The 9/11 events were indeed horrifying, and I felt deep sorrow for the thousands of victims. However, as Marlon carrying future memories, I knew that this tragedy also opened up massive investment opportunities. I knew for certain that the United States would soon launch a "War on Terror" in the Middle East, and this war would last for years. That meant the military industry would be flooded with orders, and their stocks would skyrocket.
I immediately went to my Father, who still looked gloomy from the 9/11 news. "Father," I said, trying to convey my urgency calmly. "We must act immediately. Contact the trust fund's financial manager in Singapore."
Father looked at me, confused. "What is it, Son? What does this have to do with this event?" "It does, Dad, very much so," I explained. "War is coming. Fast. From America in the Middle East. And that means the stock prices of military-related companies, defense companies, will rise sharply."
I explained in detail, as if reading future economic news. "We must invest and buy shares in military-related companies in America." I mentioned some big names I remembered from the future, such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing (defense division), Raytheon, and General Dynamics. "These are the ones who make fighter jets, missiles, warships, and other advanced military technology, Dad." My Father listened attentively, his expression turning serious. He began to understand my line of thought. "So, you see this as an opportunity in the midst of misfortune?" he asked, with a slight tone of doubt but also deep trust.
"Exactly, Father," I answered firmly. "This is an economic cycle. War, unfortunately, often triggers growth in certain industries. We must be in the right position to profit from this movement. The funds we have in Singapore will be very effective for this investment. They operate on the American stock market, which will feel the direct impact."
I emphasized that this investment was not just speculation, but an analysis of the geopolitical dynamics that would unfold. I knew exactly how long the war would last and how the demand for weapons and military services would drastically increase.
My Father, who completely trusted my inexplicable instincts and knowledge, immediately nodded. He reached for his phone, ready to contact the trust fund's financial manager in Singapore. Instructions would soon be launched: allocate a significant portion of the existing US dollar funds in the trust fund to acquire shares of US defense companies. This was a bold move, leveraging global turmoil to accelerate the growth of our financial empire. By doing so, we would not only secure the future but also indirectly become part of the economic force supporting the world's new direction.
As is natural in times of war and global turmoil, the commodity markets also experienced significant upheaval. Gold and oil prices began to show significant fluctuations. Our trust fund's financial manager in Singapore, who was already accustomed to precise instructions from Father (which actually came from me), clearly saw this opportunity.
"Marlon, Darmawan," he said in a phone call, his voice calm yet confident. "With the escalating geopolitical conditions, the gold and oil markets will be very attractive. We recommend investing in both commodities."
My Father and I immediately agreed. This was a step I had anticipated. Gold is a safe haven asset during uncertainty, and oil would surge with military supply demands and turmoil in the Middle East. The funds we had allocated for defense stocks were now accompanied by strategic investments in commodities.
We began to accumulate positions in the gold and oil markets through our trust fund. I monitored global news, troop movements, and every political statement that came out, matching them with my memory of the future. Our financial manager promptly executed every decision.
After more than a year since the 9/11 events and the start of the "War on Terror," the results we achieved were truly astonishing. Our initial capital of approximately Rp100 billion in Singapore (after deducting funds for Indonesia and zakat) had now multiplied fantastically, exceeding expectations. Our total assets in Singapore now amounted to over Rp1 trillion! It was fantastic, but it's important to remember that most of our assets were in US Dollars, not rupiah. This was actually very advantageous.
Amidst the global crisis and pressure on developing countries' currencies, the US Dollar remained relatively stable and consistently strengthened against the Rupiah. This meant that although the Rp1 trillion figure seemed large in Rupiah, the value of our assets in US Dollars also continued to increase significantly, providing us with a very solid wealth foundation, protected from domestic inflation. This success further solidified my conviction that the future was a treasure map I had to continue reading.
The 9/11 incident was like a slap to the world's face. Suddenly, the sense of security was gone. In America itself, the impact was tremendous. Stock exchanges, like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, immediately panicked. They even closed trading for several days, the longest closure since the Great Depression in the 1930s!
When the markets finally reopened, chaos ensued. Investors panicked, selling off their shares frantically. In just a few days, trillions of dollars vanished from the market. Airline and insurance stocks, which were most directly hit by the tragedy, plummeted drastically. Major indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 plunged, setting records for the largest daily declines in history. There was a chilling fear on Wall Street, a sense of not knowing where the economy was headed.
But in the midst of that chaos, for me, it was the sweet melody of money. I knew exactly what would happen next: America would retaliate. And that retaliation would require massive weapons, technology, and logistical support.
I immediately asked my Father to contact our trust fund's financial manager in Singapore. "This is the time, Dad," I said, explaining the upcoming market situation. "We must immediately invest and buy shares in military-related companies in America."
