TEARS OF OUR FOREST

MARLINA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE
THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND CULTIVATION AGENCY
Introduction
Pragmatic views held by many Indonesian nowadays have eroded various cultural
values of the nation’s. In addition, the cultures of violence and anarchy have also
contributed to the worsening socio-cultural situation in Indonesia. The local
wisdoms of being polite, friendly, mutually respectful, wise, reasonable, and
religious seem to have been reduced by instantaneous and modern lifestyles. The
public is easily offended, angry, brutal, and violent, without showing any sense of
self-control. Such phenomenon represents the weakening national characters of the
people, whom were known as friendly, polite, tolerant, and honorable society.
This situation clearly puts Indonesia, a civilized nation, at a disadvantage regarding
its future; particularly in terms of creating future generations of intelligent, wise,
skillful, honorable, noble, civilized, and God-fearing people. Hence, it is necessary
to implement a paradigm that not only pursues cognitive interests (thought,
reasoning, and logics) but also considers and integrates morality and good character
in national character education. This is in line with Republic of Indonesia’s Law
No. 20/2003 on National Education System, which states that the function of
education is to develop the capability, character, and civilization of the nation in
order to enhance its intellectual capacity, and is aimed at developing learners’
potentials so that they become individuals who are faithful and pious to God; who
possess morals and noble character; who are healthy, knowledgeable, competent,
creative, and independent; and are democratic and responsible citizens.
Efforts on national character education can be strengthened by optimizing National Commented [u1]: Effort on developing national character
education …
Literacy Movement that works towards providing the public with high quality and
Commented [u2]: … that provides the public with …
readily accessible reading materials. Such texts can be drawn from the landscape
and social changes in rural and urban societies, the rich local languages, important
lessons from Indonesian figures, Indonesian culinary, and Indonesian traditional
architectures. Reading materials developed from these sources will contain the gist
of national values and characters such as religiosity, honesty, tolerance, discipline,
hard work, creativity, independence, democracy, curiosity, patriotism, nationalism,
respect for achievements, friendliness, peacefulness, love for reading,
environmental awareness, social care, and being responsible. These national values
are closely related to the interest and life style of Indonesians. Indonesian people
do not pursue personal interest; they care about natural balance, social welfare, and
faith in God. When these three elements are aligned harmoniously, a civilized and
honorable nation will emerge and thrive; that is Indonesia.
Last but not least, we would like to send our greatest appreciation and gratitude to
the Head of Language Development Center, the Head of Learning Department, the
Head of Learning Module and Material Sub-Division and his staff, the writers, the
judges of the 2017 National Literacy Movement writing competition, illustrators,
editors, and final layout designers participating in the process of creating this book.
We hope that this book will benefit everyone in the efforts of developing a culture
of literacy through National Literacy Movement to face the age of globalization,
free market, and diversity.
Jakarta, July 2017
Sincerely yours,

Prof. Dr. Dadang Sunendar, M.Hum.

The Head of Language Development and Cultivation Agency

Preface
Since 2016, Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture’s Language
Development and Cultivation Agency (the Language Agency), through its
Development Center, has embarked on a journey to provide reading materials in the
nation. This effort aims at three important goals: improving literacy (reading and
writing) culture, improving skills in Bahasa Indonesia, and introducing the plurality
of Indonesia to students and the general public.
In 2016, this program involved rewriting and republishing local folklores from
various regions of Indonesia that had previously been written by language
researchers and instructors in the Language Agency. The process of rewriting and
republishing of these books consisted of two important stages. Firstly, it underwent
a language and story quality assessment, editing, illustrating, and layout. This stage
involved a team created by the Language Center; the team consisted of linguists,
literature experts, book illustrators, and layout designers. Secondly, after
assessment and editing process, the finished folklore books were submitted to the
Curriculum and Book Center of Ministry of Education and Culture for suitability
assessment. They should be suitable as reading materials for students, based on age
and education level. These two stages resulted in 165 folklore books ready to print.
165 ready-to-print books had been submitted to General Secretariat of Ministry of
Education and Culture to be printed and distributed to schools all over the nation.
In addition, 28 of these books had been selected by the Presidential Secretary, the
Indonesian Ministry of State Secretariat, to be published in a President’s Special
Edition and distributed to students and literacy practitioners.
In 2017, books provisioning—with the three objectives above—was done through
competition, involving writers of various backgrounds. The competition produced
books on folklore, culinary culture, traditional architectures, changes in social
landscape of urban and rural societies, and local and national figures. After two
stages of assessment, in the Language Center and the Curriculum and Book Center,
117 books were selected and deemed suitable as reading materials for students and
literacy development communities. In total, reading materials that had been
provided from this program up to this year were 282 books.
Book provisioning with the three objectives is expected to encourage students,
literacy development practitioners, and the general public to improve reading and
writing skills as well as Bahasa Indonesia skills in their communities. Furthermore,
it is expected that after reading these books, students and literacy practitioners will
be more aware and appreciative towards pluralism and cultural richness of this
nation, which have to be preserved, maintained, and developed for the better future
of Indonesia. Enjoy reading-writing literacy activities!
Jakarta, December 2017

Prof. Dr. Gufran Ali Ibrahim, M.S.

