Perang Kota: Love, Fear, and Resistance in Jalan Tak Ada Ujung

Mochtar Lubis’ Jalan Tak Ada Ujung, first published in 1952, remains one of Indonesia’s most profound psychological novels. This gripping narrative explores the complexities of fear, trauma, and personal redemption, set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Now, more than seven decades later, its essence finds a new form in Perang Kota, a film by acclaimed director Mouly Surya.

At its core, Jalan Tak Ada Ujung is a deep character study of Guru Isa, a mild-mannered schoolteacher whose life is profoundly altered by war. Scarred by his experiences during the Japanese occupation, Isa suffers from psychological turmoil that manifests as sexual impotence, symbolizing his internalized fear and powerlessness. As Indonesia fights for independence, he is drawn into the resistance movement, where he must confront both external oppression and his personal demons. His journey through acts of sabotage, captivity, and relentless suffering ultimately forces him to redefine himself, uncovering a newfound resilience.

Mochtar Lubis masterfully weaves psychological tension with political commentary, making Jalan Tak Ada Ujung not just a war story but an intimate portrayal of human struggle. The novel’s raw, unflinching narrative cemented its place as one of Indonesia’s literary treasures, known for its depth, emotional intensity, and exploration of the human psyche in times of war.

From Page to Screen: A New Interpretation

Director Mouly Surya, a long-time admirer of Mochtar Lubis’ prose, took on the challenge of adapting Jalan Tak Ada Ujung into Perang Kota with a fresh perspective. Rather than directly translating the novel into a screenplay, Surya sought to capture its thematic essence while reshaping the story for modern audiences.

Mouly Surya shared that the novel had a profound emotional impact on her. She mentioned how reading it allowed her to immediately visualize its world and feel the depth of its themes. Her adaptation, she noted, wasn’t about faithfully retelling the book but rather about capturing its essence and interpreting it through a modern perspective.

Her vision was to craft a film that reflects the spirit of Jalan Tak Ada Ujung while allowing for creative reinterpretation. The result is Perang Kota, a wartime drama that retains the psychological depth of the novel while presenting a broader perspective on urban warfare and resistance in post-independence Jakarta.

A Story of War, Love, and Inner Conflict

Perang Kota transports audiences to Jakarta in 1946, following Isa (played by Chicco Jerikho), a teacher and war veteran tasked with a dangerous mission: assassinating a high-ranking Dutch colonial officer. Unlike in the novel, where Isa’s struggle is largely internal, the film intensifies the external conflicts, embedding his personal dilemmas within a city gripped by chaos. Alongside his comrade Hazil (Jerome Kurnia) and his wife Fatimah (Ariel Tatum), Isa navigates a world where survival demands both physical and psychological resilience.

Surya’s adaptation also reimagines Fatimah’s role, offering a more nuanced exploration of women’s struggles during wartime—an element subtly present but not fully explored in Lubis’ novel. The film expands the narrative scope while staying true to the novel’s exploration of fear, morality, and identity.

Read also Indonesia’s Mouly Surya to adapt Mochtar Lubis novel with Go Studio 

Honoring a Literary Classic

By reinterpreting Jalan Tak Ada Ujung, Perang Kota introduces Mochtar Lubis’ timeless themes to a new generation. The novel’s enduring impact lies in its ability to dissect the human psyche during times of crisis, a theme that remains relevant today. While Perang Kota offers a broader, action-driven take on the story, it remains deeply rooted in Lubis’ exploration of fear, courage, and redemption.

Set to premiere in Indonesian cinemas on April 30, 2025, Perang Kota is not just a historical war film—it is a tribute to one of Indonesia’s greatest literary works. Whether through the written word or the visual medium, the story of Isa continues to resonate, reminding us that in war, the greatest battles are often fought within ourselves.