Planned to be a 90-minute spectacle, the film, being produced by Mars Film, tells the story of Dewi Anjani — a local legendary female figure still revered by the Sasak community on Lombok Island as the goddess of kindness and ruler of Mount Rinjani.

However, the film’s message is more than a legend. Misteri Gunung Rinjani, according to local authorities involved in its production, also aims to promote tourism and improve environmental awareness. It will also contain moral messages concerning gender equality and the protection of women and children’s rights.

While starring Thessa Kaunang and Gilbert Mensiano, both transported from Jakarta, the film will also feature West Lombok and Central Lombok regents Zaini Arony and H.L. Wiratmaja, in supporting roles.

“Hopefully the film will serve as an effective piece of promotional media, especially for Mount
Rinjani and Lombok Island,” Zaini told The Jakarta Post recently.

He appears in the film as King Argapura.

Argapura is the father of Dewi Anjani, who is played by young local celebutante Baiq Ririn, 20. Baiq was a finalist in the Teruna Dedara youth pageant in Lombok.

According to Zaini, Misteri Gunung Rinjani is being shot in at least 10 tourist destinations in
West Lombok. Other locations include Bencingah Hall at West Lombok administration office, which is being used for the Argapura Palace scenes.

Other locations include Mount Pengsong in Labuapi district, which will represent a miniature Mount Rinjani, and Narmada Park, inherited from the 18th century Anak Agung kingdom era, as a miniature Segara Anak Lake.

The film will also be shot in tourist resorts in Central Lombok, such as Kuta Beach and the traditional Sasak community village in Sade.

“Besides its historical message, the film will help promote tourism,” Zaini said.

Zaini’s fellow regent, H.L. Wiratmaja, will appear as Raden Jayengrana, a ruler from Mecca.

The storyline begins with the marriage of King Argapura and his queen, played by Thessa Kaunang, who later gives birth to Dewi Anjani. Anjani is then involved in a love affair with Prince Repat Maja (Gilbert Mensiano), the son of King Mekah Jayengrana.

“It’s a colossal film,” Zaini said.

Film consultant I Made Diartha said the film had a budget of Rp 1.4 billion (about US$140,000) and would be complete by April, before being offered to a number of private television stations.

“We will also make it in wide-screen format so the film can be screened in movie theaters,” Made said.

The Hindu community adheres to the legend of Dewi Anjani, through the ngulam pakelem ritual at Segara Anak, the crater lake on Mount Rinjani, once every six months.

Interviewed on the sidelines of the shoot at the West Lombok regency office, Thessa Kaunang
said she was impressed with the natural beauty of Lombok. She was also happy to be involved in the film, despite her playing only a minor role.

“It’s very brief, but I’m happy to play it,” she said.

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