If there is one day that is the most annoying, for some reason, people always agree that it is Monday. Monday is the day that moves life forward—the start of a new weekly cycle. Like a gong being struck as a sign of the beginning of activities that were previously stalled.
"Hmmm..."
The expressions on the students' faces have shifted constantly since the class began. It felt hot and stuffy even though all the windows were open.
The cause was a broken air conditioner and air purifier. The learning atmosphere was slightly disrupted, although they were required to carry out activities as usual.
"College is expensive but the facilities are like this, so stupid," Kriss muttered in annoyance.
Aside from the ongoing lecture, next to Kriss's seat, there was someone who had been daydreaming and looked up for a while.
"Hey, Zeyn... what're you doing?"
"..."
"Hello~ can you hear me?"
It's a shame that Zeyn didn't answer and was still silent in his fantasy.
"So, that's the presentation from our group, after this, we will have a Q&A discussion."
Today's material is about discussing historical articles. Indonesia is a country with many historical stories, both those that have been revealed and those that have not.
In fact, until now, there are still many historians who continue to uncover and explore the latest facts about Indonesian history. Not to mention the folklore that is part of the actual history itself, although sometimes it needs metaphysical proof.
"All right, let's start the discussion with three questioners. For those who want to ask, please feel free."
The presenter is still trying to look professional. It was Andre, one of their friend.
Fortunately, the presentation titled "The Spirit of 3G (Gold, Glory, and the Gospel) in Sailing" went smoothly without any problems. This is the story of the voyages of ancient sailors to trade spices. He wanted to finish it quickly so he could go home and lie down.
"If you don't mind, I would like to…." Kriss said firmly while standing up.
"Yeah, sure."
"My name is Kriss Howard. I want to ask why all the history books circulating in our education system teach as if we are proud to be colonized?"
"Huh? proud to be colonized? Can you explain your question in more detail?" Andre confused.
"I mean even in other countries, colonialism is considered a disgrace. To the extent that people don't want to talk about it anymore and it becomes taboo. Why does our literature always include history about our country being colonized as if we are proud and not traumatized?"
"What? What is he talking about? hahaha"
"Stop joking around!"
Everyone looked at him, confused. His question seemed off-topic. It had nothing to do with the content of the material. Unfortunately, the questioner also seems to be serious about this strange topic.
"Is it okay to ask like that, Sir?"
"Feel free, All questions are welcome," answered the professor in front of the class.
"Huh?" Once again, Andre looked confused.
Suddenly, the presenter started sweating as he felt this answer would be difficult to give. How could he receive a question that was so far from the main topic? While it's true that Western nations colonized several countries during their 3G journey, what does it have to do with the history books taught in schools?
Furthermore, what does it mean to be proud of being colonized?
* *
"Last question is from Kriss who wants to ask... umm... why are we be proud if we were colonized?"
Andre asked again the question he heard to clarify, hoping that he misheard and could change it.
"Yes, that's correct," Kriss answered without any guilt.
The room fell silent, waiting for the presenter to explain. The longer it went, the more boring it became as there was still no answer. The presenter's frustration peaked, and he could only curse silently.
This silence certainly broke Zeyn's reverie. He thought the whole class was suddenly paying attention to him again like this morning. In reality, he was just silent because he was still thinking about his lost wallet.
Listening to a stranger's babbling was not something Zeyn enjoyed, but if there was something interesting, he would listen. The red pupils of his eyes suddenly sharpened as he observed the person who was supposed to answer the question in front of the class.
His gaze, which had been bored, became somewhat serious. He saw some kind of redish aura appearing around Andre, an aura of hatred and frustation.
"So, can the presenters answer the question?" the professor asked.
"Umm... well, actually..."
"Let's throw the question to the audience... We'll have an open discussion session. Whoever can answer, will get extra points."
Only, right after the professor said that, a female student who happened to be the co-presenter stood up. The whole class turned their attention to her.
"My name is Raffaella Rosa. May I respond to the question from Kriss?"
"Are you sure, Raffa?"
"It's okay Andre, I already found the answer."
The feeling of embarrassment, confusion, and frustration merged into one in the presenter. The problem he felt was still the same, and for some reason, he suddenly hating Kriss.
Right or wrong, the emotion came simply because he felt that he had failed as a presenter by not being able to give an answer. Plus, he was embarrassed in front of his female colleague. The image of the cool and accomplished student he had tried to build had failed. With resentment, he sat back down.
"In the preamble of the 1945 Constitution, it was explicitly stated that colonialism must be eradicated from the world, because it is contrary to humanity and justice," Raffaela tried to explain.
"Yes, and we already know that," Kriss responded.
"Learning about colonialism is not meant as revenge, nor being proud. It is as a reminder to the younger generation that our nation's goal is to reject past, present and future colonialism and uphold human rights."
"I understand. So instead of considering colonization as a disgraceful thing, it is better to see it as a reminder. Is that what you mean?" Kriss asked.
"Exactly, that's why we still study history which is quite grim to remember. We must always remember it even though it's bitter, but it's also for the sake of the future,"
"I see. Thank you for the answer"
"Anytime," Raffaela replied.
Like a balance scale with equal weight, the awkward atmosphere that had been silent since earlier turned into a conducive one, thanks to the smooth discussion from both sides. The two speakers were applauded by the lecturer for successfully carrying out today's lecture well.
"Ok then, since all the questions have been answered, I think that's enough for today. My answer has been perfectly represented by Miss Raffa, so I won't add any more complex opinions. Once again, let's give a round of applause to our two friends in front."
Once again, applause came from their classmates, but it seemed that Andre was still upset. He still felt annoyed by the weird question that was thrown at him, and he was embarrassed that he had to rely on the colleague next to him to answer.
It's not that he was unhappy, it's just that he was still annoyed about the question.
"Well, Mr. Andre, maybe we can just end our discussion now," the professor added.
"That concludes our party's presentation, and with the end of the Q&A session, we will end today's material. Thank you for your participation. I am Andre Wisma together with my colleague here, Raffaela Rosa"
With that, the hot and stuffy midday study came to an end. Without further ado, the students packed up their things. Tension slowly began to subside, replaced by a feeling of relief for everyone.
Some stayed behind and chatted in front of the class, but Zeyn still couldn't shake off the red aura he saw earlier. It seemed like something unpleasant was going to happen, but hopefully, it was just his imagination.
* * * *