9 Recommendations of Indonesian Films Adapted from Best-Selling Novels, Must Be on Your Watchlist!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Siska Dewanti

Have you ever imagined colorful stories in best-selling novels transforming into vivid images on the screen? Wow, it must be really exciting.

There are many novels of various genres that have been adapted into feature films. With captivating scenes and interesting plots, these films will provide an unforgettable watching experience.

Let's find out more recommendations for Indonesian films adapted from best-selling novels!

1. THE SINKING OF VAN DER WIJCK (2013)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 2 hours 44 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance
• Director: Sunil Soraya
• Cast: Herjunot Ali, Pevita Pearce, Reza Rahardian

The Indonesian film titled THE SINKING OF VAN DER WIJCK is adapted from the classic best-selling novel of the same title by Buya Hamka. Set in the 1930s, in his father's hometown in Batipuh, this film tells the story of a young man named Zainuddin.

He meets and falls in love with a beautiful woman named Hayati. They fall in love, but their different customs and backgrounds destroy their love.

2. MARIPOSA (2020)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 1 hour 57 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance, comedy
• Director: Fajar Bustomi
• Cast: Angga Yunanda, Adisty Zara, Dannia Salsabila

The next novel adaptation is MARIPOSA. The novel, written by Luluk HF on wattpad, was once trending in its time.

MARIPOSA tells the story of a woman named Acha who is pursuing her love. She falls in love with Iqbal, a man who is very difficult to approach and cold. According to Acha, Iqbal is like a butterfly that always avoids when approached.

3. BUMI MANUSIA (2019)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 3 hours 1 minute
• Genre: Drama, history
• Director: Hanung Bramantyo
• Cast: Iqbaal Dhiafakhri Ramadhan, Mawar Eva de Jongh

BUMI MANUSIA is adapted from the novel by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, first published in 1980. Set during the Dutch colonial upheaval in the early 20th century, the film tells the love story between a Javanese boy and a Dutch-Indonesian girl who are not approved by society.

4. LAYLA MAJNUN (2021)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance
• Director: Monty Tiwa
• Cast: Acha Septriasa, Reza Rahardian, Baim Wong

This film is inspired by the novel Layla Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi. LAYLA MAJNUN tells the story of a woman named Layla who is proposed by a man named Ibnu.

Layla agrees to the proposal with the condition of being allowed to go to Azerbaijan first to teach before their marriage. While in Azerbaijan, she falls in love with Samir, one of her students.

5. SABTU BERSAMA BAPAK (2016)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance
• Director: Monty Tiwa
• Cast: Abimana Aryasatya, Ira Wibowo, Arifin Putra

Adapted from the novel of the same title by Adhitya Mulya, this film tells the story of love and learning in a household.

In general, this film tells the life of a mother with her two children who have just been left by her husband. All responsibilities now fall on her, she has to struggle to live with her children.

6. PERAHU KERTAS (2012)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 1 hour 51 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance
• Director: Hanung Bramantyo
• Cast: Maudy Ayunda, Adipati Dolken, Reza Rahardian

PERAHU KERTAS tells the ebb and flow of the relationship between two human beings, Kugy and Keenan. Kugy is a tomboy, cheerful girl who believes that she is an agent of Neptune. Meanwhile, Keenan is a talented painter forced to study at the Faculty of Economics by his father.

Bringing back nostalgia, this film, which is adapted from the novel by Dewi Lestari with the same title, is a must-watch for you!

7. MERINDU CAHAYA DE AMSTEL (2022)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance
• Director: Hadrah Daeng Ratu
• Cast: Amanda Rawles, Bryan Domani, Rachel Amanda

An Indonesian film adapted from the bestselling novel, MERINDU CAHAYA DE AMSTEL, written by renowned author Arumi E. This film tells the story of Nico's relationship with Khadijah, who have mutual feelings for each other but are hindered by their differing beliefs and pasts.

8. SURAT KECIL UNTUK TUHAN (2017)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 2 hours
• Genre: Drama
• Director: Fajar Bustomi, Andreas Sullivan
• Cast: Bunga Citra Lestari, Lukman Sardi, Joe Taslim

Adapted from a novel with the same title by Agnes Danovar, this film tells the heartbreaking story of orphaned siblings named Anton and Angel. They were separated due to an accident when they were young.

Despite the hardships they faced in their childhood, it did not stop Angel from pursuing her dreams. She struggles to reunite with Anton after being apart for a long time. This film has a touching storyline and is suitable for family viewing.

9. DILAN (1990)

IMDb.com

• Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Genre: Drama, romance
• Director: Pidi Baiq, Fajar Bustomi
• Cast: Iqbaal Ramadhan, Vanesha Prescilla, Sissy Priscillia

You must be familiar with the novel by Pidi Baiq, right? The high enthusiasm from its readers led to the adaptation of this novel into a feature film.

This film tells the romantic story of Dilan and Milea in one of the high schools in Bandung. Dilan's unique way of introduction surprisingly captivates Milea and makes her see Dilan as a romantic guy.

Other films adapted from Pidi Baiq's novels include DILAN 1991 and MILEA: SUARA HATI DILAN.

Those are some Indonesian films adapted from best-selling novels. Which one would you like to watch?

(kpl/ska)