The Head of Center for Language Cultivation
Language Development and Cultivation Agency
Forewords
Tears of Our Forest tells a story about what happens in the village of Teluk Mesjid,
Siak Regency, Riau Province. Almost every year, a forest fire occurs in the
province. Forest fire in almost all regencies of Riau province causes very thick Commented [u3]: , forest fire occurs in almost all
regencies of Riau province, causing …
smog (smoke-and-fog) that covers the air for a long time. This smog has negative
effects on people’s health and on public activities, including in Teluk Mesjid Commented [u4]: , including those in Teluk …

Village.
Schools have to be closed for days, weeks, even a month or more. This disrupts the Commented [u5]: , even a month or longer.

education process. It also affects people’s livelihood. People who sell foods and Commented [u6]: This disrupts education process and
also affects people’s livelihood.
snacks at schools, for example, will not be able to sell their products when the
schools are closed.
To develop awareness in young people about the benefits of forest and the dangers
of forest fire, the Regional Government of Siak Regency held a writing competition
on the topic of ‘My Forest My Life.’
Tears of Our Forest contains a moral teaching that young people should take good
care of their environment; protecting and preserving the remaining forest.
Deliberately setting fire to forests is very destructive for human’s and animals’
survival.
This book would not be complete without help from a lot of people. Hence, I would
like to offer my profound gratitude to all parties that have helped me during the
process of completing this book. I hope this story can benefit primary school
students all over Indonesia.
Pekanbaru, April 2017
Marlina

Table of Content
Introduction ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Preface .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Forewords................................................................................................................ 4
Table of Content...................................................................................................... 4
1. SCHOOL IS CLOSED AGAIN .......................................................................... 5
2. LONGING FOR MOTHER ................................................................................ 8
3. SMOG IS STILL IN THE AIR ......................................................................... 11
4. WRITING CONTEST ...................................................................................... 15
5. THE WINNER .................................................................................................. 18
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ...................................................................................... 22
ABOUT THE EDITOR......................................................................................... 23
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR ............................................................................ 23

1. SCHOOL IS CLOSED AGAIN

Minda and her friends walk listlessly. They have just been sent home from school
because a heavy smog still hangs in the air above Teluk Mesjid Village, Siak
Regency. The Head of Siak Regency’s Education Office announced that all
primary and junior high schools in the area would be closed until Saturday.
Next week, all schools will be further informed regarding school activities. Commented [u7]: … informed about their activities.

Whether the schools will still be closed or the students will return and study as usual
will depend on the condition of the weather in Siak Regency. If the smog persists,
the schools’ closing will be extended. Commented [u8]: … closure?

Minda, Syarifah, Inas, and Hanum walk in silence; neither say a word. One or two
days without school are fun. However, if it has been a week, two weeks, or even a Commented [u9]: , if it lasts for one or two weeks, or …

month, they will be bored. Last year, this same thing also happened. Their school
was closed for almost a month and they mostly just stayed home. It was so tedious.
‘Minda, this afternoon let’s do Magrib prayer in the village mosque. After praying,
we can read Al-Quran until the time for Isya prayer, like usual,’ Syarifah suggests,
breaking the silence.
‘That’s a good idea. It’s better than just staying home doing nothing, anyway,’ Inas
replies with a smile beaming on her face. Minda takes a while to reply. She is not
sure if she can make it or not. She needs to ask for her grandmother’s permission
first.
‘Come on, Minda. You can come, can’t you?’ Hanum pokes at Minda’s arm,
waiting for an answer.
‘Insya Allah, guys, I cannot promise anything. If Grandma says I can go, I’ll surely
join you,’ Minda finally says. Her voice betrays the doubt she is feeling.
‘Alright, then. We’ll be waiting for you,’ Syarifah, Inas, and Hanum say in unison.
One by one, Minda’s friends arrive at their houses.
Before they separate, they reminded each other that they would pray Magrib Commented [u10]: Before dismissal, …

together in the village mosque. Finally, Minda walks alone because her house is
the farthest. The house is on stilt and is made of planks. It is at the end of the road, Commented [u11]: It is located at the end …

not far from Teluk Mesjid bridge. Minda jogs towards the front steps.
‘Assalamualaikum, Grandma. I’m home,’ Minda greets her grandmother as she
walks up the steps.
‘Waalaikumsalam,’ Grandma opens the door for Minda. Minda takes Grandma’s
hand and kisses it in respect.
‘Why are you home this early, Minda? Is the school closed again?’ asks Grandma.
‘Yes, it is. The smog is still too thick,’ Minda replies softly.
‘It’s okay, Minda. You can still study at home,’ Grandma tries to console her.
‘Yes, Grandma,’ Minda walks to her room. She puts down her bag and changes her
school uniform. She then sits at her studying desk, opens her Science book and
looks for the pages of homework Mrs. Hanifah asked them to do. While the school
is closed, all students are told to do their school works at home. Teachers have
given them homework for each subject.
Minda opens a chapter about natural phenomenon, namely the forest fire. She reads
the passages carefully. According to the book, forest fire is a frequent occurrence Commented [u12]: The book says that forest fire is …

in Indonesia. It happens either naturally or due to human actions. Naturally, forest

fire may start when dried branches scrap one another, creating sparks, in the hot
days of the dry season. On the other hand, irresponsible people also accidentally,
or even deliberately, burn the forest.
In Indonesia, however, forest fires are commonly caused by people deliberately
burning the forest to open farming fields. With an excuse of opening lands for Commented [u13]: , forest fires commonly happen
because of slash and burn farming.
farming, farmers cut down forests together. They cut the trees and burn them to
make clearing the land easier. If they do this in the dry season, the fire will spread Commented [u14]: … to clear the land.

