Entertainment · Film · 14 hrs ago
Danial Rifki’s New Thriller Examines Fear and Abuse of Power in Indonesia
Indonesian director Danial Rifki brought three films to Jakarta World Cinema, including the thriller “Sandal Jepit No.
10.”
The film follows Akbar, a grieving father held on suspicion of murder, during a brutal police interrogation.
Rifki says the story reflects fear rooted in Indonesia’s New Order, the period of Suharto’s rule that lasted about 32 years, when people could not criticize the government.
He says he worries that criticism can still be suppressed online, including through shadowbanning on social media.
The thriller is about how people can resist those with power, and Rifki says social media users can help people regain influence.
His next film, “Before Thirty,” is set for release in January 2027 and will examine pressure on young Indonesians to succeed before turning 30.
Indonesian director Danial Rifki says his thriller “Sandal Jepit No. 10” grew out of concern about abuse of power in Indonesia.
The film follows Akbar, a grieving father subjected to a brutal police interrogation after being detained on suspicion of murder.
Rifki says fear of government oppression has roots in the Suharto-era New Order and may persist in less visible forms today.
He describes the film as being about how people can fight back, including through social media and collective action.
“Sandal Jepit No. 10” is one of three Rifki films at Jakarta World Cinema.
- Who
- Indonesian director Danial Rifki made the thriller.
- What
- Sandal Jepit No. 10” is a confined-space thriller about a grieving father facing police interrogation.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Indonesia; the film is being shown at Jakarta World Cinema.
- Why
- Rifki says the film grew out of concern about abuse of power and fear in Indonesian society.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rifki says Indonesians could not criticize the government during about 32 years of the Suharto-era New Order.
Rifki says Indonesia entered the Reformation Era, but government pressure may still happen underground.
Sandal Jepit No. 10” is among three Rifki films at the festival.
- Director
- Danial Rifki
- Film
- Sandal Jepit No. 10
- Protagonist
- Akbar, a grieving father detained on suspicion of murder
- Setting
- Indonesia
- Festival
- Jakarta World Cinema
What people are saying
So the movie is about how to fight back
Indonesians have trauma in politics.
On social media, if you criticize the government, they will shadowban [your comment].
People power now is turning [to] a digital era so we can gain that power again.