Although film director Hanung Bramantyo said his latest short biopic JK was not intended for the political campaign of presidential candidate Jusuf Kalla, the scheduled release of the film obviously tells otherwise.
The biopic was screened for the media people on June 30 and aired at some televisions during prime time just few days before July 8 when people are scheduled to cast their votes. The film was also scheduled for screening at some cinemas.
What is so important that people should watch this six-minute film?
"I am not making a film about political campaign. I care about the personality of a person named Jusuf Kalla. This film is about someone who has contributed something to this nation," said Hanung, who is preparing to make a film about Ahmad Dahlan the founder of Muslim organization Muhammadiyah.
The biopic begins some still photos followed with a shoot of beautiful scenery in Kalla's hometown Watampone, South Sulawesi, and shows the life of people there. Some men were seen having martial art exercise while several little boys were playing football.
Among the boys who were playing football was Kalla, who was known as Ucu by his family and friends. Ucu, 8, had been a central figure in his football team. He led his team for some discussions on what strategy should they take to defeat the opponent's team.
Because of a worsening political condition in his hometown (there was a rebellious movement by the DI/TII), his father Hadji Kalla sent Ucu to another city for his study. From this chapter of his life, Ucu learned how everyone needs courage to take any decisions. It was also his father who set an example that a leader must be willing to sacrifice for the people.
Growing up as university students, Ucu was known as a leading activist at his alma mater Hasanuddin University in Makassar, South Sulawesi.
Then, the short biopic moves from one scene to another with some quotations from Kalla, who is now a presidential candidate. "Being a leader should have courage to take any risks" and "If we don't take action quickly, the situation will worsen" were among Kalla's quotations put on the film.
Perhaps, the film is not a political one, except for some quotations from Kalla which are put into it. But, the fact that some people including Kalla's younger brother and school mates were invited to the preview, tell that there is a political agenda.
"From the beginning he *Jusuf Kalla* was taught *by our father* to become a leader. He was like a friend to my father," said Achmad Kalla, who is 10 years younger than his brother.
Meanwhile, his high school friend Abduh recalled that as a son of a successful businessman Kalla often treated his friends. "Because he was more affluent than most of us," Abduh said, laughing.
Businessman Sofyan Wanandi, who was also present at the preview, said within 40 years of friendship with Kalla, he noticed that his friend had a strong leadership capability.
"He *Kalla* always fights for the development of eastern Indonesia," Sofyan added.
Disa Rizky from Sahabat Muda Indonesia, a network of youths campaigning for JK-Wiranto, said she hoped the film could give more ideas to the young voters about Jusuf Kalla, one of the presidential candidates.
For his supporters, Jusuf Kalla is definitely a figure to look up to. But for others, his political activity is no more than just a color in the country's political landscape. Psychologist Tika Bisono puts it best, "With his character, he has given color to the political arena."
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