained that it was during Ratu Sunyalarang's time that external influences, especially from foreign powers, began to be felt. The kingdom's politics began to turmoil due to external interference.
Sunan Wanaperih: Difficult Times and the Arrival of the Dutch
"And finally, before the truly dark era, there was Sunan Wanaperih," Grandfather said. "He was the son of Ratu Sunyalarang. Sunan Wanaperih's leadership was a very difficult period. This is when the Dutch began to arrive."
Grandfather explained that the arrival of the Dutch in the Nusantara archipelago, and then the entry of the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or Dutch East India Company) into Java, changed everything. They didn't just trade, but also began to interfere in the political affairs of local kingdoms, including Talaga Manggung.
"During Sunan Wanaperih's time, the Dutch began to use the tactic of 'divide and conquer'," Grandfather exemplified. "They divided the kingdoms, making us suspicious of each other. They also began to impose policies that benefited themselves, such as trade monopolies."
The impact of the Dutch arrival was immense. Information about the kings after Sunan Wanaperih became increasingly blurred. "Since then," Grandfather sighed, "history became unclear again, Marlon. Many records were lost or intentionally altered by the Dutch for their own benefit.
They wanted to erase traces of resistance, or even claim that they were the legitimate rulers. So, it is very difficult to trace the lineage and historical events of Talaga Manggung after the Dutch truly took root."
"Does that mean our history was simply cut short, Grandfather?" I asked, feeling a little indignant.
"You could say that, Son," Grandfather nodded. "They wanted to control not only our land, but also our history and identity. But the important thing is, we still have this genealogy, which they cannot erase. We still know where we come from."
Grandfather's story gave me a new perspective. Not only about glory, but also about sacrifice and resistance. It also further strengthened my determination to preserve this heritage, and with the wealth we possessed, I knew I could help uncover or at least preserve what remained of Talaga Manggung's history.
After Grandfather told me about how the Dutch began to interfere in the affairs of the Talaga Manggung Kingdom and obscure its history, I remembered something else I had heard from the future. So I tried to prompt Grandfather to explain further.
"Grandfather," I asked one afternoon, as we were sitting relaxed after lunch, "Grandfather once said, didn't you, that the Dutch had cunning ways to control us? I heard there's a term 'divide and conquer' or devide et impera?"
Grandfather nodded slowly, his eyes showing a concerned expression. "Exactly, Marlon. That was one of the most effective strategies they used to divide us. The Dutch were clever at spotting weaknesses. They knew Nusantara was vast, with many kingdoms, many differences. And they exploited those differences."