7 Best Indonesian Historical Films that Can Ignite Nationalism, Must Watch

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesian historical films contain extraordinary fragments of the Indonesian nation's struggle. It's not just about fighting against colonizers, as there are also recommended Indonesian historical films that tell the stories of important figures who inspire.

Film recommendations for Indonesian history from various eras are very diverse. These Indonesian historical films are highly inspiring and can ignite one's spirit. Indonesian historical films also contain the values of Pancasila, such as unity, patriotism, and nationalism.

There are several recommended Indonesian historical films that have captured the attention of the public due to their inspiring stories. Knowing Indonesian history is certainly important. Therefore, here are the best recommendations for Indonesian historical films that can ignite nationalism. Check out what Indonesian historical films are recommended for KLovers.

1. BATTLE OF SURABAYA

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BATTLE OF SURABAYA became the first animated film made by Indonesian children about history. This film was released in 2015, BATTLE OF SURABAYA is based on the events of the November 10 battle in Surabaya. The film focuses on the character Musa, a young boy who becomes a secret courier during the turmoil of the war between the colonizers and the native people.

Musa delivers letters containing secret codes. However, Musa's journey turns out to be not easy, as he also has to lose loved ones, from family to friends. Meanwhile, this film will follow Musa's journey against the colonizers. At the same time, a number of important figures in the homeland try to inspire the spirit of the youth and the people of Suroboyo to fight against the colonizers. Interested in watching?

2. SOEKARNO

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SOEKARNO is also one of the best Indonesian historical film recommendations. This film tells the story of an important figure in Indonesia and also the first president, Ir. Soekarno. Released in 2013, the film SOEKARNO is played by several famous stars such as Ario Bayu, Maudy Koesnaedi, Tika Bravani, Ferry Salim, and others.

Meanwhile, the synopsis of SOEKARNO tells the story of Soekarno's life in his youth. When he was 24, Soekarno was known as a brave young man in expressing his opinions about Indonesia that must be independent.

However, because of this, he had to be exiled and imprisoned. At the same time, Soekarno, along with other important figures in Indonesia such as Hatta and Syahrir, tried to achieve Indonesian independence. Interested in watching? The film SOEKARNO contains a lot of patriotism and stimulates nationalism.

3. SANG KIAI

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SANG KIAI was released in 2013 and belongs to the action, biography, and drama genres. The film has achieved high ratings and is considered one of the best historical films in Indonesia. The synopsis of SANG KIAI tells the story of an important Indonesian figure, KH Hasyim Asy'ari, in his fight for Indonesian independence.

KH Hasyim Asy'ari is known as the leader of Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng and is highly respected. During that time, KH Hasyim Asy'ari had to face the Japanese colonizers. Several important Indonesian ulama, including KH Hasyim Asy'ari, were captured by the Japanese but eventually released. However, the Japanese colonizers did not stop there, as they also exploited Indonesia's natural resources through the organization Masyumi. This situation led the Kiai and other figures to be determined to fight against the colonizers and protect Indonesian independence. Together with the santri, ulama, important figures, and the Indonesian people, they fought against the colonizers.

4. SANG PENCERAH

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SANG PENCERAH released in 2010, which was also successful like its previous film. However, in the film SANG PENCERAH tells the story of one of the important ulama in the homeland, K.H Ahmad Dahlan. As previously known, K.H Ahmad Dahlan is known as an ulama and an important figure in the establishment of Muhammadiyah.

In the film SANG PENCERAH, it tells the story of the life of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan. The story begins when he was very young. At that time, his opinion about the direction of the Qibla in the Kauman Grand Mosque was considered not in line with the direction of the Ka'bah, so it needed to be changed. However, this proposal invited a lot of pros and cons from the kiai and figures.

Not only that, various problems arose and were faced by young Ahmad Dahlan. He was also accused of being an ulama who taught deviant and even infidel teachings. Moreover, he once opened a school that taught Islamic teachings but again faced many slanders. Nevertheless, it did not make Ahmad Dahlan give up. Together with a number of his students, Ahmad Dahlan then established the Muhammadiyah organization.

5. HUNT

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HUNT is also included in the list of the best Indonesian historical films. This film was released in 2019 and features the captivating performances of Adipati Dolken, Ayushita, Ernest Samudera, and others. Meanwhile, the synopsis of HUNT tells the story of Hardo, a soldier of the Defenders of the Homeland (PETA), who experiences a failure in fighting against the Japanese colonizers.

Because of this, he is considered as an enemy of the state and becomes a fugitive. However, at that time, Hardo was injured and decided to hide. When he is about to return home, Hardo discovers another fact that his closest people have betrayed him.

6. NATIONAL TEACHER: TJOKROAMINOTO

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NATIONAL TEACHER: TJOKROAMINOTO is another recommendation for Indonesian historical film. This film was released in 2015 and tells the story of an important figure in Indonesia, Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto. The synopsis of NATIONAL TEACHER: TJOKROAMINOTO revolves around his work in the government but chooses to resign due to the numerous injustices he encounters.

Tjokroaminoto then decides to work as a laborer and distance himself from the luxuries of his previous life. Alongside this, Tjokroaminoto also fights against the colonizers who have treated the native people unfairly. He joins the Sarekat Dagang Islam (SDI) and becomes a leader. The organization grows larger with many followers. Tjokroaminoto has also established several businesses. However, these circumstances threaten the colonizers. Various conflicts also arise in the film NATIONAL TEACHER: TJOKROAMINOTO. Interested in watching?

7. BUMI MANUSIA

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Another recommendation for the best Indonesian historical film is BUMI MANUSIA. This film is set in the history of Indonesia during the Dutch colonial era. There used to be an elite school that exclusively enrolled Dutch students and priayi descendants. One of them is Minke, an Indonesian youth who managed to attend a Dutch school.

In this film, we will follow Minke's journey from his life story, struggles, to his love story with Annelies. Minke strives to fight for justice for the entire community through his writings. Besides highlighting Minke's life as an aristocratic descendant, there is also a complicated love story that he experiences. Interested in watching?

8. KARTINI

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KARTINI is an Indonesian historical film that tells the story of a female hero named Kartini. This film was released in 2017 and starred Dian Sastrowardoyo. The synopsis of KARTINI revolves around Kartini, who lives in the Keraton environment. However, she discovers injustice towards her mother, who does not have noble blood. Due to tradition, Kartini cannot do much.

Her intelligence, which is well-known, impresses the nobles and even Dutch officials. She and her younger sister then establish a school for the common people, especially for women, whom she believes should have equal opportunities to receive education. In this film, you will also see the extraordinary struggle of a female hero named Kartini who pioneers emancipation for Indonesian women.

Those are the best Indonesian historical film recommendations that you must watch. Enjoy watching.

(kpl/gen/nlw)