Chapter 4
The air in the Mahesa Group's main conference room was always cold, much like the aura of its CEO. Adrian Mahesa entered the room, his stride steady, his sharp gaze piercing every corner as if scanning for any potential imperfection. A binder as thick as a dictionary lay neatly on the black marble conference table, next to a tablet displaying a digital presentation he had ensured was flawless. He sat at the head of the table, with Baskara, his COO, on his right. Baskara projected an aura of calm, yet his expression was just as serious, aware of the gravity of the impending meeting.
On the opposite side, Elara Kencana strode in, radiating an energy that was a stark contrast to Adrian's. She wore a silk blouse the color of burning orange, implying a spirit that could not be extinguished. In her hands was a vision board covered in sketches, fabric swatches, and color samples, like a living mosaic of art. Rina, her head designer and best friend, followed her with a supportive smile, carrying a small projector, ready to visualize Elara's ideas. Rina exuded a cheerful optimism, but her sharp eyes watched the interaction between the two CEOs.
The meeting, in theory, was an "initial coordination meeting" for the ambitious charity project mandated by the will of Eyang Subroto. But between Adrian and Elara, every glance, every gesture, was a battle.
"Good morning, Elara," Adrian greeted, his voice flat, devoid of any real emotion. He didn't offer a handshake, a small act that underscored the distance between them.
Elara returned a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Good morning, Adrian. Looks like we both brought our own ammunition." She gestured toward Adrian's binder with her chin. "Is that a five-year strategic summary for this charity project, or a rocket assembly manual?"
Adrian raised a single eyebrow, a minimal expression, yet heavy with scorn. "Just a comprehensive work plan. For a project involving millions of dollars and the reputations of two major companies, I believe a mature and structured approach is essential, not just some abstract sketches that will end up as handkerchiefs." His eyes flicked to Elara's vision board.
Elara let out a short, sharp, cynical laugh. "Perhaps you've forgotten, Adrian, we're a fashion house, not an accounting firm. Vision and creativity are our lifeblood, not piles of dead numbers." She placed her vision board in the center of the table, displaying a bold, colorful collage filled with modern ethnic patterns and beautifully flowing clothing silhouettes. "These aren't handkerchiefs; this is the soul of what we want to build. An identity that speaks directly to the heart, not just data on a spreadsheet."
Baskara cleared his throat softly. "Alright, let's focus. We're here to discuss the project's name and initial concept. Adrian, you can begin."
Adrian gave a stiff nod. "Thank you, Baskara. As stated in the first point of my proposal, Mahesa Group proposes the name 'Harmoni Nusantara Project.' It reflects our vision to unite Indonesia's cultural richness through fashion, with an emphasis on precision, quality, and long-term impact. Our proposed logo is a fusion of geometric batik and ikat weaving motifs, forming the silhouette of a graceful swan, symbolizing elegance and transformation. Our target audience is the global market, with an emphasis on high-end philanthropy and fundraising galas in major cities." He flicked his finger toward the projector screen, which now displayed a visual of the logo he described. The swan was drawn with sharp, modern lines, yet retained a classic essence.
Elara snorted. "A graceful swan? It sounds like a high-end jewelry brand, not a charity project dedicated to empowering local artisans. Too rigid, Adrian. Too... Mahesa." She pressed the last word as if it were a curse. "This project is about people, about the hands that weave dreams, about a living heritage, not one frozen in a museum."
Rina nodded in agreement. "Elara's right. That name has no soul. We need something easier to say, more inviting, more personal."
"And you propose?" Adrian asked, his voice challenging.
"We propose 'Benang Harapan Nusantara'," Elara answered, her gaze alight. "The name describes a process, a journey, and a community spirit. Every thread is a story, every weave is a hope. Our logo is the silhouette of a sprout growing from a ball of yarn, symbolizing growth, innovation, and sustainability. And we plan to involve the artisan communities directly in the design, not just as beneficiaries. We want them to be partners, creating bold capsule collections that celebrate their identity." Elara pressed a button on her small projector. On the screen, an artistic sprout in emerald green and gold appeared against a background of more abstract and modern weaving motifs.
