Claresta Taufan's Struggle to Become Sartika in the Film PANGKU, Tanning - Gaining 6 Kg in One Month

Kapanlagi.com - Young actress Claresta Taufan is back in the spotlight thanks to her commitment in portraying the character Sartika in the film PANGKU. She demonstrates extraordinary dedication through her transformation to bring the role to life.

The character Sartika is depicted as very complex, a single mother struggling amidst heavy social and emotional pressures. The film itself highlights the social reality of women's struggles in the harsh life of the northern coastal region.

Thanks to her stunning performance, Claresta Taufan has successfully won international awards and prestigious nominations, proving her quality as a future star of Indonesian cinema. Read more here about the artist's struggle to portray the character in the film PANGKU.

Read other articles on the same topic at Liputan6.

1. Skin Tanning for the Role of Sartika

Skin Tanning for the Role of Sartika (credit: Instagram.com/ clarestaufan/)

Claresta Taufan shows full commitment to delving into the character of Sartika, including through changes in her appearance. One of the steps she took was undergoing a skin tanning process. This tanning process began in September 2024.

In her posts, the artist engages in tanning by participating in various outdoor activities, including a solo Surf Roadtrip. The process continued again in November 2024 during filming. This step was taken for her appearance to align with the depiction of the character Sartika, who lives in a coastal environment in Pantura.

2. Weight Transformation: Gaining 6 Kg for the Role of Sartika

Weight Loss Transformation (credit: Instagram.com/ clarestaufan/)

In addition to tanning, Claresta Taufan also gained weight, increasing by 6 kilograms within a month. This change was made to depict Sartika's physical condition after giving birth.

By October 2024, Claresta had successfully reached her target weight, demonstrating her extraordinary dedication. This weight gain helped Claresta to better immerse herself in the role of Sartika as a single mother who has just given birth and struggles to provide for her child.

"Gained 6kg + tanning for Sartika in @filmpangku within a month." she wrote in her Instagram post.

3. Memorable Experience for Claresta Taufan

Memorable Experience for Claresta Taufan (credit: Instagram.com/ clarestaufan/)

Playing the role of Sartika was a very memorable and challenging experience for Claresta Taufan. She mentioned that the character of Sartika is very complex, just like the film's story which is filled with unique tales of each character. In her role in the film PANGKU, the character Sartika has to face the dilemmas and social stigma of a single mother who is forced to work in a coffee shop.

Moreover, Claresta successfully achieved an impressive accomplishment through her role as Sartika in this film. Yes, her performance was recognized internationally with the Rising Star Award at the Marie Claire Asia Star Awards 2025.

"Such an experience! So, have you watched #FilmPangku?" she expressed.

4. Exploring Sartika's Role in the Film PANGKU

Sartika's Role in the Film PANGKU (credit: Instagram.com/ clarestaufan/)

The character Sartika, played by Claresta Taufan, is a young pregnant woman who leaves her hometown for the future of her child. Her life journey takes her to Pantura.

There, Sartika is trapped into working as a waitress at the coffee shop "pangku" after giving birth to her son, Bayu. Although she initially refuses, she is forced to take on the job to support her child. Sartika is continually haunted by feelings of shame and guilt, yet she must choose between enduring or taking a brave step to change her fate.

5. Synopsis of the Film PANGKU

Film Synopsis PANGKU (credit: Instagram.com/ clarestaufan/)

The film PANGKU is the directorial debut of renowned actor Reza Rahadian. This film presents a touching drama centered around Sartika (Claresta Taufan) who seeks a better life in Pantura.

In Eretan Kulon, she meets Bu Maya (Christine Hakim) who initially helps her but then traps her in the coffee shop "pangku". Amidst the harshness of life, Sartika finds new hope when she meets Hadi (Fedi Nuril), a truck driver. The film PANGKU will be released simultaneously in Indonesian cinemas starting November 6, 2025.

6. QnA Claresta Taufan's Struggle to Become Sartika in the Film PANGKU

1. Who is the main actor in the film PANGKU?

Claresta Taufan plays the character Sartika, a young woman struggling as a single mother amid the harshness of life.

2. What awards has Claresta Taufan received for her role in the film PANGKU?

Claresta Taufan won the Rising Star Award at the Marie Claire Asia Star Awards 2025 and was nominated for Best Actress at the Indonesian Film Festival 2025.

3. When did the film PANGKU premiere in Indonesian cinemas?

The film PANGKU premiered in Indonesian cinemas on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after previously being successful at the Busan International Film Festival 2025.

4. What makes the role of Sartika so challenging for Claresta Taufan?

The role of Sartika is challenging due to her complex character as a single mother who is forced to work in a "coffee pangku" shop for her child, facing dilemmas and social stigma.

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7. List of Star-Studded Actors in the Film PANGKU

The film "PANGKU" stars a lineup of top Indonesian actors and actresses, adding to the film's appeal. In addition to Claresta Taufan as Sartika, there is Fedi Nuril as Hadi, and Christine Hakim as Mrs. Maya.

The chemistry built between Claresta Taufan and Fedi Nuril, Shakeel Fauzi, and Christine Hakim is one of the plus points worth appreciating. Director Reza Rahadian is also very meticulous in the filming process, as expressed by Christine Hakim, "Reza is very meticulous."

Other cast members include Shakeel Fauzi as Bayu, Devano Danendra as Gilang, and Lukman Sardi as Hasan, further enriching the acting quality in this film.

8. Screening Schedule and Audience Enthusiasm

The film "PANGKU" held a successful gala premiere on Monday, October 28, 2025, at Epicentrum XXI, Jakarta. This event served as the official introduction of Reza Rahadian's directorial debut to cinema lovers in the country.

Audience enthusiasm is very high, especially after the film won various awards at BIFF 2025. The film "PANGKU" is set to be released simultaneously in Indonesian cinemas starting Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Don't miss the chance to witness Claresta Taufan's struggle as Sartika in this inspiring and touching film PANGKU.

(kpl/nlw)