quicker.
It will be difficult to stop the fire if it reaches an area with heavy deposits of woods
in the ground. The fire will burn underground for weeks and it will get bigger when Commented [u15]: Stopping the fire is difficult when it
reaches an area …
the wind blows.
Forest fire brings a lot of negative effects, one of which is air pollution. The smoke
from a forest fire can cause severe respiratory problems for people living around
the area. They may suffer from Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI). In Commented [u16]: …. the area, like upper respiratory …

addition, the smoke will also disrupt airplane routes. Pilots do not dare flying their
planes around a forest fire location.
The chapter about forest fire ends there. Minda closes the book and holds it close
to her chest. What she just read is actually happening in her village. Forest fire has
caused a smoke disaster. Mrs. Hanifah said that the forests around her village and
other villages in Riau were deliberately set to fire by irresponsible people. These
people usually do that to clear the land for oil palm plantation.
Whenever Minda walks around her village these days, as far as her eyes can see,
there are oil palms growing lushly in neat rows. When the trees are still small, the
plantation looks very beautiful. They look like rows of flowerbeds. Apparently,
according to Mrs. Hanifah, oil palm plantations that replace forests are very
damaging for the survival of their village. Oil palm trees destroy rich minerals in
the soil. It will take hundreds of years to return the soil into its fertile state after
being planted with oil palm trees.
In addition, animals living in the forest suffer another negative effect of forest fire.
They lose their homes. Minda remembers that when she was little, before she went
to school, she often saw flocks of birds flying around the village. It has been a long Commented [u17]: Minda remembers when she was very
young, before going to school, she often …
time since Minda last saw them. She wonders, ‘Where did they go?’
‘Poor animals,’ Minda thinks. She thinks about the monkeys, birds, snakes, and
many other forest animals. She imagines fire burning the trees one by one;
destroying the leaves, the branches, the trunks, and the roots. All will be burned,
turning into ash.
The animals living in the forest will run and fly everywhere in panic. They will
surely try to save themselves but not all of them survive. Some of the animals will
die in the fire, burned alive.
‘It’s so sad,’ Minda says emphatically.
‘What’s so sad, Minda?’ Grandma suddenly appears at the door to the bedroom.
‘Eh, Grandma. It’s nothing. I’m just thinking about the forest fire. It’s so sad that
all the trees and animals have to suffer from it. They cannot save themselves,’ the
long-haired girl replies sadly.
‘It is sad.’
‘What can we do, Grandma?’ Minda asks in a soft voice.
‘Well, we can only pray that this disaster ends soon and you can go back to school,’
Grandma says.
‘I’ll pray for our environment,’ Minda nodded.
‘Well, why don’t you eat first. Lunch’s ready.’ Grandma says.
‘I’ll be in the kitchen in a moment,’ Minda replies and begins putting away her
books and stationeries. She then walks to the kitchen. Grandma has prepared the
table for her. Minda always feels moved by her grandmother’s love.

2. LONGING FOR MOTHER

‘Grandma, I’ll eat now…,’ Minda says, opening the food cover.
‘Go ahead, Minda. I’ve eaten before you come home,’ Grandma replies from the
backyard. She is at the well, probably taking wudu, cleaning herself.
Minda takes a deep breath. The delicious smell of warm rice and omelet instantly
fills her nose. Also on the table is Minda’s favorite chili shrimp paste. Her mouth
waters because this is her favorite menu. Minda quickly scoops some rice to her Commented [u18]: … because of this favorite menu.

plate, adds a slice of omelet and the chili shrimp paste. She eats with gusto.
When she finishes eating, Minda does the dishes straight away. After that, the fifth
grader walks to the well in their backyard. She skillfully pulls a small bucket from
inside the well. The bucket is at the end of a rope run through a pulley. In just a
moment, a bucketful of brownish water is in front of her. Minda takes wudu and
returns to the house to pray.
After zuhur prayer, Minda looks for her grandmother in the front bedroom. Their
wooden house has two bedrooms. Grandma sleeps in the front one and Minda in
the back bedroom, which is directly next to Grandma’s room. Grandma is still
sitting on her praying mat. Minda walks closer and sits beside her. Grandma
finishes her praying, saying amen and running her hands on her face; a face
wrinkled with age.
‘Grandma, I promised Syarifah, Inas, and Hanum to pray magrib in the mosque.
After that, we’ll read Al-Quran and wait until the time for isya prayer. Can I go?’ Commented [u19]: Isya

Minda asks carefully. She is worried that Grandma won’t allow her to go.
‘You can go to the mosque, but don’t you go elsewhere,’ Grandma says.
‘Thank you. I promise we will stay in the mosque,’ Minda promises.
‘Then, why don’t you take a nap. I’ll wake you up when it’s time for asar prayer,’ Commented [u20]: Ashar

Grandma tells Minda.

‘Yes, Grandma,’ Minda says and gets up. Minda always does what her grandmother Commented [u21]: , says Minda while getting up.

tells her to. She never talks back or disobeys Grandma because it is only the two
of them in the house. Minda goes to her room and lays down. She watches the Commented [u22]: … she is the only adult she has at
home.
ceiling and sees several pinpoints of light coming through little holes. They were
probably nail holes.
Minda closes her eyes, trying to sleep, but she just can’t. She turns and lays on her
left side. Her mind wanders. She thinks about her mother who is abroad. She Commented [u23]: Her mind wanders, thinking of her
mother who is overseas, working as a babysitter …
works as a babysitter for a wealthy family in Malaysia. She went there when Minda
was two years old, since Minda’s father left them. That is why Minda lives alone
with her old grandmother.
Grandma said that Mom went to Malaysia because their rubber plantation had been Commented [u24]: … after …

turned into oil palm plantation. It had been for some time that they could no longer
rely on the rubber plantation. The price of latex kept decreasing and their plantation
were not profitable anymore. They even frequently lost money from that business.
In the end, Grandma and Mom decided to sell their family’s rubber plantation. In
Commented [u25]: Since the price of latex kept
decreasing for long, Minda’s family could not rely on their
rubber plantation anymore.

exchange for some money, which was far from adequate, they sold the land and
rubber plantation to an owner of oil palm business. The plantation soon changed
into rows of oil palm trees. Every time Minda walks past the plantation, she always Commented [u26]: Every time winda walks passing the
plantation, …
feels an indescribable sadness.
Minda’s mother used to take care of their rubber plantation, getting the sap and
selling it, on her own. Since they sold the land, Mom lost her only job and source
of income. That was why she left the village and worked abroad. It was all to earn Commented [u27]: Mom lost her only job and source of
income, and had to leave the village to work abroad in
enough money to support her daughter and mother. Malaysia, to earn enough money to support ...
Grandma said that it happened to many people in the village. When rubber
plantation could no longer be relied upon, a lot of people sold their land to oil palm
businesses that came from big cities. Rubber plantations all over the village turned
into rows and rows of oil palm trees.
Minda often misses her mother. But she never speaks about it. She does not want Commented [u28]: Minda often misses her mother but
never talks about it.
to make her mother and grandmother sad. Mom used to say that Minda had to be
patient for a few more years. Mom is working abroad to save a lot of money. Once Commented [u29]: Mom said that Minda has to be
patient for a few more years as she is working overseas to
she has enough money, she will come home and they all will live together again. save a lot of money.

