Betawi Culture Association Slams Benyamin Biang Kerok Movie

TEMPO.CO, Depok - Betawi Kita Association gave harsh critics on Benyamin Biang Kerok movie produced by Hanung Bramantyo and PT Falcon Pictures. Head of the Betawi Kita Association, Roni Adi, stated the critics were given because the film is seen as a deception of Betawi culture.

“This (the film) tarnished the good name of Benyamin Sueb as Betawi figure because it didn’t represent Betawi culture. This is a deception,” said Roni in a discussion at Komunitas Bambu, Depok, Sunday, March 11.

The discussion themed "Film and Stigma on Betawi People" involved historian JJ Rizal, Betawi Journalist Forum Secretary-General M Syakur Usman, and other Betawi figures.

The film, claimed Roni, had insulted Benyamin Sueb as Betawi cultural figure. “(In the film) Benyamin pictured as a dumb person, where in fact, he was very smart especially in developing Betawi culture in the society,” said Roni.

Roni called on society, particularly Betawi people to not watch the movie. He assessed Benyamin Biang Kerok displayed pornography and violent content. “No Betawi elements showed (in the film),” he stated.

Roni also demanded Benyamin Sueb family to revoke the agreement regarding the name Benyamin Sueb to be used in the sequel movie which will be released in the next December because the production has violated the moral standard. “The movie production has to stop making film displaying negative stigma of Betawi people,” he added.

Earlier, the producer of Benyamin Biang Kerok Hanung Bramantyo stated in the movie set in 2000 era, Reza Rahardian played the character as Pengki, an old-school Betawi man to be a modern man.

“The film name is the same as Benyamin film in 70’s, however, we didn’t intend to remake the film, let it be a legend. We take Benyamin character to be presented in a modern millennial high-tech era,” said Hanung at the Benyamin Biang Kerok trailer release event at Karnos Film studio, Cimanggis, Depok, January 24.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA