Thecuy.com – Indonesian independence‑themed movies are frequently aired on television, especially during August, which coincides with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations. With the growth of the digital era, you can now enjoy these films on various video streaming platforms from the comfort of your home. What are some film recommendations created by our own filmmakers that you might consider? Read on for the review in this article.
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Pilihan Film Perjuangan Indonesia
Below are several Indonesian war films that are full of patriotic values and unity spirit that you can watch with your family.
1. Sultan Agung: Tahta, Perjuangan, Cinta (2018)
The story of Sultan Agung Hanyakrakusuma, Sultan of Mataram, who tries to unify Java while facing the VOC’s threat. After taking the throne early, he deals with conflicts, including giving up his true love to marry a family‑selected noble. His fight against the VOC culminates with a large assault on Batavia, resisting Dutch trade breach. The film mixes battle scenes and Javanese culture, offering both entertainment and historical insight.
2. Pasukan Garuda: I Leave My Heart in Lebanon (2016)
Next is Pasukan Garuda: I Leave My Heart in Lebanon (2016), an Indonesian war film that tells the story of the Garuda Contingent soldiers during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. It focuses on Captain Satria as he navigates dangerous situations, such as defusing conflict between Israeli and Lebanese forces and leading a rescue of Spanish soldiers held hostage by Hizbullah. The intense war scenes highlight the tension, while also showcasing the humanity of the Indonesian soldiers. The contingent not only maintains peace but also provides social aid, health services, and support to locals. The film also features a love story with Rania, a Lebanese elementary school teacher, adding emotional depth.
3. Di Balik 98 (2015)
Di Balik 98 (2015) is an Indonesian war film that depicts the 1998 Reformasi, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. It portrays Indonesia’s turbulent situation marked by student demonstrations, the Trisakti tragedy, and the May 1998 riots, which led to the end of President Suharto’s regime. Through various characters, you will understand how the political and social crisis impacted people’s lives. The narrative centers on a female university student who joins the reform movement despite opposition from her family, who are from a military background. Along with her boyfriend and fellow activists, she continues to strive for change amid increasingly dangerous circumstances. The film not only tells the story of student activism but also reveals the impact of the riots on many families who lost loved ones.
4. Hamka & Siti Raham Vol. 2 (2023)
Hamka & Siti Raham Vol. 2 (2023) continues the story of Buya Hamka after Indonesia’s independence proclamation on August 17, 1945. When the Dutch launched a military aggression to reclaim Indonesia, Buya Hamka took direct action by joining guerrilla journeys across West Sumatra. He sought to unite divided communities in defending Indonesia’s independence. The film also highlights the struggles of Hamka’s family, who had to flee during the war. Siti Raham had to care for their children amid scarce conditions while Hamka fought on the guerrilla front.
5. Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto (2015)
The next recommendation is “Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto”. As we know, H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto became a mentor to many nationalist leaders, including Soekarno. In this film, Tjokroaminoto, portrayed by Reza Rahadian, strives to fight against the forced cultivation system in 1900 and helps the people break free from poverty. He even renounced his noble status and worked as a dockworker. Tjokro also established the Sarekat Islam organization to fight for dignity and rights for indigenous people.
Also read: 10 Best Indonesian Religious Film Recommendations
6. Battle of Surabaya (2015)
Even though it’s animated, the Indonesian war film “Battle of Surabaya” is no less cool and carries a deep message about nationalism. As the title suggests, the film recounts the November 10, 1945 battle in Surabaya against Allied forces. It follows a fictional character, a shoe shiner named Musa, who joins the fight and serves as a courier for the TKR and Arek Suroboyo. Because it’s an animated film, “Battle of Surabaya” is also suitable for children and serves as an educational tool to introduce the history of the nation’s struggle in a way that’s not boring for them.
7. Kadet 1947 (2021)
“Kadet 1947” (2021) tells the story of efforts to preserve Indonesia’s independence, especially during the First Dutch Military Aggression. It follows a group of aviation cadets from the Maguwo Air Force Cadet School: Sigit, Mul, Har, and Adji, who are eager to defeat Dutch forces. However, they are still students and lack permission to operate aircraft or weapons. Eventually, they decide to fly secretly and seek assistance from Air Sergeant Tardjo and two air gunners, Kapoet and Dul, to destroy enemy targets.
