CHAPTER 12: From Hacking to the Workforce – Ben’s Journey with Pak Rudi

Days passed quickly in Pak Rudi's household. For months, Ben diligently studied programming and various programming languages. He also secretly delved into hacking techniques, keeping his progress hidden from Pak Rudi. As his skills grew, Ben successfully infiltrated local networks and accessed other computers within the same network.

Ben exploited security loopholes using the Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM) method. Utilizing software like Wireshark and Ettercap, he intercepted network traffic. He then exploited Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to gain full access to target computers. With a brute force attack, he cracked certain computer passwords and obtained administrator privileges. Using a combination of Python scripts and Linux terminal commands, he could control other devices remotely without being detected.

Aside from learning programming, Ben also became Pak Rudi's personal driver. He often accompanied him to the office, drove Pak Rudi's wife—who was a high school teacher—and respectfully called her "Umi."

A Golden Opportunity

One day, while waiting for Pak Rudi's meeting to end, Ben overheard some employees talking:

"Do we really have to bring in a computer expert from out of town? Isn't there anyone here who can do it?" one employee said."Yeah, if someone could do it locally, they'd get an instant promotion!" another responded.

Ben paused, thinking. Isn't this exactly what I've been studying at home? He decided to discuss it with Pak Rudi that night.

On the way home, Ben asked about the meeting. Trusting him, Pak Rudi explained everything.

"So, they want to connect all the office computers to a central system. That way, all data and operations can be controlled from one place," Pak Rudi explained.

Ben thought for a moment before saying, "Sorry, Pak, I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I can do that."

Pak Rudi was taken aback. "Really? Where did you learn this? And why haven't you mentioned it before?"

Calmly, Ben replied, "I've spent my time at home learning how networks function, how programs run, and what's inside a computer system. I've also studied cybersecurity and how to connect multiple computers into one system."

Still skeptical, Pak Rudi wanted to see proof. They stopped at a café, where Pak Rudi challenged Ben to remotely connect his laptop to all the computers in their house. Ben accepted the challenge.

Swiftly, Ben opened the terminal and used port forwarding along with the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol to access their home computers. Within minutes, Pak Rudi's laptop displayed all the connected devices.

Pak Rudi was stunned. "Unbelievable, Ben... This is amazing. I never expected you to be this advanced."

Proudly patting Ben's shoulder, he said, "Tomorrow, you're coming to the office with me. You need to meet my boss. Ready?"

Ben smirked confidently. "Ready, Boss."

Meeting the Big Boss

The next morning, Ben accompanied Pak Rudi to the office. While Pak Rudi spoke with his superior, Ben waited in the cafeteria. An hour later, Pak Rudi picked him up and led him to the boss's office.

Inside, Ben saw high-end computers and advanced oil and gas exploration equipment. After a lengthy discussion, Ben explained his network integration concept:

"I can create a system where all computers connect to a central unit. Using Virtual Network Computing (VNC), administrators can control all devices from one main computer. Additionally, I can implement a server-client architecture, where a central server manages all client data and operations. For security, I can set up a firewall using custom scripts to block unauthorized access."

Impressed by Ben's explanation, the boss agreed to test him. On the day of the trial, Ben successfully linked all computers to the boss's laptop. Everyone in the room was astonished.

However, despite his success, Ben wasn't compensated for his work. Meanwhile, Pak Rudi received a promotion to division head. To celebrate, they took a short trip out of town.

Disillusioned with the Workforce

After the trip, Ben hoped to land a job at Pak Rudi's office. But that evening, Pak Rudi came home looking defeated.

"I'm sorry, Ben. You can't work there. The company requires at least a university degree," he said heavily.

Ben was silent, disappointed. So this world values a piece of paper more than real ability... he thought bitterly.

Pak Rudi patted his shoulder. "But don't lose hope, Ben. Allah always gives us what we need, not just what we want. Sometimes, we ask for things we think are good, but Allah delays or replaces them with something even better. Trust me, His plans are always more beautiful than our expectations."

A New Job Offer

A week later, Pak Rudi took Ben on a drive. They stopped at a large, modern auto repair shop with over 70 mechanics.

"Do you think I'm here to get my car fixed?" Pak Rudi teased with a smile.

They entered an office where a woman in formal attire greeted them. Pak Rudi introduced her, "Ben, this is Ibu Linda, an old school friend of mine. Starting today, you'll be working here."

Ben was stunned. It turned out that Pak Rudi had already secured him a job.

During a skills test, Ben quickly repaired a car brought to him. Impressed, Ibu Linda asked, "How much do you want for your salary?"

Ben hesitated. Ibu Linda then offered a high salary with a 10% bonus, meal and transport allowances, and insurance coverage. Without hesitation, Ben accepted.

When the boss asked when he could start, Pak Rudi interjected, "Next week."

Ben protested, "Tomorrow, Pak! I want to start right away!"

Pak Rudi laughed, "Relax, Ben. Take a break first—you might not survive your first day!"

On the way home, Ben grinned with satisfaction. Pak Rudi teased him, "Young people are always so impatient! I bet after two days, you'll start complaining about being tired!"

Ben just smiled. For the first time, he felt valued for his skills, not just for a diploma.

Little did he know, the real challenges were just beginning...