Minda always prays that the time will come soon. She wants to be like other
children who are able to hug their mothers or sleep on their laps. Minda wants to Commented [u30]: … on their laps anytime.

be able to kiss her mother’s hand when she goes to and comes home from school.
Minda often feels jealous and sad at the same time when she looks at her friends.
They all have father and mother at home. They have brothers and sisters. Minda
only lives with her grandmother. However, Minda knows enough not to show her Commented [u31]: They all have father, mother, brothers
and sisters at home, while she only lives with her
sadness to Grandma. grandmother.

Since Mom left, she had come home three times. When she came home two years Commented [u32]: Minda understands that she does not
need to show her sadness to Grandma.
ago, on the last night of her staying before returning to Malaysia, Minda slept in her
arms. That night, Mom gave her some advice.
‘You have to study hard, Minda. You have to be successful. Don’t be like me. I
work in foreign country for you, for your dreams. I want you to get higher
education, get a bachelor degree like Diah, the village chief’s daughter. I’ll be
really proud if you can be like her,’ Mom said and ran her hand on Minda’s hair.
‘Yes, Mom. I promise you I will study hard. I will go to college and be like Diah,’
Minda said, hugging her mother tightly. Tears ran down her cheeks. She was
devastated because it was the last night she could spend with Mom. Mom would Commented [u33]: Mom who would have to …

have to fly back to Malaysia the next morning. Mom held Minda in a tight embrace
and kissed her forehead compassionately. They cried together in that cold and dark
night.
Fortunately, Grandma is very kind and loves Minda very much. She never scolds
Minda or be fussy about anything. Minda loves staying with Grandma. She loves Commented [u34]: Grandma and loves Grandma as much
…
Grandma as much as Grandma loves her. Every evening, when she has finished
studying and doing her school works, Minda will go to Grandma’s room and give
her old feet a good massage. Grandma never asks for it, but Minda does it anyway.
Minda also does every chore she can around the house. She takes care of herself.
She washes her clothes and shoes every Saturday. She does the dishes, sweeps the Commented [u35]: She takes care of herself, washes her
…
floor, and irons her own clothes.
Commented [u36]: She also does the dishes, …

3. SMOG IS STILL IN THE AIR

This morning, Minda is so excited. Inas came to her house yesterday afternoon and
said that they could go back to school today. The school has been closed for almost Commented [u37]: … and told her that they could…

a week due to the smoke fog in the air. All week, they mostly stayed inside. The Commented [u38]: … due to smoke fog.

local Health Office and Regional Government has recommended that people should Commented [u39]: … stayed at home.

not go out too much for health reasons. Children are not allowed to do outdoor
activities. Minda spent her week going back and forth to her room, the kitchen, and Commented [u40]: As children were not allowed to do
outdoor activities, Minda spent …
their tiny living room.
Commented [u41]: Since children were not allowed to do
When she was tired of studying or reading her books, Minda would sit on the outdoor activities, Minda spent …

window, which was opened just a little. Through the small crack, Minda watched
the empty road. Only one or two vehicles passed by. The sky was grey every day, Commented [u42]: Minda watched an empty road with
only one or two vehicles passing by.
like it was about to rain. However, the rain that everyone in the village had waited
for so long never came. Commented [u43]: , the rain everyone in the village has
been waiting so long never comes.
It felt like forever since Minda saw the sun. She and everyone else in the village
Commented [u44]: The sun has never been showing off
missed the warmth of sun rays on their skins, entering their pores and warming their for a long time.

bodies.
This morning, after finishing a breakfast of fried rice and tea, Minda says goodbye
to Grandmother.
‘I’m going, Grandma,’ Minda says, kissing Grandma’s hand.
‘Take care, Minda. At school, don’t play outside. The weather is still bad,’
Grandma tells her when Minda walks out the front door.
‘Assalammualaikum, Grandma.’ Commented [u45]: This foreign terms should be
italicized.
‘Waalaikumsalam,’ Grandma replies.
Commented [u46]: Italicized?
Minda walks in joyful strides. Not far from her house, she meets Hanum and
Syarifah. The three girls walk together to school. The sky is grey, but not because
of rainclouds. A thick fog of smoke still envelopes Siak. The sun cannot pierce
through the smog.
When they arrive, the school yard is full of students. Food sellers have also come
and set their stalls in front of the school. They all look happy. Their faces clearly
show that they expect to get some money today. They did not open their stalls in
the last few days because the school was closed.
The bell rings, signaling the students to get into classrooms. They get to their
classes happily. After a week of no school, almost every one of them is bored. For
a whole week, they did not see their schoolmates and could not play as they usually
did.
Mrs. Hanifah, the Science teacher, enters Minda’s class.
‘Assalammualaikum,’ she greets the students with her soft and friendly voice. Commented [u47]: Italic?

‘Waalaikumsalam, Mrs. Hanifah,’ the students reply in unison.