Our financial manager, who was already well-trained and intelligent, didn't take long to understand our instructions. He was a capable professional, and he knew very well that behind every tragedy there were always market movements that could be exploited. He began to allocate a significant portion of the US Dollar funds in our trust fund—which had already reached billions of rupiah—to buy shares of giant defense companies.
We began to acquire shares in companies like Lockheed Martin, the legendary manufacturer of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. There was also Boeing, which, in addition to commercial aircraft, also had a large defense division that made military transport planes and attack helicopters. Not to be left out were Raytheon, a specialist in missiles and air defense systems, and General Dynamics, which produced submarines, tanks, and other combat systems.
Our trust fund team in Singapore worked quickly, entering the shaky American stock market. They bought these stocks when prices were still relatively low, taking advantage of market panic. We knew this was not an investment for a day or two. This was a long-term investment, following the rhythm of the war drum that America would beat in the Middle East. The longer the war lasted, the greater the defense spending, and the higher the stock prices of these companies.
In addition, our financial manager also suggested diversifying into commodities. "Gold and oil prices will experience huge fluctuations. Gold will become a safe haven as investors seek a safe place, and oil will surge due to military energy needs and supply uncertainty from the Middle East."
My Father and I, of course, supported this. This was a very logical step and one I had anticipated. We began to accumulate positions in the gold and oil markets through our trust fund. We bought oil futures contracts and secured physical gold and gold ETFs.
The results? Truly extraordinary. After more than a year since these massive investments were made, and with the start of US military operations in Afghanistan and preparations for the invasion of Iraq, the stock prices of these military companies skyrocketed. The same went for gold and oil prices. Our initial capital of approximately Rp1 trillion in Singapore (after deducting funds for domestic investments and zakat) had now multiplied to over Rp50 trillion.
And most crucially, most of our assets were in US Dollars. In the midst of crises and currency depreciation in many developing countries, the US Dollar became the favorite, its price relatively stable and continuously strengthening against the Rupiah. So, the value of Rp50 trillion was not just a figure on paper, but real financial power in a strong global currency. We had successfully transformed a global tragedy into a golden opportunity, building a solid and unshakeable foundation of wealth.
Time truly felt like it flew by. After the 9/11 storm and our massive investment decisions in the global market in 2001, our focus now returned to Indonesia. Unbeknownst to us, it was now entering the year 2002. The fantastic profits from the trust fund in Singapore, which soared to over Rp1 trillion, did not just sit there. We decided to channel a large portion of those profits back to our homeland.
Chapter 8: Investments Continue
Several trillion rupiah from the global trust fund's profits in Singapore now began to be invested into the Sundawani companies in Indonesia. This was not just a monetary investment, but a strategic step to build a solid real economic foundation domestically. Our main goal was clear: massive investments to develop agriculture and livestock, and to build a processing industry from upstream to downstream.
We didn't just buy land for cattle farms or agricultural fields. Now, these trillions of funds were used for further development: Agricultural Development: We began investing in agricultural modernization. This meant purchasing advanced farming equipment, developing more efficient irrigation systems, and implementing modern farming techniques to increase crop yields. We focused on staple food commodities as well as some export commodities.
Livestock Development: For livestock farming, we not only bought land but also built modern and hygienic stable facilities. We imported superior breeds, implemented efficient feed management systems, and ensured the health of the livestock was well maintained. The goal was to produce high-quality animal products on a large scale.
Building Processing Plants: This was the most ambitious step. We began constructing factories to process the output from our own farms and livestock into finished products. Imagine, from the dairy milk we produced, we would build a milk factory. From corn or wheat harvests, we would have factories for feed or processed flour products. From chicken farming, we would have chicken meat processing plants. This was perfect vertical integration, ensuring we had full control over quality and the supply chain, while also adding value to our products.
My Father, with the help of a professional team at Sundawani, moved quickly to realize all of this. I, though still a school child, continued to provide strategic direction, ensuring every investment aligned with my long-term vision. This was a dream come true: building an independent and sustainable economic powerhouse in Indonesia, from land to finished products, all under the Sundawani umbrella.
Time kept rolling by unnoticed, and we never stopped moving. After two years of hard work and investment, it was time to see the results of my digital vision. The IT company I had established in Singapore, which was initially just a pipe dream, now began to show its teeth.
"Father," I said one morning, with a wide smile. "The team in Singapore succeeded!" Father looked at me hopefully. "Succeeded in what, Son?"
"We have the initial version of YouTube!" I exclaimed. Of course, I didn't call it "YouTube" directly to my team, but the concept was the same: a revolutionary video-sharing platform service. This was a big step, considering that in the early 2000s, the internet was not yet as popular as it is now, especially in Indonesia. However, I knew this was the future, and we had to be at the forefront.