8. Film Perjuangan Indonesia – Perburuan (2019)
“Perburuan”, released in 2019, is a war film set during Indonesia’s independence, adapted from a novel by the renowned writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer. The director is Richard Oh, and it stars Adipati Dolken, Ernest Smaudra, Ayushita, and Khiva Ishak. The story follows a PETA (Pembela Tanah Air) soldier who was formed by the Japanese but later turned against them in Indonesia. Named Shodanco PETA, Hardo, played by Dolken, must hide in the forest to avoid capture by Japanese forces. After escaping, he discovers a tragic betrayal involving his fiancée’s father and his own friend.
9. Jenderal Soedirman (2015)
Speaking of national heroes, we cannot forget General Soedirman. His struggle is portrayed in a film of the same name released in 2015. The cast includes veteran Indonesian actors: Mathias Muchus, Nugie, Baim Wong, Ibnu Jamil, and Adipati Dolken. The film tells the story of General Soedirman’s sacrifices during guerrilla warfare despite suffering from lung disease. His strategy caused Dutch logistics to run out. The film also teaches about the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving victory.
10. Merah Putih (2009)
“Merah Putih” is a war film released in 2009 that depicts the struggle to maintain Indonesia’s independence. It takes place in 1947 during the First Dutch Military Aggression. The film features detailed and realistic war effects, such as explosions and gunfire. It also boasts a number of well‑known actors, including Lukman Sardi, Darius Sinathrya, Teuku Rifnu, and Donny Alamsyah, making it an attractive film. It’s one of the favorite war films often broadcast during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.
11. Darah Garuda (2010)
Next is “Darah Garuda” (2010), a continuation of “Merah Putih”. It still follows the four cadets who survived the Dutch massacre. However, they must continue to fight their enemies wherever they go. They even have to enter forests and conduct guerrilla warfare in the interior. At the same time, they experience internal conflicts due to differences in ethnicity, culture, religion, and individual characters.
Also read: 10 Latest Indonesian Films to Add to Your Holiday Watchlist
12. Soekarno: Indonesia Merdeka (2013)
Who doesn’t know Soekarno? He is recognized by all Indonesians as a founding father. The story of Soekarno’s struggle, portrayed by Ario Bayu, with Moh. Hatta played by Lukman Sardi, is a must‑watch for families during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. “Soekarno: Indonesia Merdeka” tells the story of Soekarno from his childhood, when he was named Kusno. Due to his frequent illnesses, his name was changed to Soekarno. The film not only depicts his life story but also showcases how Soekarno captivated audiences with his speeches, delivered in detail by Ario Bayu.
13. Sang Kiai (2013)
“Sang Kiai” (2013) tells the story of KH Hasyim Asyari’s struggle against the Japanese occupation in 1942. He refused to submit and perform Sikerei because it violated his faith. As a result, he was arrested by the Japanese. One of his students, named Harun, then gathered forces to rescue Sang Kiai. The film also depicts the diplomatic struggle of the Muslim community, including the formation of the Hizbullah Laskar, which participated in the battle of Surabaya in November 1945. Several veteran Indonesian actors star in this film, including Ikranagara, Adipati Dolken, Dimas Aditya, Agus Kuncoro, and Christine Hakim.
14. Soegija (2012)
The independence‑themed film “Soegija” tells the story of a native bishop of the Indonesian Catholic Church. He fought to unite all community elements that were nearly divided by war and death. The film is based on the real‑life story of Soegijapranata, who tried, struggled, and conducted diplomacy at local, national, and international levels for humanity. Thanks to his service, he was awarded the title of National Hero by President Soekarno.
15. The East – (2020)
“The East” or “De Oost” (2020) is a war‑themed film about the Indonesian‑Dutch conflict, but from the perspective of a Dutch soldier sent to Indonesia after World War II. Although it includes some Indonesian actors like Putri Ayudya, Ence Bagus, Lukman Sardi, and Yayu Unru, the story follows a young Dutch soldier tasked with suppressing Indonesia’s independence movement. He becomes part of and witnesses the atrocities committed by Westerling firsthand. As a result, he becomes conflicted between his sense of humanity and his duty to his country.
16. Kartini – (2017)
Speaking of one of Indonesia’s female heroes, the name “Kartini” certainly comes to mind. Although Kartini’s day is celebrated every April, her film is often shown in August to welcome Independence Day. Like her historical story, the film Kartini tells the story of Kartini’s emancipation struggle. She founded a school for the underprivileged. Although her struggle was not smooth, thanks to hard work and perseverance, Kartini eventually succeeded in inspiring women in Indonesia.