‘Last week, before the school was closed, I had given you a homework about natural
phenomenon. Have you finished it?’ Mrs. Hanifah asks from the front of the class.
‘We have,’ say the students together.
‘Good. Please bring them forward.’
Every student takes their homework from their bags and hands it to Arif Ramadhan,
the chairman of the class.
‘Now, we’re going to discuss the material you have read about; natural
phenomenon. There are several kinds of natural phenomenon like flood, forest fire,
earthquake, volcanic eruption, and landslide. Today, we’re going to talk about
forest fire because it is happening here, Riau Province.’ Mrs. Hanifah stops for a
moment. She takes a deep breath before continuing.
‘Forest fire may occur naturally. It may also be caused by men. Natural forest fire Commented [u48]: …. occur naturally but it may also be
caused by human.
may occur in a long draught, or during the dry season, when the leaves in the forest
are so dry. Branches and twigs are so dry that when they scrap against each other,
it creates a spark which turns into a fire.
‘However, the cause of forest fire in our village is not a natural occurrence like that.
It is caused by human. Some irresponsible men deliberately burned the forest for
their own purpose. They wanted to clear the area for farming, but they did not want
to spend much money to do that. Instead, they took a shortcut, burning the forest.’
Mrs. Hanifah stops to give time for her students to digest the information. The
students listen to her intently.
Mrs. Hanifah continues her explanation, ‘When the land is clear, they will plant oil
palm trees. You should know that forests are very important and provide a lot of
benefits for the survival of all living beings on this planet. Forests provide oxygen
for all human and animals. Forests also keep the underground water reserve. Commented [u49]: Forests provide oxygen for all humans
and animals, and also keep ….
Plants’ and trees’ roots in the forest can hold millions of gallons of water. Forests
also provide sources of livelihood for many people, like in our village.’ Mrs.
Hanifah is very enthusiastic explaining about forest fire to the whole class, who Commented [u50]: … enthusiastically …

listen to her attentively.

‘Do any of you know what sources of livelihood that people get from forests are?’ Commented [u51]: “Do you know any sources of
livelihood…
Mrs. Hanifah asks, looking around the classroom. Many students raise their hand.
‘Go ahead, Puan,’ Mrs. Hanifah picks Puan.
‘People can get firewood, rattan, and lumber, Ma’am,’ Puan loudly answers. Commented [u52]: , and timber?

‘Correct,’ Mrs. Hanifah smiles. She is always happy if the students can answer her
questions correctly.
‘Some people depend on the forest to live and they will only take what they need.
The trees they cut down are usually old and dying trees, which will be replaced by Commented [u53]: … old and dying, …

young trees. If the forest is burn, all the trees will be destroyed in a flash. Commented [u54]: … is burnt, …

Everything will turn into ash. Nothing will be left,’ Mrs. Hanifah’s voice becomes
a little hoarse. Sadness is clearly shown on her face. All students who has been
listening to her cannot help but feeling sad thinking about the forests in their village
has gone up in smoke. Commented [u55]: All students who have been listening
to her feel sad, thinking of the forest in their village which
‘Because of some irresponsible people, all of us in Siak and Riau have to face the has gone up in smoke.

consequences. We have to breathe smoke-laden air, which is harmful for our body.
The smoke may cause asphyxia, asthma, and even death. That is why, as long as
there is smog in the air, you should avoid outdoor activities. Wear mask if you have
to go out,’ Mr. Hanifah ends her explanation.
‘Here are some masks that Siak Regency’s Health Office provides for you. Can
you pass them to everyone?’ Mrs. Hanifah asks Arif as she takes out a box
containing dozens of masks from her bag. Arif Ramadhan, the class chairman, gets
out of his seat and takes the box from Mrs. Hanifah. He then proceeds to give each
student a mask.
As Arif hands the last of the masks, the school caretaker knocks on the door. He
says something to Mrs. Hanifah, who nods and says thank you.
‘Everyone, please listen. Mr. Kardi just told me that Headmistress instructed us to
go home immediately. The weather is not getting better. Please do the task on page
52 of your book at home. The school will be closed until next Saturday. Insya
Allah you can return to school next Monday. Let’s pray that the smog clears up
soon; that this disaster ends. May Allah bless us with rain. May it pour all over
Riau, this Malay land. Amin ya rabbal alamin,’ Mrs. Hanifah says sadly.
‘Don’t forget to wear the mask you just get and go straight home. I’ll see you next
Monday. Assalammualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,’ Mrs. Hanifah ends
the lesson for today.
‘Waalaikumsalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,’ the students reply in unison.
One by one they shake and kiss Mrs. Hanifah’s hand before going out to the yard.
Most of them leave school with a dejected feeling, although some are quite happy
that they’ll have more free time. Amidst the thick smoke and fog that covers Teluk
Mesjid, the students feel a mixture of various feelings.
Minda, Inas, Puan, and Syarifah walk together. They head out the school gate and
into the road. Food and beverages sellers clear up their goods and walk miserably,
leaving the school behind. Just like last week, they will not earn much today. The
food and beverages they have prepared will go to waste. They must lose money
because selling food at the school is their daily source of income.
Minda feels sorry when she sees the traders packing up. They must feel Commented [u56]: … the food sellers …

disappointed that the students haven’t had time to buy their goods, and that they
must take the food and drinks home. These traders have spent who knows how Commented [u57]: … foods and drinks home.

much money as capital but they have to go home with no money. Minda wants to Commented [u58]: These traders may have spent a lot
money to prepare their foods but have to go home in vain.
do something for them, but she herself has nothing to ease their burden.
All she can do is, along with her friends, buy some roasted meatballs from Mr.
Giman and iced sugarcane syrup from Mr. Nanang. It has been a while since they
last spend their pocket money that most of them have quite a saving from the last
week. Minda thinks it is alright to spend more than she used to today. After all, it Commented [u59]: …. she used to for today.

is for helping the sellers that have traded for years at her school.
The smog gets thicker as the day wears on. The sky is dark, almost like it was six
in the morning. The students walk in groups to their houses, eating their snacks.
The road is quiet; no car or motorcycle passes by. Only the students, who get out Commented [u60]: , getting out of school earlier than
usual, …
of school way earlier than usual, fill the road. They pull down the masks to their
chins so they can eat the meatballs easily.
Actually, the students do not like to wear the mask. It just makes them feel even
more suffocated. Even though it is not the first time they experience a smog, they
still are not used to wearing masks. Commented [u61]: , they are still not used to wearing
masks.
When will it end? When will the smog clear up? They desperately wish the life in
their village return to normal. They miss their normal routine. They miss going to Commented [u62]: They miss their normal routines,
going to school …
school in the morning and going home in the afternoon. They miss buying snacks
during breaks, participating in flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning, and
exercising every Thursday. It feels like forever since they have that routine. They
long for it.

