Free The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata Page A

symbols—photos of the President and VicePresident and the Garuda Pancasila state symbol—and the columns for first aid kit and visual aids, he was forced to create an additional choice once again—this time it was: F) Nonexistent . In the toilet and lighting facilities column, he added F) Natural .
    And then came the column for student conditions. He drew a long, deep breath and looked at us—most of who were not wearing shoes and wore grubby clothes missing buttons. Mahar's shirt was completely buttonless. Mister Samadikun stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Lintang and me wearing slingshots around our necks, and tsk-tsked in an upset manner at the sight of guava fruit stains all over Kucai's shirt. Therefore, in the columns for condition and completeness of students, the choice F) Extremely Bad wasn't sufficient enough to describe us. He added yet another choice of his own: G) Pathetic.
    Mister Samadikun asked, "Who has a calculator, compass and crayons?"
    Not one of us answered. Mahar looked at me and raised his eyebrows. We were already in fifth grade and we didn't even know what those things were.
    Mister Samadikun turned to Bu Mus. "Bu Mus! I have never seen a classroom as appalling as this. You call this a school?! This place is no different than a livestock pen!"
    Backed into a corner, Bu Mus became even paler.
    "Your children look like mouse deer hunters, not students!"
    Bu Mus took the insult, but it was clear that it did nothing to diminish her pride in us.
    "There's no other choice, this school must be closed!"
    Bu Mus was shocked. She could sit back and take the insults, but there was no way she would let her school be shut down.
    "Impossible, Mister. We've been studying here for five years."
    Bu Mus was truly courageous. Never before had a teacher been brave enough to challenge Mister Samadikun.
    "What about these village children?" Bu Mus continued.
    Mister Samadikun was furious. "That's your problem, not mine! Move them to other schools."
    "Other schools? The closest public school is all the way in Tanjong Pandan. It's impossible to separate these small children from their parents. They can't afford to go to school there. The PN school is nearby, but they are not willing to accept children this poor."
    Mister Samadikun got all worked up, his chest huffing and puffing. It was as though he was going to blow up at the daring words coming from Bu Mus' loose mouth. On the other hand, Bu Mus' attitude showed that she was willing to sacrifice anything for the sake of her students. We wanted to take her side, but we were frightened. We could do nothing but sadly watch her—except for Harun. He smiled the whole time; he had no idea what was going on.
    "We have already met the ten student requirement. If it's only a matter of the first aid kit, we can ..."
    "It's not just that!" Mister Samadikun cut her off. "It's also Harun!"
    Bu Mus was stunned, her face was now red; he had touched a sore spot. The subject of Harun had always been sensitive for her. She never hesitated to put herself on the line for him. Unlike Bu Mus, Harun was very pleased his name had been mentioned.
    "And what about Harun?" Bu Mus asked defensively. "He can't go to school here. It's not the appropriate place for him. He has to go to a special school! On Bangka Island!"
    Bu Mus tried very hard to keep her cool. We knew how very much she loved Harun, but we also understood that Mister Samadikun had made up his mind, and that sealed it. Mister Samadikun was very powerful and Bu Mus was just a village school teacher. In this power struggle, with the difference in status being so great, we were sure to lose. Bu Mus' face got puffy. "Mister," Bu Mus said weakly, "this school is the best place for Harun. He is very diligent in his school work and very happy so study with his friends. Please, don't send him away."
    Mister Samadikun was motionless. "Study? Did you say study? He doesn't even have a real report card, what could he possibly