When you hear the phrase “Ideal World,” what comes to your mind? Is it a perfect world without poverty? A world filled with joy and free from sadness? Or a world where you can have everything you desire?
Everyone may have their imagination of the ideal world they envision. This includes Bu Prani in the film “Budi Pekerti.”
“Budi Pekerti” is a film that tells the story of Bu Prani, portrayed by Sha Ine Febriyanti. She is a guidance counselor who has to deal with netizens after her video goes viral on the internet. Bu Prani has to struggle to restore her “bad” reputation in the eyes of netizens.
In the viral video, Bu Prani is mistakenly heard using foul language, which contradicts her role as a schoolteacher who is supposed to be a role model.
The story takes a wild turn when Bu Prani clarifies her viral video. A man who, according to Bu Prani, initiated the problem, turns the tables with video evidence and demands an apology from Bu Prani.
This issue also affects Bu Prani’s family. Muklas, played by Angga Yunanda, faces backlash after it is revealed that he is Bu Prani’s son. Being a YouTuber, this affects his collaborations with certain brands.
Moreover, Tata, Muklas’s sister portrayed by Prilly, who is also a member of a band, is forced to leave the band due to a video she uploaded to help clear her mother’s name.
On the other hand, Bu Prani also has a husband who suffers from bipolar disorder. Bu Prani and her children take great care to ensure that her husband remains unaware of this issue so as to not burden him further.
Even when everything seems against her, Bu Prani continues to fight for what she believes is right, hoping for an ideal world where people can better understand and empathize with each other.
The World of “Budi Pekerti”
The film “Budi Pekerti” is set in Yogyakarta during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back at those dark times, the film absurdly portrays the pandemic. Agree or not, if we look back, the pandemic indeed made things more comical.
Virtual flag-raising ceremonies held online, social distancing, masks worn haphazardly or with funny designs, and strange hobbies emerged during the lockdown.
Reflecting on those moments, all that comes to mind is the laughter that echoes.
I also appreciate the details in the film, such as the virtual background with the words “Cogito Ergo Sum.” The recurring themes of orange/yellow and blue in scenes. In psychology, yellow/orange symbolizes joy, and blue represents solemnity.
In this case, it seems that the film aims to convey that life is made up of these elements. It’s not always blue or yellow. Sometimes, happiness prevails, and we know it won’t last forever, just like sorrow, which is not eternal either.
The film also suggests that what matters most is how we respond to the colors life presents to us.
In this film, Bu Prani is going through a blue phase, and she is living her life in this sad moment.
Cancel Culture
The phrase “cancel culture” is still challenging to define. On the Tirto.id website, cancel culture is described as the rejection of individuals through online complaints, resulting in isolation and public humiliation.
The above definition is the closest understanding of cancel culture in Indonesia. I tried to find an appropriate Indonesian equivalent for “cancel culture” but couldn’t find one.
However, Adriano Qalbi, an Indonesian stand-up comedian, has provided a fitting Indonesian equivalent for “cancel culture,” which is “Gebukin maling ayam” (beating up chicken thieves).
It does feel that way. Cancel culture often feels like catching a chicken thief and beating them up together. We all know that theft is illegal, so as beating down someone.
Cancel culture also tends to be misdirected or off-target. Netizens often focus more on the “chicken thief” and forget about the buffalo thief who causes more loss.
Sometimes, people talk and judge more about the chicken thief, who needs to eat, and pay less attention to government embezzlement, which results in more significant losses.
However, in a system where justice is not functioning properly, cancel culture is the simplest way to seek the justice we desire.
But when cancel culture is directed at powerless individuals, it becomes a different story.
This is what Bu Prani faces — cancel culture. Excessive judgment for things she didn’t even do. The rejection puts her and her family in an uncomfortable situation. It disrupts Bu Prani’s life and turns it in a direction it shouldn’t go.
Throughout the film, all Bu Prani does is stand by her principles and values. We must respect Bu Prani for standing up for herself and the values she believes in.
The Ideal World
If asked if an ideal world exists, I would immediately answer that it doesn’t. There will always be sorrow. There will always be discrimination. There will always be things that don’t align with collectively agreed-upon values.
However, the good news is that we can strive for an ideal world together. A world where women have equality and the same rights. A world without war and suffering. Or a world where everyone has equal opportunities. A world where everyone can enjoy their favorite foods. Or a world with a little less sadness and a bit more happiness.
I believe this isn’t too far-fetched. I think it’s still realistic. Shouldn’t we be realistic and demand the impossible?
“Soyez réalistes, demandez l’impossible,” people in France proclaim. (“Be realistic, demand the impossible.”)
In the film “Budi Pekerti,” Bu Prani is, in essence, fighting for the ideal world she believes in. A world where rules and order should be understood collectively. A world where understanding one another is more common.
The film’s title in English, “Andragogy,” is quite intriguing, because it means the method or concept of learning for adults. Because, in real life, adults should really never stop learning.
I’d like to write about the ending and how Bu Prani faces her challenges in this article. However, it’s probably best for all of you to watch the film yourselves. It’s currently showing.
“Budi Pekerti” | Director: Wregas Bhanuteja | Producers: Adi Ekatama, Ridla An-Nuur, Willawati, Nurita Anandia W. | Written by Wregas Bhanuteja | Cast: Sha Ine Febriyanti, Dwi Sasono, Angga Yunanda, Prilly Latuconsina, Omara Esteghlal, Ari Lesmana | Duration: 110 minutes | Country: Indonesia | Language: Indonesian, Javanese.
