Nada dan Dakwah

The people of Pandanwangi village are upset at news that their land will be appropriated by a large conglomerate. Conflict over the land emerges and escalates between the villagers and representatives of the conglomerate. The villagers have come to view the situation as more of a matter of morality than of land ownership after finding out that a bar and billiards center will be built there. The head of the village’s Islamic boarding school, H. Murad, who is assisted by H. Rhoma, attempts to influence the villagers to refuse to sell their land. Eventually, the charismatic religious leader KH Zainuddin MZ succeeds in mediating the conflict, and even influences the conglomerate owner, Bustomi (WD. Mochtar), to rethink his plans. The land conflict theme of this film is interesting in that it reflects the social issues arising out of the rapid pace of development of the time.  This may be Rhoma Irama’s best film, even though it was not very popular.

• KH Zainuddin MZ, who was nominated for best supporting actor at the 1992 Indonesian Film Festival, refused to participate in the event due to the public outcry from his congregation who disapproved of his participation in the film. (Letter from KH Zainuddin MZ to the Indonesian Film Festival Committee).

* Won Citra awards at the 1992 Indonesian Film Festival for Story and Sound. Also earned nominations for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor in a Main Role (Rhoma Irama), Best Supporting Actor (KH Zainuddin MZ), Story and Music. The film was also praised for its Scenario and Director, as well as for the performance of Actor Deddy Mizwar at the 1993 Bandung Film Festival (FFB 1993).