"Bold innovation?" Adrian scoffed. "Haven't you considered the commercial aspect? Will the global market accept 'art' that might be too niche? We can't forget that this is also a business, Elara. Financial sustainability is key."
"And you think the wealthy will only donate to a boring 'graceful swan'?" Elara shot back, undaunted. "They're looking for meaning, Adrian. They're looking for a story. They're looking for something original, something they've never seen before. And I'm certain that sincere art will always find its way."
Baskara tried to mediate again. "Perhaps we can combine the two? Or 'Rajutan Harapan Mahesa-Kencana'?"
"No," Adrian and Elara snapped in unison, their gazes meeting, sparks flying in the air between them.
"Too hybrid, too bland of a compromise," Adrian said.
"Too long, and it loses the original essence," Elara added.
Rina sighed, looking from Adrian to Elara. "You're both so busy arguing about who's right that you've forgotten there's a greater purpose here. This isn't a logo competition; it's a charity project. Eyang wanted you to work together, not to sabotage each other."
Adrian frowned. "This isn't sabotage, Rina. This is about ensuring the project is executed with the right professionalism and strategy. I won't risk Mahesa's reputation on an untested experiment."
"Untested experiment?" Elara stared at him with a flash of anger. "You consider innovation a failed experiment? Kencana Mode grew rapidly precisely because we dare to take risks, because we aren't afraid to step out of a boring comfort zone!"
As Elara uttered the word "boring," a flash crossed Adrian's mind. That night, in a dimly lit art gallery, he saw Elara dancing freely in the middle of a crowd, laughing without restraint, a world away from her cold CEO image. He remembered how he had been drawn to her unexpected courage and spirit, something so foreign to his structured world. The word "boring" stung him, not because he agreed, but because he knew he had chosen to become that way.
Elara, on the other hand, felt the words "untested experiment" as a direct slap. She remembered how Adrian, after that night, had disappeared without a trace, without explanation, as if their experience was merely an "experiment" he deemed unworthy of continuing. That anger flowed through her, blocking any attempt to see Adrian objectively.
"Alright, alright," Baskara raised his hands, trying to de-escalate the mounting tension. "How about we try to find some common ground on the launch event concept? Adrian, you have a solid framework. Elara, you have creative ideas for the visual and interactive experience. We can blend the two."
Adrian nodded in agreement. "Fine. For the launch event, I've drafted an outline. We will hold an exclusive gala dinner at the Adimulia Hotel's Grand Ballroom, inviting investors and the media. There will be a visual presentation on the history of Eyang Subroto and his vision, followed by a charity auction for the debut collection. Then, a classical music performance by a renowned orchestra. This will create an elegant and prestigious image."
He advanced to the next slide in his presentation. It displayed a packed event schedule, a list of speakers and performers, and a curated list of media partners. Everything was perfect, organized with dizzying detail.
Elara forced a smile. "That sounds... grand. But also very conservative. Couldn't we do something more memorable, more immersive? I'm picturing an experience that goes beyond a typical gala dinner. Maybe an interactive art installation in the lobby, showcasing the weaving process from thread to fabric, so guests can feel the artisans' touch firsthand. Then, a fashion show that isn't just static on a stage, but one that involves a dramatic narrative, a fusion of modern dance and reinterpreted traditional wear. And for the finale, instead of an orchestra, perhaps contemporary ethnic music rearranged with an orchestral touch. That would better represent a true 'Harmoni Nusantara'." Elara flipped her vision board around, showing rough sketches of the art installation and a bold stage design.
Rina added enthusiastically, "We've even thought about lighting that would create the illusion of a tropical rainforest inside the room, and the distinct scent of spices gently diffused for a complete sensory experience!"