February arrived. The day I had been waiting for finally came: the meeting with two of Indonesia's largest conglomerate families, the Hartono Family of Djarum Group and the Salim Family of Salim Group. This was a crucial moment to secure control over Bank BCA.
I didn't come to this meeting alone. Mr. Robert, my trust fund manager, and several other members of the trust fund team, experts in negotiation and financial analysis, accompanied me. I knew that while I had the vision, they were the brains and hands that would help realize it at the negotiation table.
We headed to the agreed meeting location: Djarum's manager's office in West Java. I didn't know the exact location, but it was clearly one of their properties in the West Java region.
When our car arrived at the location, the first impression was one of grandeur and luxury. Several luxury cars were already parked there, from Mercedes-Benz S-Class to Rolls-Royce, indicating that important figures had arrived. The area around the office itself appeared well-maintained and exclusive.
We were warmly greeted by a representative from Djarum, a middle-aged man who looked very professional. He wore a neat suit and welcomed us with a warm smile.
"Welcome, gentlemen from Sundawani," he greeted politely. "We have been awaiting your arrival."
We shook hands, and the atmosphere felt formal yet courteous. After that, we were escorted to the meeting room. The room was very spacious, with a large long table and comfortable leather chairs. A large projector screen was displayed on the wall, and mineral water and coffee were already available on the table.
I glanced at Mr. Robert, who gave me a faint smile, as if saying, "Here we go, Marlon. This is the arena."
Inside the room, I saw some familiar faces from business magazine photos. I knew this would be a long and calculated negotiation. But I also knew we had a strong ace up our sleeve: abundant liquidity from the CDS proceeds and a lucrative investment offer for them amidst the crisis.
The meeting room at Djarum's manager's office in West Java felt filled with an aura of power. On one side of the long table sat Budi Hartono from Djarum Group, accompanied by some of his children. On the other side, there was Sudono Salim from Salim Group, also with his children. And facing them, I was with Mr. Robert and the trust fund team. This was a meeting between the old generation and the new generation in the world of Indonesian conglomerates.
The meeting began with warm introductions. The atmosphere was friendly, not as stiff as I had imagined. It made sense, because after this, we would be business partners, no longer just negotiating parties.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet Mr. Budi and Mr. Sudono, and your sons," I greeted, starting the conversation. "I'm Marlon. This is Mr. Robert, our trust fund manager."
We all shook hands. The aura of wisdom and experience from these great figures was palpable.
After brief pleasantries, Budi Hartono went straight to the point. "Marlon, we're curious. Why is Sundawani so interested in acquiring a majority stake in BCA? Isn't your core business in property and technology?"
I smiled, then turned to Mr. Robert. "Alright, Mr. Budi, Mr. Sudono. Let me and Mr. Robert explain."
"That's absolutely right, gentlemen," Mr. Robert began, explaining from a corporate perspective. "Sundawani is a rapidly growing consortium in various sectors, both globally and regionally. With our expanding business scale, a consortium of our size certainly needs its own bank for cash flow."
"Having majority control in BCA will provide us with unmatched financial efficiency and security," he continued. "This is about ensuring our liquidity is always stable, facilitating inter-division transactions, and accelerating business expansion without external banking bureaucracy."
I added from my strategic point of view. "In addition, gentlemen, our businesses are not exactly the same. We are in property, technology, entertainment, and sports. While you gentlemen are very strong in the manufacturing, consumer goods, and distribution sectors. So, this can be complementary. We need strong banking services, and you gentlemen have a solid bank. This is synergy."
"And we are very interested in the investment offer in your companies," Sudono Salim said, looking at me. "A fresh injection of funds in the current market situation is something we greatly appreciate."
"Of course," I replied. "We are very happy to invest in your groups. However, as we have already conveyed, we only have dividend rights from that investment. We have no intention of managing businesses as large as Salim Group and Djarum. We deeply respect how you gentlemen have built this empire, and we do not wish to interfere in the daily operational management of your companies."
