In the latest season, Beyondtopia will present the story of a bandit king named Pitung aka The Blackbull of Batavia as the newest story that readers can enjoy. Do you know? Pitung is not a fictional character.

But it existed in the real world and was an important figure in Batavia in the 1800s. Unfortunately, historical information about Pitung's origins is difficult to confirm due to the lack of literacy about his figure. 

"Actually, it is very natural that many parties are misguided in absorbing information about Pitung. Because literacy about the history and origins of Pitung is very minimal. "However, this provides an opening for Beyondtopia, where readers' imaginations can move wildly regarding this story," said Bryan Valenza, CEO and Founder of Beyondtopia.

Of the many stories about Pitung, the story of him becoming a bandit is the most famous. According to Bryan, who is also of native Betawi descent, the story of Pitung who became a bandit is very interesting to learn.

“The reason why Pitung became a bandit was because of revenge. When he was young, he was a victim of violence from the bandits who at that time controlled Batavia. So he was determined to eradicate the bandits by becoming a bandit."

Pitung's process of becoming a bandit was also not easy. Pitung specifically studied one of the martial arts, namely silat cingkrik. After mastering the cingkrik martial arts, Pitung had a big homework assignment, namely to repay the group of bandits who had hurt him in the past.

He had to conquer this group of bandits who were also the rulers of Batavia so that he could become the most powerful bandit in Batavia.

“This plot is the backstory for this season. We will focus on the cruelty and conspiracy of landlords with government officials. So political elements and bloody action will be very strong in this story. Plus there will also be elements of supernatural powers from the bandits, which will make the story even more exciting."

Apart from Pitung, the story of 'Bandits of Batavia Project' will also be enlivened by other characters who have important roles. Like Ayesha, Gomar, and Joris, who were Pitung's childhood friends at the Cingkrik martial arts school.

Later, the three of them will become the first members of the bandit crew formed by Pitung.