Prologue - Sri Sultan Royal Command

Keraton Yogyakarta Hadiningrat, 1904

Kiai Ahmad Dahlan walked into the Donopratopo gate with a fast step. He just got a new order: Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII wants to meet in Ndalem Ageng Proboyakso room. This is not ordinary order because that wood walled building is central keraton covering an area of 14.000 square meters.

 Kiai Dahlan passed a pair of giant statue Dwarapala in front of the gate. Statue in the east called Cinkorobolo, while in the west called Bolobuto. He enters shaded yard which sheltered by dense of sawo kecik tree and keeps walking to Bangsal Kencono that facing the east and its palace main royal audience hall. In this place usually, there is a ceremony for the royal family in addition to the national ceremony. From Bangsal Kencono, Kiai Dahlan immediately to Ndalem Ageng Proboyakso room, which used for saving royal heirloom and other national symbols.

"Please wait here, Kiai," said one of the palace court with respect tone to Kiai Dahlan, he holds a position as a 'preacher' in Masjid Gede Kauman.

"His Highness will come"

"Thank you" answered Kiai Dahlan with a gentle voice. then he watches his surroundings and stares at the big picture of King Senopati, the grandfather of the great sultan that look charismatic. By means he allowed to enter the room, Kiai Dahlan knows that Sri Sultan will enter his official residence in Gedhong Jene, a building dominated by a yellow color, which just a few meters in front of him.

His guessed right. not long after that Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII enters the audience room accompanied by his court, Kiai Dahlan immediately offers his respect that usually used by people in Java, however, because the person is influential, Sultan give a sign to Kiai Dahlan to stop showing his respect.

"I already heard all of it, Kiai," said with calm and careful tone. Usually, Kiai Dahlan stare at the person who speaks to him, but he can't do that to Sultan, he can't openly do that. "It is true what I am heard?" ask Sri Sultan

"I intend to avoid bad things from the choice that I choose" 

"Yes, I understand. since the birth of ethical policy in Dutch, many renewal movements in this land. The age changing from war to intellectual struggle. Your way of thinking is truly needed "

"Thank you, your highness. But my of thinking looks like not needed in Kauman. There is to many who disagree than agreeing"

"This place to narrow for your idea. A big container is needed in Kauman"

Sri Sultan encourages to 36 years old man who looks anxious 

"You know, A few days ago I spoke with dr. Wahidin Sudirohosudo and I hope Kiai Dahlan do the same things in religion field"

Kiai Dahlan became quiet, try to digest what Sri Sultan says

"I know this is not easy things to do, moreover our discussion will be heard by Chief Kiai Kamaludiningrat"

Sri Sultan breaks the silence which happens between them

"I have a plan for you"

"A plan?"

Kiai Dahlan looks surprised but he hiding it

"What kind of plan your highness?"

"Go to Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) again Kiai Dahlan, the palace will cover the bill. deepen your knowledge while build connections with new ulama in Egypt, Syria, Madinah, and other places, I heard you have a close relationship with Syaikhs in a new group like Syaikh Jamaluddin Al-Afghani and Syaikh Muhammad Abduh?"

"Insya Allah, Your Highness"

His face looks so much brighter, Sri Sultan heavy voiced filled hollow in that room

"I am sure your departure to Holy Land at least to calm down the conflict that already happens in Kauman. That's all that i wanted to say Kiai."