"That's exactly what I want," I added to myself. I knew my capacity and focus. Managing businesses the size of Salim and Djarum is a lifelong job, and I had my own plans.
Hearing my explanation, both Budi Hartono and Sudono Salim seemed satisfied. They appreciated my stance of not wanting to intervene in their core businesses. The agreement regarding BCA felt even smoother.
The atmosphere lightened again. We began to chat more casually. They asked about my vision for Sundawani's future, about how I saw global business trends. I, in turn, asked about their experiences in building giant businesses.
They even asked several times if there were any other businesses they could join with Sundawani. A sign that they saw great potential in Sundawani's vision and capabilities.
"If there are interesting projects in the future, Marlon, don't hesitate to invite us," Budi Hartono said with a smile.
"Of course, sir. I highly value collaboration," I replied.
This meeting was not just about BCA, but also about opening doors for long-term strategic partnerships with two of Indonesia's largest economic powers. This was a victory far greater than just monetary value.
After the initial agreement regarding BCA and investment in their companies, the atmosphere in the meeting room became more familiar. I felt this was the right time to present Sundawani's other big plans, which might further pique their interest.
"Gentlemen," I said, now in a more relaxed tone. "Besides the businesses we've discussed, Sundawani is also developing some very ambitious technology projects."
Budi Hartono and Sudono Salim looked interested, signaling for me to continue. Mr. Robert and my trust fund team also listened intently, knowing this was part of Marlon's clever strategy.
"We are preparing a digital transportation platform that we call GoTrans," I explained, "complete with services like GoCar, GoJek, and GoFood. This is a revolution in how people move and transact, especially in big cities."
"We are also developing Bingo Marketplace," I continued, "an e-commerce platform focused on local products, directly from producers, artisans, and farmers. The goal is to empower local industries and create jobs."
I saw their eyes light up. These conglomerates, though established, were always looking for innovative new opportunities.
"We have big plans for GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace in Southeast Asia," I said. "And of course, Indonesia will be a very large market."
I looked directly at them. "I want to invite Salim Group and Djarum to join in the development of GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace in Indonesia."
Sudono Salim frowned. "Join how do you mean, Marlon?"
"We need your help, gentlemen," I said honestly. "We know your networks in Indonesia are very extensive, from the central to regional levels. We want to ask for your assistance so that permits in Indonesia can be facilitated through your networks. With your support, we are confident that GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace can grow faster and smoother here."
"Of course," I added, "GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace in Indonesia will only be a branch of the one in Singapore. The development headquarters and strategic control remain in Singapore."
"As a form of partnership and appreciation for your support, I can offer up to 30% of GoTrans Indonesia shares to Salim Group and Djarum. The division can be discussed further."
Hearing this share offer, their expressions changed. 30% was a very large figure for a promising tech startup, especially one conceived by Marlon.
"This is a very interesting offer, Marlon," Budi Hartono said, looking serious. "The business potential of digital transportation and e-commerce is indeed very large in the future."
"We are also very interested in the concept of empowering local products and creating jobs that you are promoting with Bingo," added Sudono Salim.
However, I felt it necessary to provide an important disclaimer so they wouldn't make a decision too quickly without understanding the true market conditions.
"However, I must give a disclaimer," I said. "Currently, in 2009, internet networks in Indonesia are not very good, and smartphone penetration is also not very widespread."
"You mean, not everyone has a smartphone and fast internet yet?" asked one of Budi Hartono's sons.
"Exactly," I replied. "So, the development of GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace in Indonesia will not be significant in the near future, before those two things develop rapidly in Indonesia."
"This is a long-term investment, gentlemen," Mr. Robert emphasized. "We are planting seeds today for a harvest in the future, when Indonesia's digital infrastructure is mature. The potential will be massive then."
They all seemed to be thinking, processing this information. They were shrewd businessmen; they understood the meaning of long-term investment.
In the end, they nodded. "We understand, Marlon," said Budi Hartono. "We still want to join when the time comes. We see your long-term vision. This is an opportunity we don't want to miss."
