called out, ‘You said in your presentation that mining companies and local communities could both benefit through the exploitation of natural resources?’ Those around Angela Dau were stunned, turning to gawk at the Dayak student.
‘Yes,’ Campbell agreed, ‘I did make that statement.’ He moderated his voice, then asked, not unkindly, ‘You don’t agree?’ Again, all heads turned towards Angela.
‘No, Mister Campbell,’ she replied, her refusal to use the more respectful address not lost on all present. Up on the dais the professor frowned. Angela Dau was one of his finest students. However, her outspoken views around campus had attracted Bakin’s attention, and the Dean was aware that Angela was under occasional surveillance by the intelligence agency. Angela continued, ‘If what you say is true,then why haven’t we seen any examples of such benefits flowing to the indigenous peoples in Kalimantan?’ The room was stunned into silence; and, with the exception of the faint and nervous shuffling sounds, there was absolute quiet.
Stewart Campbell looked down at the pretty student, the fire in her heart reflected in her face and he nodded, slowly, while gathering his thoughts. He was on dangerous ground here, and anything he might say which could be construed as being anti-government could cost him dearly. Nevertheless, Stewart still felt a deep commitment towards the people whose traditional property had been taken, often without adequate compensation – left to become displaced people in their own land. ‘Miss?’ he asked, wondering if being pressed to give her name might make her reconsider her question, ‘may I have your name?’
‘My name is Angela Dau,’ she responded, confidently, ‘and I come from East Kalimantan. My people are Penehing Dayak.’ The pride in her voice instantly moving Campbell, understanding immediately why this student would consider some of the content of his address as provocative. With the surge of foreign investment in the mining sector, it was the indigenous peoples of Indonesian Borneo that had suffered the most.
He smiled kindly. ‘I can understand how emotive an issue this would be, for you, Miss Angela,’ he paused, searching for the appropriate words in Bahasa Indonesia. ‘But I’m certain you will appreciate that it is not my position to enter into political debate as a guest in your country.Your question should best be directed to the government representatives.’ Campbell was saddened that he was unable to engage this young woman in open discussion; to do so would be irresponsible, the consequences severe for both.
Angela Dau felt the heat rise around her neck, ignoring her friend Nani’s warning tugs at her sleeve.
‘You can be confident, Mister Campbell,’ she said, her voice clear to all, ‘that I most surely will.’
The professor stepped forward quickly and addressed his students. ‘I ask that the students refrain from raising issues which are of a political nature.’ The message was clear, the Dean’s interruption saving both Campbell and Angela from further embarrassment. ‘Now, are there any other questions?’
Students turned to look at each other, none now really inclined to speak up. Then, from a girl standing in the third row, ‘I have a question,’ she said, raising her hand confidently. All eyes turned to the student in surprise.
‘Yes, then,’ the Dean wanted this session ended, ‘what is it?’
‘I’d like to know if Tuan Campbell is married?’ she asked.
To everyone’s relief, the student body broke into laughter, Siti Rahajo frowning at the catcalls, brazenly standing her ground. The professor was pleased with this distraction, bending over as if doubled in laughter, then reaching up to slap his guest on the shoulder. Campbell, too, could not resist a smile, addressing the seductive Siti directly.
‘Sudah kawin, tapi belum nikah,’ he answered, causing the students to roar in response, the play on words suggesting that he was sexually experienced, but remained unmarried, a delight to their ears. Sensing that this had gone far enough the Dean moved quickly to bring an end to the session, thanking Campbell profusely for his attendance, before escorting him away from the lecture theatre.
****
Outside, as they strolled across to the car park, Campbell inquired regarding the Dayak student.
‘She’s one of my best,’ the professor claimed, proudly, ‘and will most likely top her class.’ The bespectacled guru hesitated, took Campbell’s arm and turned to face the younger man. ‘You handled that well, Stewart,’ he said, in a fatherly tone. ‘Angela Dau can be overly aggressive, but I have a special interest in seeing that she comes to no harm while away from home.’
Campbell waited for the professor to continue, accustomed to the man’s frequent pauses for effect.
‘Her father placed her in my care while she completes her studies.’ The Dean then looked up into the American’s eyes. ‘Jonathan Dau and I flew MiGs together during Soekarno’s time.’ He observed the moment of puzzlement sweep Campbell’s suntanned features. ‘Jonathan is her father. He is also a highly respected Dayak chief.’
Campbell was taken aback, impressed. ‘And you flew, together?’ he asked, a new respect creeping into his voice for the balding academic.
‘Yes,’ the Dean confirmed, ‘and there’s more.’
The men stood in the shade, a few hundred meters from where Campbell’s driver remained faithfully alongside the Mercedes, the professor revealing that Jonathan Dau was also a revered dukun. Campbell expressed surprise, the professor agreeing that it was unusual, but then he went on to explain that, within some indigenous Dayak communities, it was not uncommon to find a hereditary chief who also carried the mantel of village shaman. ‘Angela is an only child, Stewart, and, as such, will carry considerable influence within the Dayak communities when she returns.’
Again, Campbell was surprised. ‘She intends returning to the isolation and primitive conditions. Why?’
It was the professor’s turn to show surprise. ‘To help her people, of course!’ Then he grinned, mischievously. ‘That’s what anyone would expect of a Dayak chief.’
Campbell peered into the other man’s wrinkled features, unsure of the professor’s statement. ‘A woman – as chief?’
‘Yes, certainly, with her people’s support,’ the professor explained. ‘There are matriarchal, indigenous groups throughout Indonesia.The Bataks in Sumatra are an example.And then there are the matriarchal tribes of Borneo where the women practise polyandry.’
‘What was the name of Angela’s ethnic group she mentioned back there?’ Campbell asked. The professor then briefly explained the origins of the Penehing Dayaks, Campbell arriving at the conclusion that if Angela Dau’s high-spiritedness was common amongst the Upper-Mahakam women, he should make a point of visiting when the opportunity arose. Although he had frequented Kalimantan on numerous occasions, Campbell had yet to venture further upstream along the Mahakam River than the rapids.
On the drive back to Jakarta, he could not get Angela out of his mind, the story of her family so intriguing Stewart Campbell fell asleep that night, with her name still fresh on his lips.
****
‘Come
