Newcomer films harsh realities of Jakarta

By Rita A. Widiadana

JAKARTA (JP): With all the gloom and doom about the ailing local film industry, it gives heart when a new face emerges.

Although Arie Ibnu Hadjar is still practically an unknown in his homeland, the 25-year-old student at the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ) can be expected to soon add to the list of accomplishments of Indonesia's new generation of filmmakers.

Following in the steps of his predecessors at the Institute, Arie has made an acclaimed debut on the international film scene.

His first short film, Jakarta 468, won the second grand prize at the International Student Filmmakers Competition last September. The festival, organized by the University Film and Video Association in Philadelphia, featured works of film students from around the world. An American won the grand prize.

As the title suggests, Arie's semidocumentary portrays the day-to-day struggle of Jakarta's nine million people.

"I tried to present a realistic portrayal of Jakarta and its people," he said.

The capital's magnetic allure, promising riches and a better life, seduces millions, but few are ready for the harsh realities.

Arie observed that seeing really was deceiving, as many people were beguiled by the city's glittering lights. As the hub for business and entertainment, Jakarta offers many opportunities -- and unattainable fantasies.

"Only a small group of people in Jakarta lead comfortable and lavish lifestyles. The majority of the city's population have to work extremely hard to make a living here," he said.

Everyday, millions of people commute in packed buses, trains and other public transportation for hours from the suburbs to their work in the city, even though pay is meager. Heavy air and noise pollution, traffic jams, high crime and unemployment rates have almost made life unbearable, but the flood of newcomers never ebbs.

The idea for showing the rat race that is Jakarta came a few years ago when Arie was on a crowded bus. "I wanted to reveal the hardships faced by most urbanites in Jakarta."

The film allows viewers glimpses of the paradox of beauty and ugliness in the city.

"It is not my intention to discourage people from seeking their fortunes in the city. But I hope, after seeing my work, people will get an overall picture of the city, and would reconsider their plans to stay here," Arie said.

Technically, it was difficult to present all ideas in this 12- minute short. "I had to make careful selections of shots to clearly convey the message of the film and to make it coherent."

There was also the problem of financing.

"I was lucky that I could use all equipment from a production house for lower than normal rental fees. It reduced the cost of the film, which reached about Rp 10 million (US$3,100), a huge amount for a student like me," he said.

The Institute's high requirements and tight bureaucracy had also hampered the project soon. All the labor and headaches eventually paid off with the international recognition.

"It was good to know that people appreciate our works," Arie said.

Arie completed shooting within five months. The film was an examination project at the Institute.

Former head of IKJ's film and television department, Gotot Prakoso, is pleased by his student's success.

"I hope that it will encourage other IKJ's students to produce high-quality works."

He said the Institute should be more active in sending works of both students and teachers to international film festivals.

"Through participating in the international activities, it is expected that Indonesian films will be widely recognized on the global scene," Gotot said.

Arie and other students, however, are eager to take part in a local festival. "We hope that someday IKJ or other related film institutions will organize an annual short film festival. An event like this could foster new talent."

In 1991, he enrolled at IKJ's film and television school and was lucky to have supportive parents.

Despite its shortcomings, IKJ has proven a fertile ground for producing talented filmmakers. Graduates Garin Nugroho, Mira Lesmana, Nan Triveni Achnas, Rizal Mantovani and many others are now at the forefront of the country's film business.

Like his predecessors, Arie is determined to build a career in film.

"Many people associate the film world with fun and glamour. That is not true. I learned from my seniors and from my own experience that most film workers are hardworking and idealists," Arie said.

"Working with senior directors and studying abroad are my current obsessions. I need to learn more about filmmaking know- how to become a professional."

With such a fine debut and his resolve to succeed, Arie's recognition on the home front may come very soon.