EKSIL (2023) — AINUN’S FILM REVIEW
Ratings: 10/10
I watched “EKSIL” a week ago in Senayan Jakarta, during the peak of Indonesia’s 2024 election campaign. Completely forgetting that it coincided with the kampanye akbar of one candidate in the area, fortunately enough I could pass through the traffic with ease (later, I would find out my friends weren’t as lucky, getting stuck for hours because of the event).
Overall, “EKSIL” is a story of trauma, of exiles whose existence was forcibly removed, stripped of their national identity and stranded in foreign lands. This documentary follows the collective heart-wrenching memories of Indonesian scholars whose lives were upended by the tragedy of 1965. A topic which, remains shrouded in taboo, with fears of prejudice or worse — prosecution, even after 25 years of political reformation.
Lola Amaria, the creator, shines a spotlight on these forgotten voices, offering them a medium to retell their truths before they fully fade into obscurity. While the film primarily focuses on the exiles, Lola Amaria skilfully weaves in a few historical clips and monologues, triggering the audience to reflect on the broader context of our nation’s history and politics.
I rarely ever give a 10/10, but “EKSIL” unquestionably earns every point. recommend everyone, regardless of political stance or belief, to please watch this. Particularly with our nation’s presidential and legislative body election coming up in just a few days, this is our chance — the people, to carefully choose our future leaders and representatives. Those who will make crucial decisions for our living and wellbeing. Those who will shape the trajectory of our nation and future. For those whose aspirations and pleas have always gone unheard, February 14th presents a rare occasion where our voices hold power. So, please use it wisely. In a democracy, no vote is worthless, no voice is insignificant.
Quoting Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky in their book “How Democracies Die”:
“No single political leader can end a democracy; no single leader can rescue one, either. Democracy is a shared enterprise. Its fate depends on all of us”
Granted, this is not going to be an easy watch — I sobbed throughout the entire film — but it provides a necessary understanding of our history, a context for us to decide where we go from here. Which, at this moment, is in dire need of saving.
