TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Recently-executed drug convict Freddy Budiman, is remembered by his relatives and closest friends as quite the 'drinker' since he was a teenager. Not only was booze known as his favorite vice, Freddy is known as an excellent billiard player - a hobby that began ever since he found out that next to his house in Surabaya's Jl. Krembangan Baru, there is a billiard joint that is often frequented by local youths.
"Out of all of us, he was the pro when it comes to billiards," said Salamun, one of Freddy's childhood friend to Tempo on Friday, July 29, 2016. Salamun added, that despite his 'gang' often met to play billiards and drink, none fell into the trap of drugs the way Freddy did.
No one expected it, said Salamun - and everyone was shocked when they saw Freddy's face splashed across national media over his involvement in an international drug ring. "None of us expected it - because he was always nice and were always ready to offer a helping hand," said Salamun.
Freddy decided to move away from Surabaya in the 90s, but briefly returned in the 2000s - with a significant change. "He was even kinder that before - and told all of us that he ran an optometry business in Sumatra, so we were all happy for him," he said.
That said, Freddy only remained for a while - and before he left, he said his goodbye's to Salamun, stating that he had to return to take care of his blooming business. "A couple of years later, we found out that he was involved in an international crime syndicate - we were all shocked beyond belief," Salamun said.
Another of Freddy's childhood friend, Sholeh Marzuki, concurs and described Freddy as generous and helpful - in fact, Freddy partially funded the construction of Nurul Islam Islamic School. "Whenever he had money, he would pay us a visit and contribute in anyway he can," said Sholeh. "He was nice and gentle to everyone."
Sholeh also said that Freddy is a very sociable individual that is indiscriminate when it comes to picking friends - many of whom became close friends over a game of billiards that he would host. "That is how he got people together - over a game of billiards," he said.
MOHAMMAD SYARRAFAH
