Gabinwong

Although residing in Southeast Asia, I am not really that keen to explore the rich cultures in the region, as least not as keen as those backpack travelers. But this film did provide me very good initiative to have a closer look in this evolving and dynamic region, which is the junction of different civilizations.

Polygamy is a very unique element in Muslim culture, which might be very unpleasant to people emerged in modern civilization. But this film has addressed this issue with very contemporary way of thinking. The concerns of the parties involved in polygamy are no much different from a normal lover. And the new generation of Indonesian women is trying as hard as their counterparts in China, India or other Asian societies to retain their independence and create their new self. Hence we can see a humble country girl is daring enough to leave the ignorant husband and even not fear of developing an unusual intimate relationship with a fellow polygamy victim; and staying single and concentrating on pursuing a gorgeous career, such as acting, are no longer luxury dreams for young women.

It is also interesting to compare the attitudes from different religious groups (Muslim and Catholics) and different races towards polygamy, which reflects the influences of sub-culture groups on the multi-cultural and multi-racial society in Indonesia.

From the kaleidoscopic view of the female population in Indonesia, I can see a dynamic nation which is evolving from a traditional religious country towards a more liberal, modern and diverse society.