A story of idealism, friendship, courage, and devastating loss is coming to the big screen.

Pal8 Pictures has unveiled the official poster and trailer for Laut Bercerita, the highly anticipated film directed by Yosep Anggi Noen and adapted from Leila S. Chudori’s bestselling novel. The film follows a group of young activists who dare to fight for their vision of a democratic Indonesia, while exploring the profound impact of disappearance on the people left behind.

At the center of the story is Biru Laut, played by Reza Rahadian, a young activist who becomes part of the student group Winatra. Together with his fellow activists, Biru Laut is driven by the belief that a better and more democratic Indonesia is worth fighting for.

The newly released trailer offers a glimpse into their growing activism. Their movement becomes increasingly intense after three activists are put on trial for reading and distributing banned books. Biru Laut and his friends also become involved in supporting farmers as they face various struggles, bringing them closer to the realities of people fighting for their rights.

But their activism comes at a devastating cost.

One by one, Biru Laut and several members of Winatra disappear without a trace. Their whereabouts remain unknown, leaving their families and friends searching for answers while holding on to the hope that they will someday return.

Among those refusing to let that hope disappear is Asmara Jati, Biru Laut’s younger sister, portrayed by Yunita Siregar. Asmara becomes a powerful representation of those left behind—people who must live with uncertainty while keeping the memories of their missing loved ones alive.

The film’s official poster further emphasizes its themes of memory and absence. Behind every name that disappears is a family still waiting, a friendship left unfinished, and a story that refuses to be forgotten.

“This film tries to show things that can be painful, inspiring, and warm, while encouraging people to reflect on the meaning of friendship and family,” Yosep Anggi Noen said during a press conference at XXI Plaza Senayan on September 9, 2026.

For Anggi, the grief experienced by families and friends does not simply end with mourning. Their decision to continue waiting, searching, and remembering becomes another form of resistance.

Reza Rahadian is no stranger to the role of Biru Laut. He previously portrayed the character in the short-film adaptation of Laut Bercerita. However, he believes the feature-length version offers a deeper and more complex exploration of the story while maintaining its poetic approach.

“We live from one era to another, and we will always have hope. There will always be young people who create change and influence the journey of a nation,” Reza said.

Meanwhile, Yunita Siregar described the process of portraying Asmara Jati as emotionally challenging. She admitted that she often cried while reading stories about families who had lost their loved ones.

For Yunita, however, loss does not necessarily mean forgetting. Instead, remembering can become another way of continuing to love someone who is no longer there.

“Grieving does not mean forgetting, but loving in another way,” Yunita said. “Asmara, her family, and her friends love Biru Laut through his absence, while continuing to remember him.”

That idea of remembrance lies at the emotional core of Laut Bercerita. The film is not only about those who disappeared, but also about the people who continue living with their absence.

For author Leila S. Chudori, the film also offers an opportunity for audiences to look back at Indonesia’s history while encouraging younger generations to imagine a better future.

She hopes Laut Bercerita can serve as a window through which audiences can revisit Indonesia’s past and, at the same time, inspire young people today to dare to dream of a better Indonesia.

Adapted from Leila S. Chudori’s bestselling novel, Laut Bercerita features a screenplay co-written by Leila and Anggi Noen. The film stars Reza Rahadian, Yunita Siregar, Eva Celia, Christine Hakim, Dian Sastrowardoyo, and other prominent Indonesian actors.

Laut Bercerita is scheduled to premiere in Indonesian cinemas on October 29, 2026. Before its domestic theatrical release, the film will make its world premiere in the Main Competition section of the 2026 Busan International Film Festival.

Running from October 6 to 15, 2026, the festival will mark the film’s first major international presentation. Its selection for the main competition represents an important milestone for Laut Bercerita and another significant moment for Indonesian cinema on the international stage.

More than a story about student activists, Laut Bercerita is ultimately a story about what remains after someone disappears: memories, unanswered questions, love, and the determination to keep searching for the truth.

And sometimes, remembering is itself an act of resistance.