Besides the video platform, I also asked my IT team in Singapore to move quickly. I knew that a digital ecosystem needed many supporting pillars. "I asked them to immediately register several other domains," I explained to Father, "such as Bingo, FolkMarket, and Eureka." I had prepared those names from my memories of my various future platform plans. These domains would become the foundation for our various digital projects going forward.
And most crucially, I also asked them to start creating a framework or basic structure for entering the marketplace. I envisioned a large e-commerce platform, far beyond the concept of online buying and selling that existed at the time. This would become a hub for all transactions, connecting sellers and buyers from all corners of the country.
However, a digital marketplace would never be able to run without strong logistical support. I knew this well from future experience. That's why I immediately turned to Father with my next mission.
"Father," I said, "we need to build the backbone for our future marketplace. I want Father to establish an expedition company." Father was a little surprised. "Expedition? That requires huge capital and an extensive network, Marlon." "That's right, Dad," I nodded firmly. "But it's essential. In the initial stage, I want this expedition company to be able to reach all of Java and Bali." I envisioned a neat fleet of trucks and vans, storage warehouses, and an efficient delivery system. This would be our logistical foundation.
"Then," I continued, "for the following years, we will expand. From Java and Bali, we will start going to Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua." I knew this was ambitious, but it was what was needed for a national marketplace. This was the ecosystem I needed for my future marketplace. Without reliable shipping, a digital platform would be meaningless.
Not only that, but I also thought about the physical aspects of this marketplace. "In every major city and small area throughout Indonesia," I explained to Father, "I also ask Father to buy assets in the form of land or buildings. These assets will later be used as galleries or small logistics centers for my future marketplace." I envisioned places where products could be displayed, collected, or even become pickup points for goods. This would be a physical network supporting our digital platform, bringing sellers and buyers closer, even those in remote areas.
My Father listened carefully, nodding. He knew that every vision of mine always came true. These steps were enormous, requiring the trillions in investment we already had, and continuous hard work. But with Father's support and our professional team, I was confident that this digital and logistical ecosystem would soon become the backbone of Indonesia's new economy, far ahead of its time.
Time continued to tick by. Amidst the hustle and bustle of building the Sundawani business ecosystem, suddenly the calendar showed February 2002. The atmosphere in Bandung City felt different, filled with a more cheerful and romantic aura. Large banners began to appear in cinemas and on street corners, displaying familiar faces and captivating titles: "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?" (What's Up With Love?).
As Marlon, born in the early 90s and growing up in the millennial era, I knew very well that this film would become a phenomenon. I could feel the rumble of enthusiasm starting to spread among teenagers and young adults at that time, even though I myself was only ten years old and didn't fully understand the nuances of puppy love.
Speaking of first loves, for a 90s generation like mine, there was an unwritten "myth" generally accepted among guys: every guy had three undisputed first loves that appeared consecutively at the turn of the millennium. I don't know if this was truly general or just chatter among my future peers, but it was a very strong memory.
The first was Sherina Munaf. Yes, in 2000, with the release of the film "Petualangan Sherina" (Sherina's Adventure), Sherina, with her sweet smile, melodious voice, and bravery in that adventure, truly stole the hearts of many boys. She was the perfect picture of an independent and cheerful girl. Her posters were often plastered in boys' rooms at the time. Then, in 2001, another new idol emerged from a different world: Emma Watson. Her role as Hermione Granger in the film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" captivated many people. Hermione, who was intelligent, tough, loyal, and with her distinctive curly hair, made Emma Watson the ideal "first love" figure for those who liked smart and slightly 'nerdy' girls. She represented the longed-for fantasy of magical adventures.
And now, in February 2002, it was the third's turn: Dian Sastro. Through her iconic role as Cinta in the film "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?" (AADC), Dian Sastro truly completed this first-love trio. Cinta was portrayed as a popular, intelligent, poetic girl with emotional depth. The AADC film was not just about a teenage love story, but also about poetry, friendship, and self-discovery that resonated strongly with young people at the time. Dian Sastro, with her distinctive beauty and captivating acting, became the personification of the "dream girl" for many teenage boys, even for those who only watched on TV or heard the story.
So, in cool Bandung, while Sundawani continued to build its economic foundation, I also witnessed this cultural phenomenon unfold before my eyes. A moment where the silver screen shaped the definition of "first love" for a generation, including me, who was unconsciously influenced by it. This is a portrait of life in Indonesia in the early 2000s, where popular culture also helped shape identity and memories.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of property investments, digital ecosystem development, and ambitious business plans, I never forgot the most important investment: investment in myself. I knew that material wealth would be meaningless if my physical and mental well-being were not optimal. So, I continued to discipline myself daily, always investing physically and spiritually.