Indonesia may be a conservative country, but the nation has never held back on the central theme of romance in art.

Whether it be through folklore, poetry, music or film, Indonesian media often revolves around it.

An article by Richard Fox discussed how the collapse of the New Order (1965-1998) introduced the start of openness in Indonesian media. Loosening of broadcast laws prompted rapid change in new media and cultural production, which in turn, created a profound change in everything including people’s conceptions of romance and intimacy. Film became a medium for the youth to express a desire for change from old values, attaining more freedom to explore love.

It’s no doubt that romance has established itself as one of the country’s most esteemed and celebrated genres.

Some of these include Heart (2006) and Ayat-Ayat Cinta (2008), both films being with equally popular soundtracks. But, one film that undoubtedly made its mark in Indonesian cinemascape is Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? (2002)—or, known by its international title, What is Up with Love?.

Otherwise known as AADC, this film depicts the fiery love that ensues when two sensitive high schoolers connect through poetry and fall for one another. Apart from the iconic performances that propelled actors Dian Sastrowardoyo and Nicholas Saputra into stardom, the film’s renowned soundtrack, Y2K fashion, and depictions of girlhood earn it a throne among classic Indonesian romcoms. Like any substantial media product, it has a lot to say and covers issues that remain relevant until today, such as the government injustices, domestic violence, and social disparities. Nonetheless, it remains easy to enjoy as a piece of nostalgia for a time when things were simpler.

Twenty-two years later, Saputra continues to live up to his roots acting in romantic dramas with the 2024 release of Teddy Soeriaatmadja’s The Architecture of Love (abbreviated as TAOL), based on Ika Natassa’s novel of the same name. It’s a gripping tale of betrayal and loss of Raia and River as they embark on a journey of healing and acceptance. Set against a backdrop of New York City’s cozy winter, the film uses the landmarks as part of its plot, exploring the couple’s relationship through locations like a vacation house in Montauk, Grand Central Terminal, to a coffee shop on Manhattan’s W 59th St. Although it isn’t uncommon for Indonesian romance films to be set in Western countries, this one felt different due to its sincerity in why it was set in the Big Apple.

Films in Indonesia are usually made to facilitate escapism, and would be set in faraway places for this very reason.

At times, this can’t help but feel out-of-touch and somewhat elitist considering that the majority of Indonesians are not able to simply go on vacation to a first-world country to take a break from life. What made TAOL different is the fact that the focus was constantly on the characters and their blooming love rather than the grandeur of New York City.

Another earlier release from 2023 also challenges common tropes perforating Indonesian romances. Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-Film (Falling In Love Like In Movies) tells the story of a filmmaker, Bagus, who tries to convince his grieving high-school crush Hana to give love another chance by making a movie about their potential relationship. With a refreshing depiction of romance, it focuses on the love story of middle-aged people who represent the general public more accurately than other movies do.

Starring Ringgo Agus Rahman and Nirina Zubir as the romantic leads, this feature abandons the usual gimmicks used in Indonesian romance films, like having eurocentric actors leading the plot or being set in a wintry foreign country. In a way, it is the complete opposite of TAOL while still delivering the same hopeful portrayal of love. It was also compelling in the way it romanticized the struggles of being a creative in this country, having to deal with unrealistic demands but persevering for the sake of art.

In a highly collectivist society that is driven by underpinnings of interpersonal relationships, it’s undeniable that romance becomes a ubiquitous facet of the Indonesian social systems. A reflection of its people, it’s clear that Indonesian romance films flourish in depictions of love that are as unique as they are sincere.

It builds on a sense of relatability where escapist romance doesn’t seem all too far-fetched anymore.