Indonesian actress Mawar De Jongh opens up about her experience portraying Kulsum in Hamka: Awal Mula Vol. 3, the final installment of the biographical film trilogy about the life of renowned Indonesian Islamic scholar and writer Buya Hamka.
In the film, Mawar takes on the role of Kulsum, a childhood friend of Buya Hamka whom he encounters again during a journey aboard a ship. To bring the character to life, Mawar revealed that she spent considerable time researching and gathering references, while also having in-depth discussions with the film’s director, Fajar.
“Since Kulsum is a childhood friend whom Buya Hamka meets during his journey on the ship, I did a lot of research and looked for references to understand the character. I also had several discussions with Mas Fajar, the director,” Mawar shared during a meeting in Jakarta on Friday (October 3).
Amazed by the Detailed Ship Set
One of Mawar’s most memorable experiences during production was filming the scenes between Kulsum and Hamka aboard the ship.
Although the scenes were filmed inside a studio, the production team built an elaborate ship set that left a lasting impression on the actress. She admitted that she was amazed by the scale and attention to detail when she first saw it.
“When I first saw the set, I couldn’t stop being amazed. I kept thinking about how much hard work from so many people went into building it. The details were incredible, and I felt so proud and grateful to be part of this project and to have the opportunity to film on such an amazing ship set,” she explained.
For Mawar, being able to work in such a carefully constructed environment made the filming experience even more special.
The Unexpected Challenge of Wearing a Long Shawl
Beyond the emotional demands of acting, Mawar also faced a rather unexpected challenge with her costume, particularly the long shawl she had to wear throughout the ship scenes.
The accessory required extra attention, especially when she had to move naturally while dealing with the wind during filming.
“One of the challenges was actually the look itself. Since my character had to wear a shawl on the ship, it was quite tricky because of the wind. I had to figure out how to move while making sure the shawl stayed in place,” she said.
Another challenging moment came towards the end of the film, when Mawar had to deliver an emotional crying scene. She admitted that the scene required her to immerse herself deeply in the character’s feelings.
A Journey Back to Buya Hamka’s Early Years
As the third and final installment of the Buya Hamka biographical trilogy, Hamka: Awal Mula Vol. 3 takes audiences back to the childhood and teenage years of the legendary figure, long before he became widely known as Buya Hamka.
The story follows his younger self, Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah, affectionately known as Malik, as he grows up near Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra.
A bright, adventurous, and free-spirited boy, Malik is also known for his rebellious nature and stubborn personality. His journey unfolds under the influence of his father, Haji Abdul Karim Amrullah, better known as Haji Rasul, a respected Islamic reformist scholar known for his strict discipline and strong principles.
However, their relationship is not always harmonious. Differences in personality and perspectives often create tension between father and son, particularly as Malik develops a growing passion for literature and explores his own understanding of life.
Through this final chapter, audiences will discover the formative experiences, personal struggles, and defining moments that shaped the young Malik into the influential figure he would eventually become.
Serving as the conclusion to the trilogy, Hamka: Awal Mula Vol. 3 offers a closer look at the beginnings of a remarkable journey, bringing audiences back to the roots of Buya Hamka’s life and legacy.
Mark your calendars! Hamka: Awal Mula Vol. 3 is set to hit cinemas across Indonesia on November 19, 2026.
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