Asri Welas, Nirina Zubir, Happy Salma, Tika Panggabean
Photo credit: Netflix
Netflix held a press conference in Jakarta to present Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series, with the cast and creators of the show. The newest Indonesian Netflix series, starring Nirina Zubir, Tika Panggabean, Happy Salma, and Asri Welas, began streaming today, September 12, 2025.
Produced in collaboration with Palari Films—with Muhammad Zaidy (Eddy) as showrunner, directed by Lucky Kuswandi, and script written by Andri Cung—this series is a prequel to the film Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens (2021). It follows four Indonesian immigrant women of different personalities as they try to build a new life together in Queens, New York. Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series tells the story around eight years before they meet Ali.
At the press conference, Eddy shared stories behind the creation: about the friendship among the four characters who try to navigate life in a foreign land.“Actually, the initial idea was to make the series first, before having the idea for the film Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens, but then at that time we decided to make the film version, introducing other characters,” he said.“After the film succeeded on Netflix, we felt the need to continue this story. Apart from the many questions from viewers about these four characters, as creators we also wanted to explore them more deeply. The story of Indonesian immigrants and diaspora in their 30s–40s is rarely shown, the struggle is rarely told in full. It feels like their story is important to be told. So we returned to the original idea and explored again to make this series.”
Photo: Michael Notardonato, Muhammad Zaidy, Luna Allegra
Photo credit: Netflix
Lucky Kuswandi said that the diversity of the four characters is one of the attractions of Ratu Ratu Queens, along with life issues that are relevant to the audience.“We had many discussions and made sure that each character’s journey leads toward how they appear in the film. For example, Chinta in the film seems very ‘at peace’, but in this series there is still inner turmoil; she is not yet as calm. Or Ance—why she can be so tough. Each character has their own storyline that we maintain,” he explained.
Photo: Happy Salma, Asri Welas, Lucky Kuswandi
Photo credit: Netflix
For Andri, this project was very fulfilling because he’s a fan of Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens.“This opportunity is extraordinary because I ‘know’ these four characters well,” he said. “Coincidentally, I was also part of the diaspora, and I met women like the characters in this series. I talked with them and listened to their stories. The challenge is how to develop the story while staying true to the characters’ nature.”
Andri also conducted field research by visiting New York with Palari Films and meeting diverse members of the diaspora there to inform the writing process.
As one of the primary cast members, Nirina Zubir expressed her appreciation for the story told in the series.“We are very happy that Palari and Netflix want to tell a story of women who are not in their youth. When we got this opportunity, we were surprised and felt it was such a blessing. In this series, the story is us—with all our problems. I feel honored and lucky to be part of this beautiful story.”
She also shared her experience playing Party, who pursues working in New York.“I became part of the diaspora since I was young, and the character I portray are people I saw when I was young. In Hong Kong, my parents often dealt with migrant workers and all their life stories, so for me this has a special connection,” Nirina said.
Photo: Tika Panggabean, Nirina Zubir
Photo credit: Netflix
Meanwhile, Tika Panggabean shared her experience playing Ance, a single mother of a teenager.“She’s a single mom who is firm, rigid, and wants control over everything. It doesn’t mean she’s cruel; in fact, in her heart there is kindness and love which is hard for her to express because of certain conditions,” she said.
Happy Salma praised Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series for being inspired by real stories.“The female perspective is very compelling because it tells how they face life and fight through tears while being resilient. This series is an exceptional alternative to watch and as an actor I feel fortunate to get such varied stories, giving new ways to understand language and different expressions.”
For Asri Welas, her character Biyah is quite unique.“Biyah is indifferent, has no clear purpose in life, and does as she pleases,” she laughed. “On the other hand, New York may be a dream for many as a place to work or live comfortably, but it turns out it’s not that easy. Everything requires hard work and sacrifice. I interacted with several Indonesian women living there and heard their stories of survival. In this series you can see how these women fight.”
Photo: Asri Welas, Lucky Kuswandi, Nirina Zubir, Happy Salma, Tika Panggabean
Photo credit: Netflix
The story of perseverance, friendship, and the struggle to survive in a foreign land is wrapped in drama, light comedy, and heart-touching moments. Ratu Ratu Queens offers an emotional viewing experience through its complex character dynamics.
Eddy expressed hope that audiences in Indonesia and around the world will feel connected to the series.“Hopefully people will feel this story is relevant to them, be moved and entertained,” he concluded.
Make sure you don’t miss the premiere of Ratu Ratu Queens today, exclusively on Netflix.
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