Indonesia Independence Day: 5 Movies to Watch — As Indonesia celebrates its 77th Independence Day, there are a couple of activities that you can do to commemorate this special day. Other than the festivities and flag-raising event held in Istana Merdeka, watching movies that depict the struggle for independence.
On this list, here are some Indonesian movies that depict the struggle for independence.
Merah Putih (2009)
Merah Putih tells the story of young cadets who becomes guerrilla fighters for Indonesia’s independence despite their differences. This movie is inspired by real-life experiences of the cadets that were massacred in Lengkong between 1945 and 1948. Other than depicting the hardship of Indonesia’s independence, this movie also depicts the diversity of Indonesia within its characters too.
This movie is the first part of the “Merdeka Trilogy” with the second part being Darah Garuda (Blood of Eagles) in 2010 and Hati Merdeka (Hearts of Freedom) in 2011. Merah Putih is directed by Yadi Sugandi starring Donny Alamsyah, Lukman Sardi, Darius Sinathrya, Rudy Wowor, and others.
Soekarno (2013)
As the title of the movie suggests, this movie is a biographical film about the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno. It tells the story of Soekarno from his childhood days until the events of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. Some points of his life are also told in this story such as being apprehended by the Dutch and placed in Banceuy Prison in Bandung to his trial at Bandung Laandraad Courthouse.
Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, this movie starred Ario Bayu as Soekarno and Lukman Sardi as Hatta. Other roles are played by Maudy Koesnaedi, Matias Muchus, Sujiwo Tejo, and others.
Battle of Surabaya (2014)
Also known as November 10th, this animated movie is a war drama film that’s directed by Aryanto Yuniawan and directed by M. Suyanto. Starring Reza Rahadian, Keagan Kang, Maudy Ayunda, Marlon Dance-Hooi, Joe Murray, Alastair Hendry, and others. This animated movie has won several accolades including the Most People’s Choice Award in the International Movie Trailer Festival (IMTF).
This movie follows Musa, a 13-year-old shoe shiner who turned into a courier in the era of World War II. He’s not a courier that sends common letters but secret letters about the strategy of war that later broke out in the real-life event that happened in Surabaya on November 10th, 1945.
Kartini (2017)
Another biographical family drama film, this movie tells the story of Kartini, an Indonesian activist who advocated for women’s rights and female education. Starting in the early 1900s when Indonesia is still a colony of the Netherlands, women were not allowed to get higher education. Kartini fought for equality for women, and everyone’s right to get an education regardless of social status and gender.
This movie is directed by Hanung Bramantyo with Dian Sastrowardoyo portraying Kartini. Other characters are played by Deddy Sutomo, Christine Hakim, Acha Septriasa, Ayushita, Reza Rahadian, Adinia Wirasti and others.
Kadet 1947 (2021)
Directed by Rahabi Mandra and Aldo Swastia, Kadet 1947 is about young cadets defending the last remaining airbase during the Dutch aggression against Indonesia after World War II. This movie is inspired by the first air attack mission of the Indonesian Air Force carried out by cadets at the Dutch defence headquarters in Semarang on 29 July 1947.
Initially, this movie is released commemorating the 75th Independence Day however, it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. This film starred Bisma Karisma, Kevin Julio, Omara Esteghlal, Marthino Lio, Wafda Saifan, and others.
Do you have any recommended movies regarding Indonesia’s independence? What’s your favourite movie? If you find this article helpful, don’t forget to share this article in your social media or with your friends and family!
