Twin weddings have become a phenomenon rooted in the traditions of the Bugis-Makassar people.
Jakarta, June 9, 2025 — Marriage is a sacred moment for couples who have built a serious commitment in their relationship. However, due to cultural traditions and family expectations, weddings are often more complicated than they appear. Two families are joined, numerous conditions must be met, and costs can reach staggering amounts.
In Makassar, to deal with the soaring wedding expenses, parents of the bride and groom often choose to hold twin weddings — that is, multiple couples getting married at the same time — as a way to cut costs. But what if this unique practice were turned into a movie?
The answer lies in the latest romantic comedy film by Starvision and Rhaya Flicks, titled Jodoh 3 Bujang (Match for 3 Bachelors). Directed by Makassar native Arfan Sabran, the film follows the story of three bachelor brothers who face the dilemma of a twin wedding requested by their father.
Jodoh 3 Bujang tells the story of Fadly (Jourdy Pranata), Kifly (Christoffer Nelwan), and Ahmad (Rey Bong) — three brothers whose parents insist on a twin wedding due to financial constraints in fulfilling traditional customs. But when Fadly’s arranged partner is suddenly engaged to a wealthier man, he is left scrambling to find a new bride before time runs out — or risk canceling the entire wedding!
This film is inspired by a true story. According to the director, who also co-wrote the script with Erwin Wu and Alwi Shihab, the characters of the three bachelors are based on real people. The project originally began as a documentary concept pitched at the Akatara forum in 2019.
“When we were invited to Akatara, we proposed a documentary. We recorded the real-life stories of three bachelors — Fadly, Kifly, and Ahmad — just like in the film. Then Starvision approached us with the idea of turning it into a feature film. Mr. Chand Parwez supported me in directing it. And in Jodoh 3 Bujang, the real individuals who inspired the story will appear in the closing credits,” said Arfan Sabran, writer and director of the film.
In Jodoh 3 Bujang, Arfan uses comedy to explore deeper cultural themes. The uang panai, a traditional dowry in Bugis-Makassar culture, is portrayed as a shifting symbol in modern times.
“In this era of flexing, uang panai has shifted in meaning. Twin weddings have become an economic solution in Makassar. Hopefully, this film will satisfy audiences and contribute to the richness of Indonesian cinema,” Arfan added.
“This is a story that’s stayed with me since 2019. It’s a true story. The idea of a twin wedding is compelling, but even more so is the deeper message — how matchmaking reflects family honor, and how it challenges the idea of soulmates as a once-in-a-lifetime decision,” said producer Chand Parwez Servia.
Jodoh 3 Bujang will premiere in cinemas on June 26, 2025! Stay updated via the official Instagram accounts @jodohtigabujang and @starvisionplus, as well as TikTok @StarvisionOfficial.
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