4. WRITING CONTEST
The school has been closed for a month. Fortunately, rain poured hard in the last
two days and today, the sky is clear. The sun shines warmly. It feels very good
when the sun touches the skin of everyone in the village. They have been waiting
for this day, a clear day with clean air and warm sun, for so long. The village once
again bustles with activities as it had been before the smog. Commented [u63]: … as it was before the smog.

All the students in the village go to school early in the morning. Today is the first
day they return to school after more than a month of forced vacation. Happy faces
fill the classrooms and the school yard. They all miss their classrooms, their
classmates, and their teachers. This morning, the school on the bank of Siak River Commented [u64]: They all miss their classrooms,
classmates, and teachers.
is filled with happiness, beaming on the faces of its students.
The first bell is ringing and the students run to their classes. Mrs. Wati, the Bahasa
Indonesia teacher, enters Minda’s classroom.
‘Assalamualaikum, everyone, good morning,’ Mrs. Wati greets them, smiling
brightly. She feels an indescribable feeling of joy, just like what she felt when she
first came to this school.
‘Waalaikumsalam, good morning, Mrs. Wati,’ a chorus of the students’ reply
echoes in the air.
‘Well, before we start today’s lesson, I am going to announce that Siak Regency’s
Education Office is holding a writing contest. The topic is “My Forest, My Life”.
I have chosen two students from this class to represent our school in the contest,
Syarifah and Minda. Syarifah and Minda,’ Mrs. Wati addresses the two students
with a smile, ‘please go to the teachers’ room and begin writing your composition.’
Her heart pounding, Minda follows Syarifah to the teachers’ room. Mrs. Raja, the
deputy headmistress, is waiting for them inside. Both girls take turns to shake and
kiss Mrs. Raja’s hand.
‘Ma’am, Mrs. Wati has appointed us to join the writing contest,’ Syarifah informs
Mrs. Raja.
‘Oh, yes, come in… come in,’ Mrs. Raja welcomes them.
‘Thank you, Ma’am,’ they say and enter the empty room. All teachers have gone
to classes to teach.
‘Minda and Syarifah, you can sit on those chairs. I have prepared some folio papers
and pens for you. You can begin writing your composition. I believe Mrs. Wati
has told you the topic, hasn’t she? You have until lunch break. One more thing,
your composition should be at least three pages long,’ Mrs. Raja tells them.
‘Yes, Ma’am,’ Minda and Syarifah say in unison.
‘Do you have any question?’ Mrs. Raja asks.
‘No, Ma’am. Thank you,’ they reply.
‘Very well. If you have no question, I’ll leave you to it. When you finish, you can
submit your works to me or Mrs. Wati. I’ll be in the Students’ Association room,’
Mrs. Raja says before leaving them. As soon as she leaves the room, Minda and
Syarifah begin writing.
The two girls focus on their composition, filling the folio papers with neat
handwriting. Once in a while, they stop writing to ponder their next sentences. In
Science lessons, they often discuss about natural resources, particularly forests, in
Riau. Mrs. Hanifah always tells them about the current condition of their forests.
She said that peaceful and quiet forests all over Riau are getting cut down day after
day. One by one, the forests are turned into oil palm plantations.
People still cut and even burn forests down for oil palm plantation, despite their
various benefits and uses. Forests are the lungs of the earth. They also serve as Commented [u65]: Forests are lungs of the earth, serving
as …
water reserve, keeping the underground water level steady. Various species of
animals and plants, whose lives depend on the forests, live in and around forests.
In fact, local people also rely on forests as a source of living. Since the age of their
ancestors, most Riau people have been entering forests to find food, firewood, and
rattan and lumber to make furniture. Commented [u66]: timber?

As a natural resource, forests should be preserved. Forests should be managed

wisely so that future generations can enjoy their benefits too.
However, they barely have forest anymore nowadays. Forests in the area have been
cut down, burned, and destroyed. This has made Riau to have three seasons every
year; the dry and rainy seasons as other regions in the country, and the smog season.
Minda remembers clearly that almost every year, she and her friends cannot attend
school during the dry season. It is because of forest fire and smog all over Riau.
They are told to stay inside and not to do any outdoor activity. Commented [u67]: …outdoor activities.

