Renowned for his unique yet non-mainstream approach, Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho gets down-to-earth depicting the blooming of Islamic radicalism in his latest drama, Mata Tertutup (Eyes Closed).

Garin artistically represents the way youths are dragged into so-called new ideologies, regardless of their race, class and background.

The story is based on facts and research conducted by the Maarif institutes, Indonesian organizations established by Muslim intellectual Ahmad Safii Maarif that are known for preaching tolerance and pluralism. 

Set in Yogyakarta, Mata shows this growing phenomenon through the eyes of its three leading characters – Rima (played by Eka Nusa Pertiwi), an energetic, attractive university student with a middle-class background; Asimah (Jajang C. Noer), a mother whose daughter is missing without a trace, and Jabir (Dinu Imansyah), a poor young man who has dropped out of a pesantren (Islamic boarding school).

The three share similar experiences with strange ideas and teachings that claim to lead people to a better life and promise them a smooth pathway to heaven, all of which are in the name of the almighty God.

The character of Rima represents the flourishing of Islamic radicalism at universities as she “voluntarily” joins Islamic State of Indonesia (NII) movement.

NII was by formed by ulema Sekarmadji Maridjan Kartosoewirjo in August 1949, in an effort to turn Indonesia into an Islamic state based on sharia law.

While Kartosoewirjo was executed by the military in 1962 for propagating separatism, his ideas remain alive, and have inspired many Muslims across Indonesia to fight for an Islamic caliphate. Rima is an open-minded young Javanese woman, an idealist and a true feminist who struggles for women’s rights and gender equality.

Rima lives in a comfortable home and has a decent life. She was born to loving parents: her father is concerned about political and social issues and her mother teaches children in the neighborhood how to sing. However, we see Rima tricking students into joining the NII and living a divided life: the good girl at home and “predator” outside.

We also see Asimah, a single mother of Padang origin who is troubled over the recent bizarre behavior of her only daughter Aini (Andryani Isna), also a student.

Asimah’s frustration doubles when Aini goes missing and is rumored to have become an NII supporter. We now see this modest middle-aged woman, who knows nothing about NII, going tirelessly from door-to-door in search of her beloved daughter.

Meanwhile, Jabir, seemingly the most problematic character, is a gloomy guy who is apparently capable of doing anything for the sake of his mother’s happiness. Poverty and despair have led him to join a prayer group organized by an Islamic hard-liner.

Mata Tertutup serves as a reality check for Indonesian society by boldly exposing the teachings and methods used by hard-line groups. Over the past few years we have been shaken by a phenomenon tied to attempts to establish an Islamic state, which has led students into supporting violence and intolerance.

These groups have infiltrated student activities without flag-waving, but by mingling and socialization through preaching and discussion groups. The film is touching, but is also shocking — exposing us to an insane reality that could affect anyone, anywhere.

The cast get a double thumbs-up for their notable performances. The only familiar name on the list is senior actor Jajang C. Noer, while the others, mostly students at a theater academy, deserve all the praise I can give for their memorable and natural acting.

Part of the success of this movie is that it makes you feel like you are watching a scene from everyday life, making you forget you are actually in a theater.

Garin provides some comic relief through the character of Husni (played by Kukuh Riyadi), Jabir’s best buddy who has exactly the opposite personality to Jabir. Husni is able to entertain the audience with his comical mannerisms, funny lines and witty singing style.

Throughout the film, Ahmad Safii Maarif attempts to encourage young people to be smart and not to be easily indoctrinated by wrongful teachings, expressing his concerns over the increasing number of students who are lured into hard-line groups.

“I hope youths don’t hate to live in difficult lives. Think smart and be critical so you are not easily indoctrinated by the wrong verses,” said Maarif, adding that he hopes this film will be screened at schools and universities in a bid to improve students’ awareness.

Verdict: A portrait of the growing army of modern radical Islam across Indonesia. This is a must-see, particularly for young people.

Mata Tertutup

(90 minutes, SET Film & Maarif Production)

Starring: Jajang C. Noer, Eka Nusa Pertiwi,
M. Dinu Imansyah, Kidung Darma Romansyah, Andryani Isna, Kukuh Riyadi
Director: Garin Nugroho
Writer: Tri Sasongko
Producer: Asaf Antariksa, Endang Tirtana

Sumber : http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/11/13/a-reality-check-radicalism.html