Starring Atiqah Hasiholan as the legendary Admiral Malahayati, the upcoming Indonesian historical film highlights how grief can become a powerful force for courage, resistance, and the fight for freedom.

JAKARTA — Grief and loss do not always bring life to a standstill. Sometimes, the most painful experiences become the very source of strength that inspires people to rise, fight back, and pursue something greater than themselves. This powerful message lies at the heart of Pasukan 1000 Janda, an upcoming Indonesian historical film inspired by the remarkable story of Admiral Malahayati and the women warriors of Aceh.

For Atiqah Hasiholan, who portrays Malahayati, being part of the film is both an honor and a deeply meaningful experience. She believes the story demonstrates how women can transform fear, heartbreak, and personal tragedy into the courage to fight for a greater cause.

Speaking at a press conference held at XXI Epicentrum in Jakarta on Monday (November 2, 2026), Atiqah expressed her admiration for the women whose stories inspired the film.

She noted that even 400 to 500 years ago, women had already demonstrated an extraordinary ability to turn painful experiences into meaningful struggles.

Rather than allowing sorrow to consume them, these women chose to move forward and take an active role in the fight for their homeland.

“They did not simply become discouraged, remain sad, or allow themselves to fall apart. Instead, that sadness became the fire that pushed them to stand at the forefront,” Atiqah said.

Bringing an Extraordinary Female Hero Back to the Spotlight

Beyond its portrayal of courage and resilience, Pasukan 1000 Janda also seeks to introduce a remarkable Indonesian historical figure to a wider audience.

Atiqah believes that Indonesia has many extraordinary female heroes whose stories deserve greater recognition. While historical films often place male figures at the center of their narratives, the nation’s history is equally rich with women who demonstrated exceptional bravery, leadership, and determination.

One such figure is Malahayati, the legendary Acehnese naval commander whose name is associated with resistance against foreign colonial forces.

Her reputation extended beyond Indonesia, reaching European accounts of the region’s maritime conflicts. For Atiqah, this makes Malahayati’s story particularly important to bring to the big screen.

She hopes the film will inspire other filmmakers to explore more stories about Indonesia’s overlooked female heroes.

“Hopefully, with the release of Pasukan 1000 Janda, other filmmakers will also be inspired to discover the many other heroes Indonesia has, including remarkable women whose stories deserve to be told,” she said.

Through Malahayati’s journey, the film aims to challenge conventional perceptions of heroism while celebrating the significant contributions women have made throughout Indonesian history.

A Personal Tribute to Aceh’s History

For director and screenwriter Archi Hekagery, bringing Malahayati’s story to the screen is more than just a filmmaking project. It is also a personal tribute to his ancestral homeland.

As someone with Acehnese roots, Archi feels a strong connection to the history and legacy of the region. He hopes to introduce one of Aceh’s most inspiring historical figures to a broader audience, particularly younger generations who may not yet be familiar with her remarkable achievements.

Interestingly, one of his biggest motivations for making the film comes from a deeply personal place: his own child.

Archi wants his child to grow up knowing that Indonesia has extraordinary national heroes, including women whose courage and accomplishments are worthy of admiration.

“Most importantly, I really wanted to make this film for my own child, so that they would know that our nation has a hero as remarkable as Malahayati,” he explained.

For Archi, the film is therefore not simply about revisiting the past. It is about ensuring that the stories of Indonesia’s historical figures continue to live on through future generations.

He hopes Pasukan 1000 Janda will encourage children and young audiences to take a greater interest in national history and recognize the important role women have played in shaping the country’s identity.

Celebrating the Strength of Indonesian Women

Producer Yuda Wirafianto shares a similar vision. He believes the film carries an important message about the strength, dignity, and resilience of Indonesian women.

Through the story of Malahayati and the Inong Balee warriors, the film seeks to challenge the perception that women are inherently vulnerable or incapable of defending themselves.

Instead, it presents women as individuals with the courage and determination to protect not only themselves and their families but also their homeland.

Yuda hopes the film will leave a lasting legacy by reminding audiences that Indonesian women should never be underestimated, exploited, or treated as weak.

“I hope this film becomes a legacy, showing that Indonesian women are not fragile, nor are they people who can easily be exploited, conquered, or looked down upon,” he said.

He also emphasized that Pasukan 1000 Janda is dedicated to Indonesian families from all walks of life. Beyond its historical setting and dramatic storytelling, the production hopes to deliver a message of courage and national pride that resonates with audiences of different generations.

A Story of Courage That Deserves to Be Remembered

At its heart, Pasukan 1000 Janda is a story about transforming personal tragedy into collective strength. Through the story of Malahayati and the Inong Balee warriors, the film revisits a chapter of Indonesian history that deserves greater recognition.

It also serves as a reminder that courage does not belong to one gender and that women have long played an essential role in defending their communities, families, and homeland.

By bringing these historical figures to the big screen, the filmmakers hope to spark renewed appreciation for Indonesia’s female heroes while inspiring younger generations to learn more about their nation’s past.

With its powerful themes of resilience, patriotism, and female empowerment, Pasukan 1000 Janda promises to offer more than a historical spectacle. It aims to deliver an inspiring reminder that even the deepest wounds can become the beginning of extraordinary strength.

Mark your calendar: Pasukan 1000 Janda is scheduled to hit Indonesian cinemas on November 12, 2026.