As far as Minda knows, all children are immensely bored during these times. They
cannot go to school, play outside, or go anywhere. The adults, and some children,
usually follow that government’s suggestion for only a few days before returning
to their normal routine.
The adults still go to their fields or to the river because they still need to provide for Commented [u68]: …to provide food for …

their families. Children, who are easily bored, also cannot be kept inside for long.
After a while, they will go out and play as usual, ignoring the smog. Minda,
however, always follows government’s suggestion and stays inside. It’s not
because she isn’t bored, but because she lives with only her grandmother. She
cannot risk getting ill. If she plays outside and gets cough or asthma from the smog,
there is no one to take her to the hospital. She will not burden her grandmother.
Minda always listens to her grandmother. Commented [u69]: Not wanting to burden her
grandmother, Minda always listens to her.
Minda carefully writes everything she knows about forests in her area in a nice
composition.
5. THE WINNER
Minda is having fun playing jump rope with her friends when the school caretaker
calls her. The deputy headmistress wants to see her. Minda says goodbye to her Commented [u70]: Minda excuses her friends and …

friends and walks quickly to Mrs. Raja’s office. Mrs. Raja tells her that Minda is
expected to come to the Regent of Siak’s office tomorrow and that the Headmistress
herself will accompany her. That is all the information that Minda gets.
She wonders why she has to go to Siak again. A few weeks ago, after she and
Syarifah submitted their compositions in the writing contest, Minda’s work was
selected to continue to the semifinal. A month ago, Minda went to Siak Regency’s
Education Office and wrote another composition for the semifinal. Since then,
Minda has heard nothing about the contest. She has even given up hopes of getting
the prize, a scholarship that she really needs.
The next day, in the hall of Siak Regent’s office, Minda sits amidst other students
in red and white uniforms. According to Mrs. Wilda, her school’s headmistress Commented [u71]: Minda sits amidst ten other students,
including herself, in red and white uniforms.
who accompanies her, they are students from primary schools all over Siak
Regency. There are ten students in total, including Minda. Commented [u72]: Delete this sentence.

Minda’s heart beats furiously. A blue and red banner hangs above the stage in front
of them. It reads ‘Welcome the Winners of My Forest, My Life Writing Contest.’
Apparently, this is an awarding ceremony, which means that these ten students are
the winner of the writing contest. Minda wonders in what order she comes. She Commented [u73]: , this is an awarding ceremony for ten
students who are winners of the writing contest.
closes her eyes and prays silently, wishing God to give her the win.
Commented [u74]: Wondering which place she will
The ceremony begins. An MC formally opens the ceremony, followed by everyone come, Minda closes her eyes and prays silently, wishing for
the best place.
singing ‘Indonesia Raya’, the national anthem. After a short prayer and speeches
from the Head of Siak Regency’s Education Office and the Head of Siak Regency’s
Environmental Agency, comes the main event, the announcement of ‘My Forest,
My Life’ writing contest winners.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, my beloved students, it is time that I announce the winners
of the writing contest with the topic of “My Forest, My Life”. Before I make the
announcement, I want to remind you all that primary school students were selected
to participate in this contest because they are the future generation that will one day
take care of this nation. The fate of our country, particularly this beautiful land of
Malay, will one day lay in their hands. This contest focuses on the forests in Riau Commented [u75]: …lie?
region because we expect students to realize the benefits forests give us, the current
condition of our forests, and the ways to preserve them.
‘We decided that students would participate in this contest for that very reason. All
compositions that were submitted to us have undergone a thorough process of
selection and assessment. First, we chose the best 25 works submitted by all
primary schools in Siak Regency. These 25 works then underwent another selection
process until we have the best 10 compositions. The writers of these 10
compositions are all present here today.
‘Now, I will announce the winners of this writing contest, starting from the tenth
position,’ the Head of Siak Regency’s Education Office says. He takes a deep
breath and looks at the winning students one by one. Seeing their nervous faces, he
smiles.
One by one, the winners that he announces walk up the stage. Seven winners have
been called but Minda’s name has yet to be announced. Realizing that there are
only the third, second, and first winners left, Minda feels her knees go weak. She
can almost hear her heart pounding hard inside her chest.
‘In the third place is Nilam Sari from SD Negeri 04 Sungai Apit!’ the Head of
Education Office announces loudly. Nilam hurriedly walks to the stage, standing
beside the other winners.
‘The runner up is . . .,’ the Head of Education office deliberately hangs his words.
It is either Minda or another student.
‘The runner up is Alif Ramadhan from SD Negeri 02 Siak!’ Alif, who sits a few
feet from Minda runs to the stage with a wide smile on his face. Everyone in the
hall applaud loudly.
‘It means, in the first place is Minda, from SD Negeri 01 Teluk Mesjid!’ Minda’s
heart skips a beat when she hears the announcement. She is at a loss for words.
Tears run down her smooth cheeks. A loud and long applause echoes in the hall.
Mrs. Wilda runs towards Minda and embraces her proudly. She takes Minda’s hand
and walks her up the stage. Minda still cannot believe that she wins. She feels like
it is a dream.
Up on the stage, everyone shakes Minda’s hand. Minda vaguely hears the MC
introduces Siak Regency’s Head of Education Office and Head of Environmental
Agency when they shake her hand. The MC introduces several other people as they
shake Minda’s hand, but she fails to pay attention to any of them. She just
automatically let everyone grabs her hand and shake it.
Minda tries to focus and listen as the Master of Ceremony continues speaking.
‘The prize for the first place is a scholarship awarded by the Regional Government
of Siak Regency. It will pay all expenses for the winner’s education in Junior High
School, Senior High School, and University. In addition, our first winner will also
get a trophy, certificate, and some money in saving account from Siak Regency’s
Education Office and Environmental Agency. We would like to invite the
honorable Regent of Siak to award the first winner with the prizes. Congratulations,
Minda!’ the MC nods towards Minda who never feels so happy in her life. She is
still crying tears of joy. Her dream comes true. Allah has answered her prayers.
Minda receives her prizes, feeling so surreal. It all still feels like a dream. The
sound of applause fills the room when the Regent of Siak hands her the trophy.
When the awarding ceremony ends, many people come to congratulate Minda.
Everyone, including Mrs. Wilda, is amazed by her winning. Mrs. Wilda holds
Minda in a tight embrace one more time, feeling proud and glad.
After the event, Mrs. Wilda takes Minda home in her car. All the way home, Minda
feels so grateful. She keeps praising and thanking God the Almighty for blessing
her with everything she gets today. She believes that God listens to her mother and
grandmother, who never stop praying for her success.
Half an hour later, the car arrives at Minda’s house. Minda thanks Mrs. Wilda
profusely and gets out of the car. She kisses Mrs. Wilda’s hand respectfully and
walks briskly towards the front door. She cannot wait to tell Grandma about this
amazing news.
‘I wish Mom can see me now,’ Minda thinks. She always wishes that Mom was
there with her on every important event in her life, like today. However, she knows
that it is just a wishful thinking, at least for now.
Minda clutches the trophy and an envelope containing the prize money she just won
tightly. ‘Perhaps now Mom can come home. She went to Malaysia to save money
for my education, didn’t she? Now that I have won a scholarship to pay for my
study until I finish college, surely Mom will not have to work abroad anymore,’
Minda thinks to herself.
Minda walks faster. She wants to show all these to her grandmother. She climbs
the steps shakily.
‘Assalamualaikum, Grandma,’ Minda pushes the door with her elbow because her
hands are full, holding the trophy and the envelope.
‘Waalaikumsalam, my beautiful daughter,’ a woman replies her greeting, standing
tall in front of her. Minda swallows and almost drops the trophy in her shocks.
‘Mom!’ Minda cries in delight.
‘Yes, it’s me. I’m home, Minda,’ Mom stretches her arms wide, embracing Minda.
‘Mom, this trophy is for you, and this money prize too,’ says Minda, handing her
trophy and envelope to her mother, ‘I won a writing contest, Mom. I got a
scholarship to pay for my study until I finish college. You don’t have to go back to
Malaysia.’
Mom is very touched. The 35-year-old woman smiles and sheds tears of joy.
‘I won’t. I won’t leave you anymore. I’ll stay here with you and Grandma. From
now on, we’ll be together again. In fact, I came home because I decided to spend
more time with you,’ says Mom, embracing Minda tightly. Minda is at a loss for
words and she involuntarily cries again. Allah has blessed Minda with so many Commented [u76]: … she bursts in tears again.

