The Raid: Redemption (2011)
“The Raid: Redemption” (2011) is an intense action film set in Jakarta, Indonesia, where an elite SWAT team must fight their way through a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless drug lord. The movie’s gripping martial arts sequences and gritty portrayal of urban life in Indonesia can provide viewers with an adrenaline-pumping introduction to the country’s dynamic culture and the art of Indonesian Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art form, making it a thrilling choice to watch before visiting Indonesia.
The Jungle School (2013)
“The Jungle School” (2013) is a documentary that follows the life of a teacher, Butet Manurung, who educates and empowers indigenous children in the remote rainforests of Sumatra. The film showcases the unique challenges and experiences of those living in the Indonesian jungle, offering an eye-opening perspective on the country’s cultural and environmental diversity, making it an excellent choice for those looking to gain insights into Indonesia’s rich but often overlooked natural and cultural landscapes before their visit.
The Year of Living Dangerously (1983)
“The Year of Living Dangerously” (1983) is a political drama that revolves around the experiences of a foreign correspondent and an Australian photographer during the political turmoil in Indonesia in the 1960s. The film provides a gripping and historically significant portrayal of Indonesia’s political landscape, making it a valuable watch for those seeking to understand the country’s complex history and the challenges it faced during that period before visiting Indonesia.
Opera Jawa (2006)
“Opera Jawa” (2006) is a visually stunning film that reinterprets the epic Javanese tale of “The Abduction of Sita” through traditional Javanese dance and music. This artistic masterpiece provides a captivating glimpse into Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the vibrant Javanese performing arts, and can serve as a visually enchanting introduction to the country’s traditional art forms for those planning to visit Indonesia.
The Act of Killing (2012)
“The Act of Killing” (2012) is a chilling and thought-provoking documentary that allows former Indonesian death squad leaders to reenact their crimes during the 1965 Indonesian genocide. It offers a haunting look at the country’s history and the impact of the events on its people, shedding light on the complex and dark aspects of Indonesia’s past, which can be essential for understanding the nation’s modern history and social context before visiting.
Books
Indonesia, Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation by Elizabeth Pisani
“Indonesia, Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation” by Elizabeth Pisani is a travelog and cultural exploration of Indonesia. The book delves into the complexities and diversity of the nation, covering politics, history, and everyday life, providing readers with a comprehensive and engaging overview of Indonesia. It’s an excellent read for those planning to visit Indonesia as it offers a firsthand account of the country’s unique characteristics, allowing readers to gain valuable cultural and societal insights before their trip.
This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer
“This Earth of Mankind” by Pramoedya Ananta Toer is the first novel in the Buru Quartet series and tells the story of Minke, a Javanese nobleman during the Dutch colonial era. The book provides a rich and vivid depiction of Indonesian society, the struggles for independence, and the complexities of colonialism. Reading this novel before visiting Indonesia can offer valuable historical context and insight into the country’s colonial past, which significantly shapes its present cultural and political landscape.
Indonesia: Archipelago of Fear by Andre Vltchek
“Indonesia: Archipelago of Fear” by Andre Vltchek is a non-fiction book that delves into contemporary Indonesia, exploring its political landscape, social issues, and the challenges faced by the nation. It provides an in-depth analysis of Indonesia’s current affairs, making it a valuable read for those planning to visit the country as it offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, complexities, and dynamics of modern Indonesian society and politics.
The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata
“The Rainbow Troops” by Andrea Hirata is a heartwarming novel based on the author’s own experiences, portraying the struggles of a group of impoverished students on the Indonesian island of Belitung as they fight for education. This book offers a touching narrative that underscores the importance of education and resilience, making it an excellent read for those planning to visit Indonesia to gain insights into the country’s education system, socio-economic challenges, and the determination of its people to overcome adversity.
Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded by Simon Winchester
“Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded” by Simon Winchester is a non-fiction book that explores the history and science of the catastrophic Krakatoa volcanic eruption in Indonesia in 1883. It provides a detailed and fascinating account of the eruption’s impact on the region and the world, as well as the geological forces at play. Reading this book before visiting Indonesia can offer travelers a deeper appreciation of the country’s geological and natural history. It provides context for understanding the significance of volcanic activity in Indonesia, as well as the potential hazards and wonders associated with the region’s unique geography.