A satisfied smile spread across my face. Gaining the support of Salim Group and Djarum for GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace in Indonesia was a major victory. This was not just about funds, but also about access, networks, and legitimacy. With them on our side, Sundawani's path to dominating the digital market in Indonesia would be much easier.
The historic three-party meeting finally concluded. The meeting room, which had been filled with a serious aura, now felt lighter. Budi Hartono, Sudono Salim, and I shook hands warmly, satisfied smiles gracing each of our faces.
"Thank you very much for your time and trust, gentlemen," I said. "May this partnership bring good to all of us."
"You're welcome, Marlon," Budi Hartono replied. "We are very pleased to collaborate with a young visionary like you."
"May Sundawani always be successful," Sudono Salim added.
As owners, we had agreed on the general and strategic aspects of all my plans: majority ownership of BCA, investments in Djarum and Salim Group, and partnerships in GoTrans and Bingo Marketplace Indonesia. Now, for the continuation and details, everything would be handled by the Sundawani trust fund team, Djarum Group, and Salim Group. It was the task of their expert teams to translate this grand agreement into concrete operational steps.
I had full faith in my team. They were professionals adept at negotiation and execution.
After the energy-draining and thought-intensive meeting, I chose to go straight home to Margahayu. I wanted to rest and reflect on everything that had happened. Dad would surely be proud today.
While I headed home, Mr. Robert had another agenda. He immediately continued his task of expanding Sundawani's sportstainment ecosystem in Indonesia.
"Marlon, I will head directly to Bandung to monitor the process," Mr. Robert said before we parted ways in the lobby of Djarum's office.
"Alright, Mr. Robert. Make sure everything goes smoothly," I replied.
Mr. Robert proceeded with the acquisition of the volleyball team in Bandung city, and the basketball team in Bandung city. This was a concrete step to establish Sundawani in the domestic sports industry, complementing the acquisition of global teams like the Golden State Warriors and Liverpool. By owning these teams, Sundawani would be able to build a local fanbase, create branding opportunities, and become an inseparable part of Indonesia's sporting pulse.
All parts of this grand plan were now moving simultaneously. This was the beginning of a new era for Sundawani, an empire I was building on the ruins of a crisis.
After a day spent grappling with business strategies and high-stakes negotiations, I finally returned home to Margahayu. A quiet atmosphere enveloped me. In the midst of the silence, as I sat in the family room, a thought suddenly crossed my mind, a memory from my next life.
I remembered Kang Robby.
In my previous life, he was the one who eventually owned and popularized the name "Sundawani." He built it into a powerful movement, albeit with a slightly different focus. In this timeline, I had already taken that name for my consortium. But Kang Robby remained a very influential figure with sharp insights into Sundanese culture.
An idea suddenly popped into my head. I wanted to help him. Not just help, but collaborate to create something much bigger and more positively impactful. I wanted to create a community organization (ormas), but not one synonymous with gangsterism or violence, which often carries a negative stigma in society. I wanted to build an international Sundanese intellectual community organization that would be globally recognized. A platform for Sundanese thinkers, artists, cultural figures, and professionals to create, discuss, and spread noble Sundanese values to the global arena.
I knew Kang Robby was the right person to start this. He had high integrity and a deep concern for Sundanese heritage. The problem was, I didn't have his contact information.
I immediately remembered my father's friend, who was also part of an old family in Bandung. They would surely have connections to many figures in this city. I picked up my phone, searched for his number, and it didn't take long to find it.
"Hello, Uncle," I greeted after the call connected. "It's Marlon."
"Oh, Marlon! How are you, son?" Uncle Asep's voice sounded friendly. "Haven't heard from you in a while."
"I'm well, thank God, Uncle. Sorry to bother you, Uncle. I'm looking for someone's contact, maybe you have it," I said, getting straight to the point.
"Who is it, Lon?"
