The lives of people in Medan have always been fascinating to portray on the big screen. From their straightforward way of speaking and outspoken personalities to their spontaneous, no-nonsense sense of humor, Medan’s culture offers a unique charm rarely found elsewhere. It’s no surprise that the Medan accent has become a strong selling point for many actors, comedians, and content creators in Indonesia’s entertainment industry.
After the success of Naga Bonar, audiences have longed for more films that highlight Medan’s distinctive flavor. That longing is now answered with a new comedy film titled AIU-EO: Macam Betool Aja, set to hit theaters on February 12, 2026.
The film stars Lolox (Alung), Andri Mashadi (Igor), Oki Rengga (Ujai), Adi Sudirja (Udin), and Michelle Ziudith. The story follows three close friends who are struggling to build their Event Organizer (EO) business. In the midst of chasing their dreams, they become entangled in a series of conflicts while preparing a wedding for a ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. From there, chaos unfolds—packed with nonstop comedy and the signature humor of Medan.
Beyond delivering laughs, AIU-EO: Macam Betool Aja also presents a vivid portrayal of Medan’s rich and diverse culture. This aspect was highlighted by Mathias Muchus, who plays Sofia’s father in the film. During the film’s press screening at Cinema XXI Epicentrum on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), he emphasized the importance of producing more films set in regional cities.
“We shouldn’t always be fed films made in Jakarta. We need to explore other cities, especially outside Java, so people can get to know our diverse cultures,” said Mathias.
Adi Sudirja shared a similar perspective. According to him, many people still misunderstand Medan as being associated with only one ethnic group.
“People often think Medan is purely Batak, when in fact there are more Malays. Medan today is multiethnic—there are Malays, Bataks, Chinese, Arabs, Indians, and many others. That’s what makes it interesting,” Adi explained.
Meanwhile, Andri Mashadi admitted he had to work extra hard to master the Medan accent for his role. Not being a native of Medan, he was grateful for the help of Lolox and Oki Rengga, who introduced him directly to Medan’s stand-up comedy community.
“I was invited to hang out, meet Medan comedians, and even travel to Medan during a stand-up comedy competition. That experience helped me a lot,” said Andri.
With a strong lineup of comedians—especially the presence of Oki Rengga—the film is expected to deliver fresh humor along with a relatable story. The hope is that AIU-EO: Macam Betool Aja will replicate the success of the comedy hit Agak Laen, which attracted millions of viewers.
At the very least, this film will spark curiosity—and smiles—among Medan audiences, eager to see how their everyday lives are portrayed on the big screen with a comedic touch that truly feels “macam betool aja.”
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