JAKARTA Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, attended a special screening of the film Gowok: Kamasutra Java at Studio XXI Plaza Senayan, Jakarta, Monday, June 2. The latest film by Hanung Bramantyo is produced by MVP Pictures and Dapur Film, highlighting the almost forgotten Javanese cultural tradition: the fun profession.
Gowok was a woman's profession in the 1900s who was tasked with educating the bride and groom about the intricacies of having sex, in order to make her wife happy on the first night. Only a noble and rich family was able to 'beaten up' his son to a girl.
This film is interesting because it raises a nearly extinct tradition. This is part of the mosaics of Indonesian culture that deserve to be raised to the big screen. This kind of cinema is important to enrich our cultural narrative," said Menbud Fadli Zon after watching the film.
He added that the film Gowok does not only touch historical aspects, but also displays the richness of narratives about sexuality, male and female relationships, as well as the social roles that have existed in Javanese society. Fadli reminded the importance of classifying age in the screening of this film.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, was also present and gave similar appreciation. "This film can open public awareness of history that is often hidden. We need to know the roots of our own culture, including taboo aspects," he said.
This film is inspired by the classic text of Serat Centhini, a Javanese literary work that discusses many aspects of life, including sexual education. Through a cinematic approach, this film highlights the dynamics and hidden side of the former gowok profession that was respected.
In Gowok: Kamasutra Java, Raihaanun plays Nyai Ratri, the main gowok, along with stars such as Reza Rahadian (as Kamajaya), Lola Amaria, Devano Danendra, Djenar Maesa Ayu, Slamet Rahardjo, and others.
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This special broadcast was also attended by the Presidential Special Staff for Creative Economy Yovie Widianto, Director General of Development, Utilization, and Culture Development Ahmad Mahendra, as well as Director of Film, Music and Art, Syaifullah Agam.
Before showing in Indonesian cinemas starting June 5, 2025, this film was first screened at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
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