The movie “Sang Pencerah” directed by Hanung Bramantyo was released on September 8, 2010, and portrays the life and struggles of Kyai Haji Ahmad Dahlan in Yogya towards the end of the 19th century. The story follows his journey in reforming Islam in line with the teachings of Al-Qur’an and Sunnah. The protagonist, played by Lukman Sardi, faces harsh opposition due to his beliefs, which conflicted with those of senior clerics. Despite the numerous challenges he experiences, he strives for progress and establishes Muhammadiyah in a bid to improve his country’s health and education systems.
The movie features an authentic historical storyline that remains a source for young people to strengthen their faith and learn from an incredible leader who made significant contributions to his country. This movie is a must-watch for those interested in Indonesian history, particularly the early development of the Islamic faith, as it depicts a critical figure in that period.
Synopsis
The movie begins in 1868 with the birth of Muhammad Darwis, the son of Kyai Haji Abu Bakar. Darwis, from a young age, expressed his critical view of life, and his father taught him the true lessons of Islam in line with the teachings of Rasulullah. As a teenager, Darwis went to Makkah to perform Hajj and further his studies. He returns to Indonesia after five years, changes his name to Ahmad Dahlan and continues his father’s duty of spreading Islam to the people. He marries Siti Walidah and has six children.
During his studies, Ahmad Dahlan corrects various incorrect beliefs surrounding the practice of Islam, such as correcting the direction of the Qibla. This attracts criticism from senior clerics who arguethat he had been contaminated by Westernized thinking after his experience traveling on modern methods like maps and compasses. While teaching Quranic lessons, Ahmad and his students face constant censure from the community, especially after their methods such as using violins, which intrigued youth. The surge in Ahmad’s popularity prompts the authorities to demolish their meeting place.
To avoid further sanction, Ahmad considers leaving Yogya, but his brother persuades him to stay in the city and finance the rebuilding of their meeting place. Ahmad later embarks on his second Hajj and after returning home, he learns about the Boedi-Oetomo, a nationalist organization. Ahmad starts dressing like a scholar, and his excellent teaching methods make him an attractive Arabic teacher at a Dutch government school, Kweekschool. Together with his students, he establishes Madrasah Diniyah to teach Islam to children from poor families. Even some Kweekschool students also enroll in the religious school. Ahmad then founds Muhammadiyah, an organization intended to advance Indonesia through education and health-based activities.
However, one of the traditionalist clerics accuses Ahmad and his students of deviating from orthodox Islamic beliefs by emulating Western-style activities. Ahmad’s calm responses are logical and draw support from the Quran and Hadith, ultimately leaving the criticizers with nothing to say and allowing the organization to be established.
Ahmad’s Journey with a Strong Foundation
The structure of the movie is chronologically structured and follows Ahmad’s journey in Yogya from his birth until the establishment of Muhammadiyah. This foundation allows for a more profound and richer portrayal of Ahmad’s character, giving the audience a better understanding of his struggles and the transformative impact of his beliefs.
Lukman Sardi’s portrayal of Ahmad is incredible. He depicts Ahmad’s unyielding commitment to Islam and his determination to cleanse it of its un-Islamic practices such as systematized superstition and innovations. Sardi flawlessly conveys Ahmad’s resilience through challenging situations and conveys the leader’s strong desire to keep pushing despite challenges.
Although the movie keeps the audience engaged, the climax is not as extreme as one might have liked. However, the narrative structure avoids drawing the audience to a particular conflict, making it easier to continue watching without becoming restless. Sang Pencerah is a highly descriptive, well-acted, and impactful movie that every Indonesian and Muslim should watch.
Conclusion
Sang Pencerah is an excellent movie showcasing the life and struggles of Kyai Haji Ahmad Dahlan, a prominent Muslim figure in the early development of Indonesian Islam. It has an authentic narration and strong acting from Lukman Sardi. While the climax is not as explosive, the movie remains a must-watch for people interested in Indonesian history and Islamic spirituality. It is an excellent representation of Ahmad’s unflinching faith and his willingness to fight opposition in his stride. Overall, it is an outstanding evergreen biographical drama movie that everyone should watch regardless of their age or creed.