"Kang Robby," I replied. "Robby who... who often talks about Sundanese culture, Uncle." I was a bit careful, afraid of getting the wrong person.
"Oh, Robby! Of course, I have it," Uncle Asep said. "What's up, son? Do you want to invite him to business?"
I smiled. "You could say that, Uncle. There's something important I want to discuss with him."
Uncle Asep immediately gave me Kang Robby's contact information. I thanked him and quickly ended the call.
With the number in hand, I took a deep breath. This was the first step for a project that would be very different from all the businesses I was currently working on. I pressed the call button.
The call connected.
"Hello, is this Kang Robby?" I asked as soon as I heard a voice on the other end.
"Yes, this is Robby. Who is this?" the voice on the other end sounded a bit confused, probably because of the unknown number.
"Kang Robby, I'm Marlon," I said. "I got your number from Uncle Asep."
There was a slight pause on the other end. Perhaps Kang Robby was processing who I was. "Oh, Marlon. What's up, son? Uncle Asep said you were looking for me?"
"Yes, Kang," I replied. "I have something very important I want to discuss with you. It's not about my father's old business, but I have an idea I'd like to discuss with you."
"What idea is that, son?" Kang Robby sounded curious.
"It's a bit long to explain over the phone, Kang," I said. "But the gist is, it's about how we can make the name of Sunda and Sundanese intellectuals more widely known, even globally."
I could hear Kang Robby pause for a moment. Perhaps my idea was quite surprising to him. "Globally, you say? Sounds interesting. When are you free?"
"How about tomorrow afternoon, Kang?" I offered. "If you have free time. I can come to your place."
"Tomorrow evening... Hmm, I can do that. Just come to my house in the Buah Batu area, after Isha prayer," Kang Robby replied. "We can chat casually there."
"Ready, Kang. Thank you very much!" I said. "See you tomorrow."
I hung up the phone with a smile. One more step towards a new vision. This wasn't just about money; it was about legacy, culture, and building something enduring.
That morning, I prepared for a meeting that was a little different from usual. This wasn't about numbers and multi-billion dollar projects, but about culture and identity. I decided to go alone to Kang Robby's house. I rode my motorcycle through the streets of Bandung, heading towards the Buah Batu area.
Upon arriving, Kang Robby's house looked beautiful with a traditional feel. As I parked my motorcycle, Kang Robby was already standing at the door, as if waiting for me. He smiled warmly and welcomed me.
"Marlon, you've arrived," Kang Robby greeted warmly. "Come on in."
I nodded, took off my shoes, and followed him inside. Kang Robby invited me to talk in his comfortable living room, filled with books and distinctive Sundanese ornaments. The atmosphere felt relaxed and familiar.
After brief pleasantries, Kang Robby looked at me full of curiosity. "So, Marlon, what is this plan you want to discuss? It sounds very important that we had to meet in person."
I took a breath, a little nervous but also enthusiastic. "Kang Robby, I have a company named Sundawani."
As that name left my lips, I could see a change in Kang Robby's expression. His eyes widened slightly, and his emotions seemed to tremble. There was a flash of recognition, as if the name was very familiar to him, beyond just an ordinary name. I knew it was a resonance of the name that he would make famous in the next life.
"Sundawani?" Kang Robby repeated, his voice soft, as if savoring the name on his tongue. "A very... strong name."
I nodded. "Yes, Kang. And I have an idea that I want to propose to you."
I continued, explaining my vision. "Kang Robby is a very respected Sundanese cultural expert. And also, you are part of the Wiranatakusumah family, a family with a long history and great influence in Sundanese culture."
"What if," I looked at him directly, "we create a community organization (ormas) also named Sundawani?"
Kang Robby raised an eyebrow, waiting for my explanation.
"But," I quickly added, emphasizing my point, "not a gangster ormas or one associated with violence. We want to change that stigma."
I explained further, "I want to create an international ormas of Sundanese intellectuals. A platform for clever scholars, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, or anyone with progressive thinking and concern for Sunda, to gather, discuss, and produce globally recognized works."