Cerpen Sapardi Djoko Damono - Dalam Tugas

Summary

A journalist is covering a war in a foreign land, reflecting on the complexities of power and interference in others' affairs. While in the camp of the victors, he witnesses brutal treatment of prisoners, including the execution of a disheveled man, likely a farmer. The journalist captures the execution on camera, unable to intervene. Afterward, he is shocked to see the victim’s body rise as if lifted by the wind, although his spirit remains grounded. A soldier calmly explains that this is routine punishment for defiance, suggesting the journalist will get used to it.

Takeaways

• 📹 The narrator is a reporter covering a war in a country.
• 🏰 The cause of the conflict is the desire for power to interfere in other people's affairs.
• 🚫 The reporter refuses to get involved in such matters, stating their duty is higher than philosophical or political questions.
• 🏆 The reporter is in the winning side's territory and is witnessing the aftermath of a battle.
• 👥 Prisoners are being tortured in various ways.
• 👨‍🌾 A farmer, dressed in a simple and worn-out attire, is singled out by a soldier.
• 🔫 The farmer is forced to step forward and is shot at point-blank range.
• 🎥 The reporter films the entire incident but does not intervene.
• 🤯 The reporter is shocked to see the farmer's body rise as if lifted by a gentle breeze.
• 👻 The reporter sees the farmer's spirit still standing on the ground.
• 🗣️ A soldier calmly tells the reporter not to be surprised, as this is common after executions.
• 😱 The reporter is terrified when they see the soldier's face reviewing their magazine.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the transcript?

The main theme of the transcript is the experience of a reporter covering a war in a country, witnessing the harsh realities and the aftermath of violence.

What is the reporter's stance on getting involved in other people's affairs?

The reporter is reluctant to get involved in other people's affairs, as indicated by the phrase 'kuasa untuk ikut campur urusan rumah, tangga orang lain tapi aku tidak mau'.

What is the reporter's current assignment?

The reporter's current assignment is to cover the war happening in the country, as mentioned 'Tugasku jauh, lebih Luhur dari pertanyaan filsafat, atau politik yang susah jawabnya'.

What is the situation the reporter describes at the time of the recording?

The reporter describes a situation where prisoners are being tortured and one of them, a farmer, is executed in front of them.

What does the reporter do when the farmer is executed?

The reporter records the execution with a camera, as indicated by 'Aku tidak bisa berbuat lain kecuali menekan, tombol kamera yang sudah sejak tadi aku, siapkan'.

What is the reporter's reaction to the farmer's body being dismembered?

The reporter is in disbelief and shock, as shown by 'Hai aku setengah tak percaya ketika, menyaksikan tubuh yang roboh itu'.

What supernatural event does the reporter witness?

The reporter witnesses the dismembered body parts of the farmer being lifted up as if by a gentle wind, as described 'perlahan-lahan naik seperti terangkat, angin ringan sekali semakin tinggi, semakin tinggi'.

How does the soldier react to the reporter's shock?

The soldier tries to calm the reporter down, telling them not to be surprised and that it's normal after a while, as shown by 'Setiap, kali ada pembangkangan mati ya begitu, tenang saja lama-lama juga terbiasa'.

What does the soldier do after the event?

The soldier approaches the reporter and looks through their magazine, as indicated by 'aku tengok kearah suara itu aku tak boleh, kaget ketika melihat tampang Serdadu itu, nge-review majalah ku'.

What is the significance of the music mentioned in the transcript?

The music is likely used to set a somber or dramatic tone for the scene being described, enhancing the emotional impact of the reporter's experience.

What is the reporter's overall sentiment towards the war and the violence they witness?

The reporter seems to be overwhelmed and disturbed by the violence, as suggested by their reactions and the description of the events.