VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

In today’s edition, we will review an Indonesian film entitled “Dilan 1990”, directed by Fajar Bustomi. Indonesia had entered millennial and digital era. The people of Indonesia can find everything easily they need. They just need fast internet connection. In addition, entertainment can be found on internet, such as film. Film is almost overwhelmed with the technology development. However, in the end, the filmmakers can adapt with such condition. Through the advanced technology, “Dilan 1990” film gained its popularity, beginning from its novel that had been loved by many readers, until its newly-launched film. 

Director of Dilan 1990, Fajar Bustomi began his career as director in 2013 through a movie entitled “Slank Ga ada Matinya”. Afterwards, Fajar’s career in Indonesian film industry developed as he released various love drama films. Formulating a story into touching visualization is Fajar’s expertise. That expertise gave Fajar an opportunity to direct a touching drama film in 2017 entitled “Surat Kecil Untuk TUHAN”. 

“Dilan 1990” is about Dilan and Milea whose story was based on real life. This’s why, the story in “Dilan 1990” feels quite natural and not overdramatic. The teenager issues in 1990 made “Dilan 1990” quite popular. In making the film, Fajar Bustomi cooperated with Pidi Baiq, an author, in adapting the novel into film without discarding core elements of the novel version. In screenwriting, Pidi Baiq was assisted by Titien Wattimena. While the producer of “Dilan 1990” was Ody Mulya Hidayat. 

“Dilan 1990” is a love story of two teenagers named Dilan and Milea. The story began from their unusual introduction at a high school in Bandung. They met in 1990 when Milea had just moved from Jakarta to Bandung. The unique introduction made Milea know Dilan further. Dilan is a smart, kind, and romantic boy. He has his own way to approach Milea. Dilan sounds quite awkward, but it made Milea more curious about him. However, their sweet moment must end due to Beni, Milea’s boyfriend who lives in Jakarta. Also, Dilan was apparently involved in brawls and motor gang. Nevertheless, Dilan can make Milea believe that they will be together. But, can Dilan and Milea really be together? 

In a press conference held by Falcon Pictures and Max Pictures production houses some time ago in Jakarta, Fajar -the director expressed why they chose Iqbal Ramadhan, former personnel of Coboy Junior boyband, to play Dilan in his film.

“…In casting for Dilan, we spend one year, because his character is different; he is smart. After we discussed with the author, the best choice was Iqbal, because Dilan is purely Indonesian. Also, both Iqbal and Dilan are smart, still in high school, and born in Bandung.” Fajar said. 

Casting characters of based-on reality novel is not easy. To strengthen the plot and chemistry, Fajar had his own casting and chose those who were appropriate to the sketches in the novel.

“…In casting Vanessa, Pidi Baiq had told me that Milea and Vanessa are quite similar. Pidi saw Milea in Vanessa.  Wati also said that everyone here has similarities with the sketches in the novel.” Fajar added. 

“Dilan 1990” film is adapted from a novel that made Pidi Baiq famous. Fajar Bustomi also did not deny that he had a strong connection to the novel, until he finally directed the film.

“…There is something unique between Dilan novel and me. In 2014, I was called by a big production house for a contract to direct 4 films. I asked to direct Dilan first, because its novel had just been released and I felt a connection, but the production house said someone had taken it. Then, I was offered to direct Dilan by Mr. Alfon. How I imagined Dilan now and then is different. I was also introduced with the author. So, I got to know Dilan more deeply. I was going to cast a Caucasian, but I find that Dilan is not a usual teen novel, but about how parents educate their children.” Fajar expressed. 

This film is expected to give many life lessons for teenagers, because the meaning of life can be found easier through experience. This also makes audiences crowded every cinema in Indonesia to watch Dilan. It is safe to say that the film was innovation for Indonesian teenagers. As the novel has sequels, “Dilan 1990” will present further story of Dilan and Milea.

That was Book and Film for today.