THE house was big, and grand. It was located in Tomang, West Jakarta. The fence was white with a steel gate that was always closed. The yard was big with blossoming flowers. In the living room was a big television, but seldom turned on, accompanied by a transistor radio. Like a big graveyard, the house was silent day and night.

Occupying it was an old and feeble man who was lonely. He was Teungku Daud Beureueh, a leading figure in the Aceh indepen