Traveling Interfaith and Continents Through the Film 'Pengin Hijrah'

Sometimes a journey isn't just about the distance covered, but also about how we discover the best version of ourselves. Through the film "Pengin Hijrah", director Jastis Arimba attempts to blend two equally stirring elements: spiritual journeys and cross-country visual experiences.

This film is scheduled for release on October 30, 2025, taking audiences on a trail of hijrah (spiritual migration), not merely in a religious context, but also in the sense of seeking life's meaning, with exotic landscapes stretching from Indonesia to Uzbekistan.

Previously, Indonesian films have indeed attempted to transcend geographical boundaries. We still remember "Eiffel... I’m in Love" (2003) which used Paris as its setting, or "Sore: Istri Dari Masa Depan" (2025) filmed in Croatia and Finland. But "Pengin Hijrah" feels different—more personal, more nuanced as an inner journey rather than just showcasing beautiful destinations.

Stepping Between Two Worlds: From Belitung to Samarkand

Produced by Sinemata Pictures and Multi Buana Kreasindo (MBK) Production, the film presents a blend of two cultures rarely intersecting in Indonesian cinema: Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

The story is adapted from Hengki Kumayandi's popular novel, telling the story of Alina Saraswati (Steffi Zamora), a selebgram whose life appears perfect online but is fragile in reality. Amidst life's storms and her search for meaning, she meets Omar (Endy Arfian), an Indonesian student who becomes her spiritual and emotional guide.

This meeting leads both on a journey rich with symbolism, from Jakarta's bustle, to the tropical air of Belitung, and finally to the cold winds of Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

These locations are not just beautiful backdrops. Belitung evokes the golden era of "Laskar Pelangi", the film that once ignited tourism in the region. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan takes us to the heart of Islamic civilization—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent—where tales and history intertwine with spirituality.

Between the blue seascapes of Belitung and the grandeur of Imam Bukhari's architecture in Samarkand, the film creates a visually stunning contrast: tropical and cold, bright and contemplative.

Temur Mirzaev, an actor and Advisor to Uzbekistan's Minister of Tourism, even called the film "an effective promotional vehicle for his country," an acknowledgment that Indonesian filmmakers now possess world-class caliber.

Between Romance, Hijrah, and Self-Challenge

Narratively, "Pengin Hijrah" offers more than a love story. It touches on dilemmas very close to today's youth reality: the desire to change, yet being trapped by a past that keeps calling.

The character Joe (Daffa Wardhana) represents Alina's "old circle"—a noisy past difficult to leave behind. Meanwhile, Omar symbolizes a calmer, more meaningful future. On the other hand, the character Aisyah (Nadzira Shafa) adds warmth by showing the importance of a support system in every process of change.

Interestingly, Alina's journey is not just physical but metaphorical. Each place she visits reflects a stage of her hijrah. Chaotic Jakarta represents confusion, warm Belitung symbolizes new hope, and historic Uzbekistan marks the peak of her spiritual quest.

Endy Arfian reportedly conducted deep research, including learning the Uzbek language and culture to make his role authentic. Steffi Zamora also delivers a convincing performance as a woman struggling to balance pain, ego, and good intentions.

The presence of senior Uzbek actress Adolat Kimsanova as Omar's grandmother adds a special dimension. With 50 years of acting experience, Adolat admitted being challenged to play an aggressive grandmother character for the first time, and the result doesn't disappoint.

When Film Becomes a Window to Tourism and the Soul

"Pengin Hijrah" is essentially a journey film in the truest sense. It takes us exploring two worlds: an outer world full of beauty, and an inner world full of contemplation.

The exotic visuals of Uzbekistan and the mesmerizing charm of Belitung make this film not just entertainment, but also an invitation to travel. For young travelers who love culture, history, and spiritual journeys, this film could inspire adding destinations to their bucket list, from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to Registan Square in Samarkand.

Overall, "Pengin Hijrah" succeeds in being more than just a romance film. It's a portrait of a human journey set against a backdrop of a beautiful world and a turbulent soul. A work proving that film can be a passport to self-understanding and a broader world.