Pulang Kampung: New Batak Musical Film by Ernest Prakasa

A new Batak-language musical film titled “Pulang Kampung” is set to begin principal photography on April 21, 2026, in the Samosir regency of North Sumatra, Indonesia. The production, led by director Bene Dion Rajagukguk and producer Uli, will run for 21 days across various locations on Pulau Samosir, highlighting the region’s cultural landscapes and traditions. The film marks a significant effort to bring Batak stories to national audiences through the musical genre, blending contemporary storytelling with indigenous themes.

According to CNN Indonesia, the project is being developed under the banner of Imaginari, a production house known for its focus on Indonesian regional narratives. The film’s title, “Pulang Kampung” (Returning Home), reflects its central narrative of reconnection with ancestral roots, a theme that has resonated in recent Indonesian cinema. Principal photography will take place in traditional Batak villages, lakeside areas, and cultural sites across Samosir, with the production team coordinating closely with local communities to ensure authentic representation.

Ernest Prakasa, a prominent Indonesian filmmaker and actor, has been involved in shaping the film’s creative direction. In interviews with MSN and other outlets, Prakasa explained that his recurring interest in Batak-inspired stories stems from a desire to explore underrepresented narratives in mainstream Indonesian cinema. He emphasized that “Pulang Kampung” is not only a cultural homage but also a platform to showcase Batak music, language, and values through a modern musical format.

The film features a cast that includes emerging talents Axelo Nababan and Vanessa Zee, who are making their acting debuts in this production. According to Suara Merdeka Jakarta, both performers were selected after a series of workshops and auditions focused on identifying artists with both acting potential and a connection to Batak heritage. Nababan, a singer known for his work in regional music, and Zee, a dancer and vocalist, underwent intensive preparation to embody their roles, which involve both dramatic performance and musical numbers rooted in Batak traditions.

Harian Bogor Raya reported that the film’s storyline interweaves personal romance with subtle political undertones, following a young man’s return to his village and his reconnection with family, tradition, and community dynamics. The narrative touches on themes of local leadership, generational change, and the tension between modern aspirations and cultural preservation. While not overtly political, the film uses its setting to reflect on how young Batak individuals navigate identity in a changing societal landscape.

Music plays a central role in the film, with original compositions drawing from traditional Batak gondang and ogle genres, reimagined for a cinematic musical context. The soundtrack is expected to feature contributions from established Batak musicians, though specific names have not yet been officially confirmed by the production team. The integration of live-recorded vocals and choreographed dance sequences aims to distinguish “Pulang Kampung” from conventional drama films, positioning it as a hybrid of musical theater and cinematic storytelling.

Producer Uli confirmed that the 21-day shoot schedule is designed to maximize efficiency while respecting local customs and minimizing disruption to village life. Filming will occur during daylight hours, with crew members adhering to cultural protocols when entering sacred or communal spaces. The production has engaged local advisors and cultural consultants to guide costume design, set decoration, and ritual depictions, ensuring that cultural elements are portrayed with accuracy and respect.

Once completed, “Pulang Kampung” is slated for submission to national film festivals and a potential theatrical release in Indonesian bioskop (cinemas). The film aligns with a growing trend of regional-language productions gaining wider distribution, following the success of similar projects that have highlighted Javanese, Sundanese, and Papuan cultures. Industry observers note that such films contribute to cultural diversity in Indonesian cinema while appealing to audiences seeking authentic, locally rooted stories.

As of April 19, 2026, no official trailer or teaser has been released. The production team has indicated that behind-the-scenes content may be shared through Imaginari’s social media channels in the weeks following the conclusion of filming. Updates on post-production timelines, festival submissions, and distribution plans are expected to be announced in the coming months.