The Story of TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto Adapted to the Big Screen, 'BELIEVE' Presents a Drama Full of Wounds and Courage

Kapanlagi.com - A touching personal story about the life journey of TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto will soon be coming to the big screen through an action drama film titled BELIEVE: Destiny, Dreams, Courage. Directed by the first collaboration of Rahabi Mandra and Arwin Tri Wardhana, this film offers a different perspective on the life of a soldier, focusing on inner wounds, family struggles, and redemption of self-worth. The film is scheduled to be released simultaneously in cinemas across Indonesia starting July 24, 2025.

This film is set against the backdrop of Operation Seroja in East Timor in the 1970s, but it is not meant to judge the right or wrong of the military operation. Instead, BELIEVE chooses a more humanistic approach by highlighting the impact of war from the perspective of an ordinary soldier's family. It is a narrative about how the battlefield leaves marks not only on the warfront but also in the most intimate family spaces.

The story centers on the main character named Agus, portrayed deeply by young actor Ajil Ditto. Agus is the son of Sergeant Major Daddy (Wafda Saifan), a soldier who returns from duty not with a medal of honor but with physical wounds that force him to walk with a cane and deep emotional trauma. The situation is exacerbated when his mother leaves them, forcing Agus to grow up in an incomplete family filled with social pressures.

1. Extraordinary Challenge

Growing up as a child of a soldier in Cimahi, Agus's life was far from the image of a brave soldier's child. He and his father often became the subject of ridicule. A painful dialogue from his peers illustrates the stigma they faced, "Other soldiers come back from war promoted, this one even uses a cane" (Other soldiers return from war with a promotion, this one even uses a cane). This stigma shaped Agus into a rebellious teenager involved in brawls and far from military discipline.

A turning point in Agus's life occurred tragically when his father passed away due to a motorcycle accident. The loss of a father figure who, despite his shortcomings, was his only support, shook Agus's soul. This event became a moment of deep reflection, pushing him to make a significant decision: to follow in his father's footsteps and become a soldier to restore his family's honor and dignity.

For Ajil Ditto, portraying Agus is an extraordinary challenge, especially since this is his first action film. The 23-year-old actor underwent super intensive preparation for 45 days, including acting workshops, fight choreography training, military posture formation, and shooting practice with real weapons.

2. Cooperation with the TNI

BELIEVE © KapanLagi.com/Sahal Fadhli

“The process of becoming an Agus can be said to be quite complicated in my opinion. Because at one time, you have to do many things: workshops, reading, choreography practice, military posture, weapon training, shooting—all done within 45 days. Normally, it wouldn’t take that long,” explained Ajil Ditto at a press conference held in South Jakarta on Friday (18/7/2025).

Ajil's struggle did not only occur during preparation. In the first week of shooting, he suffered an injury to his thigh and waist due to his own negligence. Nevertheless, his dedication did not wane. He admitted to feeling a sensation of "pain that is addictive" which made him even more challenged to give his best in his debut in the action genre.

To ensure accuracy and realism, the production team worked closely with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as technical consultants. Producer Celerina Judisari emphasized that this collaboration does not sacrifice the independence of the story, but rather strengthens visual authenticity, from the details of the camouflage uniforms that differ between periods to the use of military equipment such as helicopters and warships.

“Of course, we have been collaborating from the beginning. The TNI acts as a consultant so that everything is lively and accurate, including many helicopters and ships; all of this is done to make it feel real. Each period is carefully maintained. A small example is the camouflage uniforms; between the 1970s and 1990s, they are very different," said Celerina. This film is also enlivened by a lineup of famous actors such as Marthino Lio, Maudy Koesnaedi, Adinda Thomas, Eduwart Manalu, Faqih Iqbal Sulaiman, and Aditya Lakon.

(kpl/aal/tdr)