Ajari Aku Islam

Ajari Aku Islam tells a heartfelt story about love that crosses cultural and religious lines

Kenny a Chinese Indonesian man, falls for Fidya, a Muslim Batak woman, and together they face family expectations, prejudice, and questions of faith

The film is simple and sincere, with genuine chemistry between Roger Danuarta and Cut Meyriska (who later married in real life, adding sweetness for fans) It's not a technically groundbreaking film storytelling and pacing feel old school, and side plots are predictable but its strength lies in showing real emotional struggles many Indonesians can relate to

Overall, it's a warm, relatable romantic drama that gently explores identity, love, and acceptance.

Telling stories in a traditional way with a modern twist, this movie is like comfort food with substance since it mixes classic love drama cliches with modern Indonesian life. The love triangle keeps things interesting during the slower parts of the story. It shows Muslim characters in a way that goes beyond clichés. For example, Fahri is a pious but worldly person, and Fidya is a working lady who takes her faith seriously. Some of the conversation about conversion seems forced, but the way the story is told through pictures, like Kenny learning wudu, is brilliant and interesting.

The parents are the stars of the play because of their cultural biases and how they slowly come to embrace them. The differences between Kenny's Chinese home and Fidya's Muslim home make for interesting cultural glimpses. The script often makes its points too clear, but the real Medan locations and local languages give it a lot of depth. This movie is a big step forward for Indonesian filmmaking since it shows how beautiful cultural differences can be.

Stunning Performances Elevate Familiar Plot-Roger Danuarta and Cut Meyriska deliver standout performances that make this familiar love-across-religions premise feel fresh. Their chemistry shines in quiet moments, like when Kenny tries reciting Quran verses. The film's pacing stumbles occasionally with didactic Islamic teachings, but the emotional payoff-especially Fidya's heartbreaking decision scene-makes up for it. The cinematography beautifully showcases Muslim life in Medan, enhancing the film's depth and emotional resonance.

A Much-Needed Conversation Starter-In Indonesia's current climate, this film bravely tackles interfaith dating with sensitivity. What could have been preachy becomes profound thanks to balanced writing-Kenny's conversion stems from genuine curiosity. Some subplots, like Chelsea's sudden reappearance, feel contrived, but the core emotional truth remains strong. The Friday prayer scene where Kenny participates is one of Indonesian cinema's most moving spiritual moments, making it a significant film for contemporary discussions.