Indonesiantalk.com — Muhammadiyah Launches “Djuanda: Pemersatu Laut Indonesia” Film to Honor the National Hero’s Struggles
Muhammadiyah, through its Arts and Culture Institute (LSB PP Muhammadiyah), has officially launched a biographical film titled Djuanda: Pemersatu Laut Indonesia.
The film’s launch event took place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the E6 Amphitheater, 5th Floor of the Integrated Campus of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). Several key figures attended, including Muhammadiyah’s PP Chairman Irwan Akib, LSB PP Muhammadiyah Chairman Gunawan Budiyanto, and Djuanda’s grandson, Ismeth Wibowo Amirullah.
Directed by Ery Isnanto, the film aims to introduce the figure of Djuanda Kartawidjaja, a national hero who is best known for the Djuanda Declaration, which was ratified on December 13, 1957.
This declaration became a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s history, asserting the nation’s sovereignty over its maritime territory.
Ismeth Wibowo Amirullah expressed his pride in the film’s release, reflecting on the significant positions his grandfather held throughout his career, including Minister of Public Works, Minister of Finance, Minister of Transportation, and the last Prime Minister of Indonesia during the 1957-1959 period.
Muhammadiyah PP Chairman Irwan Akib emphasized that this film is not only a reminder of history but also a source of inspiration for the younger generation. He underlined that Djuanda was one of Muhammadiyah’s influential figures, contributing both to politics and education. Djuanda also founded SMA Muhammadiyah Kramat in Jakarta, demonstrating his commitment to the nation’s educational development.
The 120-minute film portrays Djuanda’s various roles in Indonesia’s struggle for independence and unity. Gunawan Budiyanto, Chairman of LSB PP Muhammadiyah, expressed hope that the film would serve as a wider form of Muhammadiyah’s dakwah (Islamic preaching), particularly in the fields of arts and film.
“We want Muhammadiyah’s dakwah to extend beyond mosques and religious studies, reaching daily life through art, such as film and music,” he said.
The production of the film began in 2023, involving several students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in various roles, including assistant directors and talent coordinators.
In addition to highlighting Djuanda’s political struggles, the film delves into his personal life. Born in Tasikmalaya, Djuanda pursued his education at Dutch schools before attending the Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng (now ITB). From a young age, he was active in organizations such as Muhammadiyah and Paguyuban Pasundan.
Just as the Djuanda Declaration united Indonesia’s seas, the film is expected to foster a deeper sense of patriotism and awareness of the nation’s heroes’ struggles for Indonesia’s independence.
Djuanda: Pemersatu Laut Indonesia is not just a historical documentary but also an effort to introduce the values of struggle, nationalism, and togetherness to younger generations through an engaging medium of art.
With the film’s launch, Muhammadiyah reaffirms its commitment to expanding its dakwah while also providing meaningful historical education for the entire Indonesian society.
