TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The New York Times recently released a list of the 100 best films of the 21st century. Among these top 100 films, there is one that depicts the story of Indonesia and successfully claims the 82nd spot. The film is Jagal: The Act of Killing released in 2012.
The compilation of the list involved over 500 prominent figures from the global film industry, including directors, actors, and critics who were asked to select the top ten films released since January 1, 2000.
Synopsis of Jagal: The Act of Killing
Quoted from IMDb, Jagal: The Act of Killing sheds light on Indonesia's dark history through the eyes of the perpetrators of the post-coup mass murders in 1965, including Anwar Congo. Instead of remorse, these executioners are asked to reenact the violent scenes they committed, in the style of their favorite films, ranging from classic gangster, western, to musical.
For them, this becomes an opportunity to shine like their favorite young stars when they were still 'theater gangsters' selling black market tickets while idolizing figures such as James Dean and John Wayne.
From a small group in Medan, Anwar and his associates were later recruited by the military to lead the violent actions that killed over a million people accused of being communists. Anwar even claims to have killed hundreds of people and is still revered in a paramilitary organization that holds significant influence in Indonesia.
In this film, they not only reenact themselves but also their victims. Jagal: The Act of Killing becomes an approach that slowly forces them to confront the bitter reality of the past.
As the filming progresses, the atmosphere begins to change. Pride slowly gives way to anxiety. Some start to show guilt, others fear public reaction, while the younger generation sees the violence as a symbol of proud power.
The longstanding narrative of heroism begins to crack, and moral questions arise. For Anwar, this experience becomes a turning point. His initial pride is haunted by regret when he truly immerses himself in the role of the victim.
This film not only evokes emotions but also sparks debates about the culture of impunity deeply rooted in society and how people can come to terms with or fail to reconcile with a history of violence that has never been held accountable.
According to Repository.unpad.ac.id, this documentary film is the result of collaboration between Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Norway in the Dowcest project initiated by the University of Westminster.
The film premiered in September 2012 at the Toronto International Film Festival and was first screened in Indonesia in November of the same year.
By addressing a controversial yet humanity-laden theme, Jagal: The Act of Killing garnered various responses. Internationally, the film received much praise and support.
Since its release, the film has won 53 awards and received 43 nominations at various international film festivals. Furthermore, it was even nominated for the 2014 Oscars in the Best Documentary Feature category.
However, domestically, the film sparked controversy. Its official screening in Indonesia was once banned. Aminuddin Kasdi, the author of the book Red Blood Marauders, mentioned that the film was full of lies and urged people to be cautious, even suggesting not to screen it in public spaces.
Nevertheless, the film continued to be screened through independent and clandestine showings.
Editor's Choice: Coming This August: International Films to Catch in Indonesian Theaters
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
M8.7 Russia Earthquake: Indonesians Advised to Avoid Coasts Amid Tsunami Threat
25 menit lalu
BMKG warns of potential tsunami in Indonesia after M8.7 earthquake in Russia.
5 Must-Watch Adam Sandler Movies
2 jam lalu
Adam Sandler plays the lead role in the latest film Happy Gilmore 2. This film is a sequel to Happy Gilmore, which was released in 1996.
Two Indonesian Players Win Individual Awards at the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup
3 jam lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national team failed to win the Piala AFF U-23 2025, but two of its players made it into the list of individual award winners.
Indonesia U-23 Players, Coaches Still Receive Bonuses Despite Failing to Win AFF U-23 Cup Title
3 jam lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national team failed to win the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup title after being defeated by Vietnam in the final, repeating their 2023 failure
200,000 Accounts Removed from Social Aid Recipients List Due to Online Gambling Involvement
3 jam lalu
A total of 200,000 accounts were removed from the list of social aid recipients from Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs.
Vietnamese Players Enjoy GBK Stadium Atmosphere as They Win the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup
3 jam lalu
The article reports the victory of Vietnam in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup after defeating the Indonesian U-23 National Team with a score of 1-0 in a match held at SUGBK Jakarta.
Indonesia Misses AFF U-23 Cup Title After 1-0 Loss to Vietnam in Final
12 jam lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national team failed to claim the championship title in the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 after being defeated by Vietnam with a score of 1-0.
AFF U-23 Final: Indonesia Down 1-0 to Vietnam in First Half
13 jam lalu
Indonesia's U-23 national team is down 1-0 to Vietnam in the first half of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
Today's Top 3 News: Prediction for Indonesia U-23 vs Vietnam in the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 Final Tonight
13 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesia Urges UN Members Not to Veto Palestine's Full Membership Bid
14 jam lalu
Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir has called for no veto to be applied against Palestine's bid for full membership in the UN.
