In the film, the clown/Quran teacher is masterfully played by veteran actor Donny Damara. The story itself isn’t all that deep, and spiritually, the clown is at peace with what he is. It’s the embarrassment of when people find out this respected teacher is a clown that troubles him.

Across Indonesia, the ustad (Islamic teacher) is usually highly respected by residents because of his or her vast knowledge of the Quran and, by extension, on how to be a good Muslim.

In Guru Ngaji, residents see their ustad, Mukri, as a spiritually strong and flawless figure. But in his act as a clown, he performs tumbles and tricks in disguise to adoring young crowds. Soon, Mukri realizes that honor does not only come with a high level of knowledge of scripture, but through pure action.

“Making people happy,” says one ustad in the film, “is the most Muslim thing you can do.”

Tragic Comedy: Mukri poses as his alter ego, the clown. (Chanex Ridhall Pictures/File)

Even though Guru Ngaji can’t escape the cheap, nauseating fills of a typical Indonesian drama, such as the annoying soundtrack, the exaggerated emotions or soap-opera style storytelling, it is saved by its wholesome message and the solid performance of its main characters.

What is good about this religious-themed film is that its best messages do not come as a result of religion itself. Almost everyone in the film is a devout Muslim, but devotion does not necessarily make one a good person. However, it’s interesting to note that the preachers in this film are “coincidentally” the most morally sound characters.

The film rewards its characters outside of their actions and traits as devout Muslims. Mukri takes on jobs performing as a clown to take care of his family, and he has fun doing it. At the same time, he is also a strong authority figure to his son and his coworkers.

His son, played by Akinza, is shown as one of the few students in his class who do not want to cheat their way through school. Mukri’s clown partner, played by Ence Bagus, also gives a great performance as a faithful sidekick who learns the true meaning of happiness through his love for his friend.

Lesson in honesty: The Quran teacher's son, played by Akrinza, studies for a test after refusing to cheat with his classmates. (Chanex Ridhall Pictures/File)

It does not take a religious person to adhere to these commendable traits. Religion only complements the traits of the individual and is interpreted differently by different people. With all the nonsensical preaching that takes place across Indonesia, this film comes out as a breath of fresh air in an atmosphere that is permanently tainted by intolerant smog.  

However, I assume that these characters are also being used by director Erwin as preaching tools themselves. The whole film reads like one long khotbah(sermon) at a mosque or religious boarding school, but one that promotes upstanding values.

Guru Ngaji doesn’t go far from being a propaganda piece for good values. However, the film manages to leave its viewers with a sense of hope upon leaving the theater.

Send in the clown: The clowns (Donny Damara and Ence Bagus) begin their performance. (Chanex Ridhall Pictures/File)

It’s also rather refreshing to see a film that does not underestimate the lower class. Far too many Indonesian films like to emphasize the intelligence of the rich and portray the poor with condescension, sending the false message that only those with money are well-educated and therefore more intelligent. Local movies also perpetuate the tiring idea that if one shows more devotion to their faith, they become a better person.

Guru Ngaji treats the poor and uneducated as human beings capable of displaying intelligence and kindness. It could even open peoples’ eyes on the virtues and struggles of being a Quran teacher, a profession that has recently been tainted by a string of child abuse cases.

The film succeeds in its preaching of wholesomeness and can even trick the most cynical mind into having faith in people. And having faith in others is what we truly need the most right now.

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Guru Ngaji

(Chanex Ridhall Pictures, 103 minutes)

Directed by Erwin

Cast: Donny Damara, Dewi Irawan, Tarzan, Ence Bagus, Dodit Mulyanto, Endah Laras