 Rusli is Hasan 's childhood friend who approaches him in Bandung . A Marxist @-@ Leninist , he is highly educated and eloquent , which he often uses to win debates on the benefits of different ideologies . Through Rusli , Hasan is introduced to several other characters with Western educations and ideologies , including Hasan 's future wife Kartini . During Hasan 's time in Bandung , Rusli provides emotional support to him and Kartini . Rusli accompanies Kartini to the police station to identify Hasan 's body . 
