Film Call Me Father Becomes A Mirror Of Indonesia's Exemplary Father Movement On The Big Screen

JAKARTA - The phenomenon of fathers being absent from parenting is an issue that is increasingly getting attention amid the challenges of family development in Indonesia. Even though physically present, many fathers are less emotionally involved in their children's lives.

This absence has a serious impact on the development of children's mental character and health, as well as weakening the family structure as the main unit in the formation of healthy communities.

Responding to this, the Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN continues to strengthen the Indonesian Exemplary Father Movement (GATI), which aims to encourage the active involvement of fathers in parenting, starting from the FIRST stage to accompanying children's growth and development.

GATI is part of a more inclusive and gender-fair family development strategy.

In the midst of this effort, the film Call Me Father is present as a narrative medium that touches on similar issues. The film, which is scheduled to be released on July 30, 2025, is considered capable of conveying an important message about the meaning of a father's presence in a warm and touching manner, without having to be constructive.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN, Dr. Wihaji, S.Ag, M.Pd, in an audience with the film production team at the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN office, recently,

Minister Wihaji said that this film is relevant to the spirit of GATI and can be an effective means in voicing the importance of father roles in the lives of children and families.

According to him, through a simple but touching story approach, messages about father's presence can be more easily accepted by the wider community.

"Father's involvement is not only symbolic, but must be concrete in parenting. This film is one way to convey the message to the community emotionally and grounded," said Minister Wihaji.

The film Call Me, the father himself, tells the story of two debt collectors who experience life changes after meeting a girl. Their interaction creates an emotional dimension that shows how the role of fathers is not always born from blood relations, but also from the presence, responsibility, and sincere affection.

Film producer, Anggia Kharisma, explained that this film is not just entertainment, but also a form of celebrating family values.

He also revealed that the footage from the trailer for the film went viral at the same time as the moment of the Father's movement to Take Children to School on July 14, which indirectly strengthened the resonance of film messages with proud Kemenduk programs.

Minister Wihaji expressed his support and plans to attend the Gala Premiere film on July 30, while inviting his staff to watch together. He hopes this film can open up space for discussions in the community about the importance of father roles in forming a healthy and intact family.

Meanwhile, Iqbal from the promotion team of CJ Entertainment and Merchandising, the production house that works on this film, said that Call Me Ayah was a continuation of their consistency in raising the family theme.

"This film highlights the dynamics of fathers and children in particular, but still emphasizes the importance of families as the main foundation of society," said Iqbal.

Previously, they also produced films such as the Cemara Family, Nuansa The Movie, to the Celama Family Musical. This film, according to him, focuses more specifically on the role of fathers in today's family context.

The involvement of fathers in parenting is not only about the division of roles, but also about building a strong emotional bond between parents and children. Through popular arts and cultural approaches such as film, the message can reach wider and deeper.

The film Call Me, Dad, is an example of how entertainment media can take part in efforts to build an Indonesian family that is more resilient and empowered.