17. Buya Hamka – (2023)
“Buya Hamka” is a biographical film that covers three important phases of the life of this Indonesian Islamic figure during the independence era. The first part recounts various significant events experienced by Buya Hamka from 1933 to 1945. This film, starring Vino Bastian, also tells the story of Buya Hamka as an active member of Muhammadiyah Makassar, writing and producing great works. Not only that, Buya Hamka was also involved in the independence struggle until Indonesia’s proclamation on August 17, 1945.
18. Bumi Manusia – (2019)
As the name suggests, “Bumi Manusia” is adapted from a novel by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. The story follows a native named Minke, who falls in love with Annalies Mellema, a Dutch woman. Their love is not only hindered by the low status of natives but also tested in other ways. This film is not just about love; it also addresses criticism of Dutch colonialism before Indonesia’s independence.
19. Sang Pencerah (2010)
Sang Pencerah follows the journey of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, a young man from Kauman who returned from Mecca and was concerned about deviant religious practices. He proposed correcting the qibla direction of the Great Mosque of Kauman using a compass and established his own prayer room when rejected. This prayer room was attacked by the crowd, and Dahlan was accused of heresy for opening a modern school that used chairs and taught at Kweekschool. The main conflict came from conservative figures who saw the reforms as a threat to customs and the palace’s authority. Supported by his wife Siti Walidah and loyal students like Sudja and friends, Ahmad Dahlan founded Muhammadiyah to promote a rational, open, and education‑oriented Islam. Through preaching, discussion, and schooling, he encouraged the community to address social problems such as ignorance and poverty. The tension peaked when reforms were seen as disrupting the established order, testing his courage and steadfastness. This film encapsulates the spirit of enlightenment, tolerance, and moral leadership that remains relevant today.
20. Hati Merdeka
Hati Merdeka follows a group of cadets who survived a massacre and later became guerrillas in the late 1940s. After a tragic mission that claimed one of their friends, their leader, Amir, chose to withdraw from the military due to moral objections. Without a commander, the group continues its mission to Bali to avenge the murder of Tomas’s family by Colonel Raymer. The sea journey on a fishing boat, Hati Merdeka, is fraught with danger, including betrayal from local fishermen and encounters with Dutch patrol ships, while Marius struggles with fear and rivalry over Senja. Upon arrival in Bali, they rescue Dayu from KNIL militiamen and discover a guerrilla headquarters led by Wayan Suta inside a cave. One member almost dies, and internal tension escalates when Tomas and Amir clash over the final attack strategy.
21. Gie
“Gie” tells the story of Soe Hok Gie, a history student at the University of Indonesia who grew up as a critical activist in the 1960s. Based on his diary, the film highlights his commitment to truth and sharp criticism of injustice, corruption, and cults of personality. He chose to remain neutral amid political tug‑of‑war, writing for media and speaking at forums, often misunderstood by both the authorities and some fellow activists. Amid the political turbulence from the end of Sukarno’s era to the beginning of the New Order, Gie witnessed hopes turning into new repression, including tragedies targeting those accused of being communists. Friendships and love affairs also fractured because of his unwavering idealism. Nature becomes an escape and a place for contemplation together with Mapala UI. The story ends tragically when Gie passes away on the summit of Mount Semeru a day before his 27th birthday, underscoring the price often paid by idealism.
22. Wage
“Wage” recounts the life journey of Wage Rudolf Soepratman, composer of “Indonesia Raya”, from his youth until he actively participated in the national movement. He left the comfort of Makassar, returned to Java, and became a journalist who voiced the suffering of the common people while also being active in youth organization meetings. Amid colonial surveillance and pre‑independence political dynamics, Wage used his pen and violin as tools of struggle, bridging unity across tribes, religions, and social classes. His love of music produced various songs of resistance such as “From the West to the East”, “Indonesia Wahai Ibuku”, “In the East the Sun”, and “R.A. Kartini”, which stirred the spirit of rebellion. The pinnacle of Wage’s work came on October 28, 1928, when “Indonesia Raya” was first sung simultaneously with the Sumpah Pemuda pledge. The film connects this creative process with the pulse of the national movement, illustrating how a melody becomes a collective identity, unifying resolve, and strengthening direction toward independence.
Also read: 20 Series and Film Netflix Rating Highest from Various Genres
Watch Films More Comfortably with Favorite Devices
Well, that’s the list, Sobat Doran, of Indonesian war films you can watch with your family during Independence Day celebrations. To make watching more comfortable, use the best devices available at Thecuy.com.
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