The Rise of the Nine Dragons – Shadows Over Southeast Asia is an epic tale of a group of individuals facing the looming threat of a powerful organized crime syndicate, the Nine Dragons Syndicate, which holds a tight grip over the economy and politics of Southeast Asia. The story follows the journey of Bintang, a former journalist, and Sebastian, a time traveler, as they confront the cunning tactics and dark forces led by influential figures like Tian Hao and Yun Feng. 
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Jakarta and Indonesia's new capital (IKN), the core conflict revolves around political ambition, environmental crises, and economic manipulation. The tension arises as personal political agendas clash with the greater good, forcing Bintang and his team—comprising a former hacker, a diplomat, an environmental activist, and a conservation officer—to battle not just for justice but for the future of their land. Together, they face an enemy that wields not only power and wealth but also the ability to disrupt the natural balance.
At the same time, we have Heru, a character-driven by revenge and the pursuit of scientific advancements. His motivations create a tension-filled dynamic within the narrative, adding depth to the ongoing conflict between Bintang's team and the Nine Dragons.

The Rise of the Nine Dragons – Shadows Over Southeast Asia

The team had finally begun to understand the true depth of the Nine Dragons Syndicate’s influence in the IKN project and beyond. The arrests of the farmers in East Kalimantan were only a small part of the puzzle. The Syndicate’s reach extended far beyond Indonesia’s borders, and Bintang knew that if they were going to succeed in taking them down, they would need help—regional allies who could expose the full scope of the Nine Dragons’ power across Southeast Asia. 


Bintang, back at the base, sat down with the core team: Thalia, Astrid, David, Clarissa, and Kiran. Maps and data reports were spread across the large table, showing key infrastructure projects in various countries that had suspicious ties to the Syndicate. 


Shadows of the Archipelago