From the Indonesian Idol stage to the big screen, Axelo Nababan is entering an exciting new chapter in his career. The young singer will make his feature-film debut as Daniel in Pulang Kampung, Indonesia’s first Batak musical film, set to hit theaters on November 26, 2026.

For Axelo Nababan, the journey from music to acting is more than just a career expansion. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with his cultural roots.

Best known as one of the Top 11 finalists on Indonesian Idol Season 13 (2024–2025), the young performer is now taking on a leading role in Pulang Kampung, a musical film produced by IMAJINARI. Written and directed by Bene Dion Rajagukguk, with Kristo Immanuel serving as co-director, the film brings Batak culture and musical storytelling to Indonesian cinema.

For Axelo, whose full name is Axel Hasian Nababan, the project marks his first feature-length film after an earlier acting appearance in the RCTI soap opera Benci Jadi Bucin, in which he played Paul.

From Indonesian Idol to the Big Screen

Born in South Tangerang on July 23, 2006, Axelo first captured public attention with his distinctive vocal style, characterized by contemporary R&B influences.

His journey on Indonesian Idol Season 13 introduced him to a wider audience, taking him through the competition’s Spectacular Shows and into the Top 11. Although the competition was a major milestone, it was only the beginning of his artistic journey.

Following the show, Axelo continued developing his music career with releases including “Amit-amit” and the single “Mana Sayapnya.” His move into acting now adds another dimension to his growing portfolio, demonstrating his willingness to explore different forms of creative expression.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Axelo is also studying Communication Science at Pelita Harapan University (UPH), balancing his education with the demands of an emerging career in entertainment.

With Pulang Kampung, he steps into a new challenge: carrying a leading role in a feature film while exploring a story deeply connected to his own heritage.

A Character Who Reflects His Own Journey

In Pulang Kampung, Axelo plays Daniel, a young Batak man who was born and raised in Jakarta and has limited familiarity with Batak traditions.

Interestingly, the character shares a similar background with Axelo himself, creating a personal connection that became a starting point for understanding Daniel’s journey.

Rather than simply portraying a fictional character, Axelo has the opportunity to explore questions of identity, belonging, and cultural connection through the role.

Daniel’s story reflects the experience of growing up in a metropolitan environment while remaining connected to an ancestral heritage that may not always be part of everyday life. As the character learns more about Batak customs, he begins a journey of discovery that also resonates with Axelo’s own experience during production.

The role therefore presents a challenge that extends beyond acting. It invites him to understand the cultural traditions, values, and relationships that shape the character’s world.

Through this process, Pulang Kampung offers Axelo a chance to deepen his connection with Batak culture while bringing Daniel’s personal journey to life on screen.

Reuniting With Indonesian Idol Friend Vanessa Simorangkir

Another special aspect of the project is Axelo’s reunion with Vanessa Simorangkir, his fellow contestant from Indonesian Idol Season 13.

In the film, Vanessa plays Uli, Daniel’s pariban — a relationship term in Batak culture associated with a traditional cross-cousin relationship and, in certain contexts, a potential spouse.

Uli helps Daniel learn more about Batak culture, making her an important part of his journey toward understanding his roots.

For Axelo and Vanessa, working together again represents a new chapter in their relationship as fellow performers. After sharing the competitive environment of a televised singing competition, they now reunite in a feature film, taking on different characters and exploring a new creative medium.

Their involvement also brings a musical connection to the project, reflecting the talents that first introduced them to Indonesian audiences.

A New Challenge Beyond Music

Moving from singing competitions to acting in a feature film requires more than a strong voice. It demands an understanding of character, emotional expression, and the ability to tell a story through performance.

For Axelo, Pulang Kampung represents an important step in that transition.

His previous experience in Benci Jadi Bucin gave him an introduction to acting, but taking on the role of Daniel marks a more substantial commitment to the craft. As the film’s leading actor, he has the opportunity to demonstrate a different side of his abilities beyond the musical performances that made him recognizable to audiences.

At the same time, the film’s cultural setting adds another layer to his development as a performer. By exploring Daniel’s relationship with his Batak heritage, Axelo can draw on personal similarities while developing a character whose experiences unfold within the film’s larger story.

The result is a role that connects his professional growth with a more personal exploration of identity.

Bringing Batak Culture to Indonesian Cinema

As Indonesia’s first Batak musical film, Pulang Kampung carries significance beyond the careers of its young stars.

The project brings Batak culture into the spotlight through a musical format, offering audiences an opportunity to experience stories and traditions connected to the community’s heritage.

With Bene Dion Rajagukguk as writer-director and Kristo Immanuel as co-director, the film combines a culturally rooted narrative with the musical talents of performers such as Axelo and Vanessa.

Daniel’s journey provides an accessible entry point for audiences who may share similar experiences of growing up away from their ancestral hometowns or feeling less familiar with their family’s cultural traditions.

For viewers who are deeply connected to Batak culture, the film may offer a different opportunity to see aspects of their heritage represented on screen. For others, it can serve as an introduction to a cultural world that deserves greater visibility in Indonesian cinema.

A Promising New Chapter for Axelo Nababan

From reaching the Top 11 on Indonesian Idol to preparing for his first feature-film appearance, Axelo Nababan continues to explore new possibilities as a young entertainer.

His role in Pulang Kampung brings together several important aspects of his journey: music, acting, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of his cultural background.

The film also reunites him with Vanessa Simorangkir in a project that takes both performers beyond the competition stage and into a new chapter of their careers.

Audiences will be able to see Axelo take on the role of Daniel when Pulang Kampung arrives in Indonesian cinemas on November 26, 2026.

For this rising talent, the film is not simply a big-screen debut. It is also a story about discovering where you come from — and finding new ways to express who you are.