THE night was cold, those many years ago. Ending Isamuddin awoke from his deep sleep. Eni Maryani, dead to the world, shared the same simple divan. His beloved wife was exhausted from her chores in looking after their large family. The Cianjur, West Java primary school teacher gingerly got down and tiptoed off to say his late night prayers. He then prayed that God would keep his 12 childrenincluding Encep Nurjamansafe from danger.

But, now, around