The Indonesian mini-series “Gadis Kretek” has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Best Mini Series award at the prestigious Seoul International Drama Awards 2024. This win is a testament to the global appeal and quality of Indonesian productions, showcasing the country’s rich storytelling tradition and cultural heritage.
“Gadis Kretek,” adapted from the novel by Ratih Kumala, is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s clove cigarette industry in the 1960s. The series, consisting of five episodes, was directed by Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah and featured a stellar cast including Dian Sastrowardoyo, Ario Bayu, and Putri Marino. The narrative weaves a complex story of love, ambition, and the struggles within the kretek industry, resonating with audiences both locally and internationally.
The series not only captivated viewers with its engaging plot and rich character development but also sparked discussions on the portrayal of the tobacco industry and its impact. Despite the controversies, “Gadis Kretek” stood out for its artistic direction, compelling performances, and the way it intricately portrayed the socio-economic issues of the era.
The Seoul International Drama Awards, known for recognizing excellence in television drama productions worldwide, provided a platform for “Gadis Kretek” to shine among other international nominees. The win reflects the dedication of the cast and crew, who have expressed their gratitude and joy over this international recognition. Dian Sastrowardoyo, who played the lead character Dasiyah, shared her appreciation for the support received, while her co-star Ibnu Jamil celebrated the achievement with behind-the-scenes photos, highlighting the team’s camaraderie and hard work.
This accolade not only celebrates the success of “Gadis Kretek” but also places Indonesian cinema on the global map, encouraging more diverse and high-quality productions from the region. It’s a moment of pride for the Indonesian film industry and a step forward in its journey towards international acclaim.
The success of “Gadis Kretek” at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2024 is a beacon of inspiration for filmmakers and artists in Indonesia and beyond, proving that compelling storytelling and cultural authenticity resonate with audiences around the world. It’s a celebration of the art of cinema and the universal language of storytelling that transcends borders and connects hearts. Congratulations to “Gadis Kretek” and everyone involved in bringing this remarkable story to life.
The plot of “Gadis Kretek” is a rich tapestry that intertwines the past and present, personal dreams, and the harsh realities of the kretek (clove cigarette) industry. The story follows the life of Dasiyah, also known as Jeng Yah, portrayed by Dian Sastrowardoyo, who is the daughter of a kretek factory owner. Her strong ambition to create a unique kretek sauce is met with the challenge of a patriarchal culture that forbids women from entering the sauce room, as their presence is believed to sour the sauce. Despite these obstacles, Jeng Yah perseveres and succeeds in breaking stereotypes with her exceptional sauce, leading to the creation of a new kretek brand named Gadis.
The narrative also delves into the tumultuous relationship between Jeng Yah and Raja, played by Ario Bayu, the owner of the Djagad Raja kretek factory. As Raja lies on his deathbed, he expresses a desire to reunite with his past love, Jeng Yah. This sets his youngest son, Lebas, portrayed by Arya Saloka, on a quest to find her. During his search, Lebas encounters Arum, played by Putri Marino, a museum donor and the daughter of Rukayah, Jeng Yah’s sister. Together, they unravel the untold history of their families.
The series not only explores the romantic entanglements but also the devastating impact of the 1965 tragedy on Jeng Yah’s life and the kretek business. The betrayal by Raja, who steals Jeng Yah’s kretek recipe and marries Purwanti, the daughter of a rival business family, adds another layer of complexity to the story.
“Gadis Kretek” is a compelling drama that captures the essence of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of a woman determined to realize her dreams against all odds. It’s a story that reflects the socio-economic challenges of the time and the indomitable will of those who dare to defy conventions.
“Gadis Kretek,” a series that has captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling and emotional depth, is filled with memorable scenes that have left a lasting impact on viewers. Here are some of the most poignant moments from the series:
1. The Introduction of Dasiyah’s Character
The series opens with a powerful introduction to Dasiyah, the protagonist, showcasing her determination and skill in kretek sauce making. This scene sets the tone for her character’s journey and the challenges she will face in a male-dominated industry.
2. The Sauce Room Confrontation
A pivotal scene where Dasiyah defies tradition and enters the sauce room, a place forbidden to women. Her bold action is a significant moment in the series, symbolizing her fight against societal norms and her quest for recognition.
3. Raja’s Betrayal
The betrayal by Raja, who steals Dasiyah’s kretek recipe, is a turning point in the series. It not only affects the personal relationship between the characters but also has broader implications for the kretek business rivalry.
4. The 1965 Tragedy
The series does not shy away from depicting the dark period of Indonesian history, and the impact of the 1965 tragedy on Dasiyah’s life is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, highlighting the personal cost of political turmoil.
5. The Reunion of Past Lovers
A heart-wrenching scene where Raja, on his deathbed, expresses his desire to reunite with Dasiyah. This moment is charged with emotion and regret, encapsulating the theme of lost love and the passage of time.
6. Lebas’ Quest
The journey of Lebas, as he searches for Dasiyah, is filled with moments of self-discovery and reflection. His interactions with Arum, as they uncover their families’ histories, are both touching and revelatory.
7. The Emotional Finale
The series concludes with a deeply emotional finale that brings closure to the characters’ arcs. The resolution of Dasiyah’s story, in particular, is both satisfying and bittersweet, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and admiration for her resilience.
These scenes, among others, have contributed to the series’ success and its recognition at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2024. “Gadis Kretek” has not only entertained but also provoked thought and discussion, making it a standout piece of storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The on-screen chemistry between Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ario Bayu in “Gadis Kretek” has been a subject of much acclaim and discussion. Their performances as Dasiyah and Soeraja, respectively, have been praised for their authenticity and the palpable tension they brought to their roles.
According to various sources, the actors shared a comfortable and professional working relationship, which translated into a convincing portrayal of their characters’ complex relationship. Ario Bayu himself admitted to feeling nervous about performing romantic scenes with Dian Sastrowardoyo, despite their long-standing friendship. This nervousness, however, did not hinder their performances; instead, it added a layer of realism to the romantic tension between their characters.
The intimate scenes between Dasiyah and Soeraja were handled with a delicate balance of romance and intensity, which was crucial in depicting the depth of their relationship. The actors’ ability to convey a range of emotions—from the initial spark of attraction to the eventual heartbreak—was central to the series’ narrative and contributed significantly to its success.
Moreover, Ario Bayu expressed that acting alongside Dian Sastrowardoyo was a smooth and enjoyable experience, highlighting their mutual respect and professionalism. This synergy between the two leads was evident throughout the series and was instrumental in bringing the love story of Dasiyah and Soeraja to life with such impact and nuance.
In conclusion, the chemistry between Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ario Bayu was a defining element of “Gadis Kretek,” captivating audiences and contributing to the series’ accolades and achievements. Their performances were a testament to their skills as actors and their commitment to their craft, making “Gadis Kretek” a memorable and celebrated piece of television drama.