blessings today. She won a scholarship and her mother comes home for good. It is
all she dreams about for the last few years, and now it has come true.
‘Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah,’ Minda says in her mind, feeling very grateful.
What makes Minda the happiest is Mom’s promise not to go back working in
abroad. Finally, Minda is going to have Mom around every day. God really Commented [u77]: … working abroad again.

answers her prayers.

From now on, Mom will wait for her when she came home from school. Mom will Commented [u78]: …she comes home from school.

cook for her, listen to her stories, help her study, teach her reading Al-Quran, and
do everything else moms and daughters do.
‘Thank you, God. Thank you for all Your blessings,’ whispers Minda gratefully.
She tightens her embrace, not wanting to let Mom go just yet. Both mother and
daughter cry. Grandma is also tearing up, seeing her daughter and granddaughter
so happy. Fate has separated them long enough. Starting today, they will be
together, a happy family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Full name : Marlina, S.Pd.
Phone : (0761)65930/ 08127630790
Email : marlinabbpku@gmail.com
Facebook account : Marlina Af AlSha
Office : Riau Province’s Language Center, Jalan HR. Soebrantas,
Riau University Campus, Pekanbaru
Work experiences/profession (last 10 years)
2006-2016 : Employee of Riau Province’s Language Center
Higher Education and Year of Study
Bachelor Degree (S-1) : Indonesian Language and Literature Education, State
University of Padang
Publications and Year of Publication (last 10 years):
Budaya dan Sastra Lisan Masyarakat Suku Akit di Riau (2013)
Researches, Journal, and Year of Publication (last 10 years):
1. “Penggunaan Bahasa Indonesia dalam Naskah Ujian Nasional Bahasa
Indonesia Kelas IX SMP tahun ajaran 2006” (Jurnal Madah)
2. “Orang Aneh Menunggu Setitik Cahaya: Kritik Terhadap Perilaku Calon
Pemimpin” (Jurnal Madah)
3. “Novel Jembatan Karya Olyrinson: Perspektif Sosiologis” (Jurnal Madah)
4. “Ketertindasan Melayu dalam Cerpen Suku Pompong Karya Fedli Azis dan
Cerpen Rumah di Ujung Kampung Karya Hang Kafrawi” (Jurnal Madah)
5. “Kelayakan Serial Animasi Marsha and the Bear sebagai Tontonan Anak”
(Jurnal Widyariset)
Other Information
Marlina was born in Duri on 22 March 1975. She is a literature and linguistics
researcher working in the Language Center of Riau Province since 2006. From Commented [u79]: … researcher and has been working in
…
primary school to senior high school, she studied in West Sumatera. She continued
Commented [u80]: Going to primary and secondary
her education to a bachelor degree in Indonesian Language and Literature education in West Sumatera, she the continued …
Education Department, Faculty of Language and Literature, State University of
Padang.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Full name : Muhammad Jaruki
Email : m.jaruki@yahoo.com
Field of expertise : Researcher
Work experiences
1987-present : Researcher of literature at the Language Development and
Cultivation Agency
Higher Education
Bachelor Degree (S-1): Indonesian Literature Department, Faculty of Literature and
Culture, Diponegoro University, Semarang.
Master Degree (S-2): Language Education, State University of Jakarta
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Full name : Ice Ramayani
Phone : 082386524227
Email : ikeramayani@gmail.com
Instagram account : @ike.ramayani
Address : No. 12 block C, Jalan Belibis, Air Tawar, Padang, West Sumatera
Work experiences/profession:
A student of Visual Communication Design Program, Fine Art Department, State
University of Padang. Enrolled in 2014.

This non-textbook enrichment material has been selected under the Decree of the
Head of Curriculum and Books Center, the Research and Development Center,
Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture No 9722/H3.3/PB/2017 dated 3
October 2017 concerning Selection of Knowledge Enrichment Books and
Personality Enrichment Book as a Non-Textbook Enrichment Material that
Satisfies the Standard of Suitability to be Used as Learning Resources in Primary
and Middle Education Levels.