Dear Lono…
You are so amazing.
Please, marry me.
Later,
when my wife dies.
Ma'am!
Ma'am! Ma'am!
Ma'am!
Help me, ma'am!
- Ma'am, help! - What happened?
Please remove your spell!
Remove it! My wife…
My wife… She's…
She has lost her mind!
Please help me!
Dear Lono!
You whore!
Dear Lono!
Dear Lono…
Die, you whore!
Please, take care of Ratri, my baby.
You bitch!
Die, you whore!
You whore!
You bitch!
Die! Die now!
Dear Lono!
How could you!
How could you do this to me?
Don't sulk, my son.
I don't have any plans to marry now.
Let alone learn about sex.
Your brothers went through the same guidance before they got married.
It's meant as a preparation to be "a real man".
But that's not what it means to be a real man.
You'll be addicted later.
Right, dear?
THE HOLY BOOK OF ATMAPRAWESA
Put it back!
Do not touch this book without my permission!
- Do you understand? - I do, ma'am.
Now prepare some food and drink for our guests!
A family from Kebumen is coming.
Mr. Wiroatmojo and Mrs. Sri Rahayu Setyowati.
He's a head of district, a rich man.
Liyan, they're coming.
Be quick and prepare everything!
Surip!
Please help our guests!
Welcome to our lodge, Head of District.
Please come in.
Liyan! Surip!
Please take the belongings inside!
- Will do, ma'am! - Sure!
Please come in, madam.
I heard that Hardjolukito's first son
was sent here for the procession.
That's right.
Is Mr. Hardjolukito head of Bumirejo's post Office ?
Yes, ma'am.
He was also here.
My teacher Lanting trained him.
So,
I'm hoping that our son
can receive the same guidance from you.
I understand.
His name is Kamanjaya.
He's my successor as the head of district.
Hopefully, he can be a regent.
Are you planning to get married soon?
We have prepared everything for him.
I want to pursue my education first.
That's your next step.
To be a regent, you'll need a degree.
Right, honey?
Right.
I'll accept this noble task as a token of trust
that shall not be broken.
Who's she?
This girl…
She is Ratri.
She is my adopted daughter.
She will be my future successor as a Gowok.
You're so pretty.
That's such a beautiful kebaya.
She made it herself.
Aside from being pretty,
you're also skilful.
A lot of men must be falling for you.
So, when Kamanjaya has a son,
Ratri will be the one to teach him?
That's true.
Please have a drink.
Right.
You don't need to worry, Young Master.
No man is ever bored staying here.
There are even those who don't want to go home.
Is this my room?
This is just a temporary room for you to rest.
The main bedroom is over here.
We are preparing it for you.
What is this?
That's cenil and lanthing.
One is sweet and one is savory.
I see, for balance?
Sweet and savory, like day and night.
Just like what's written in the book of Wulangreh.
So, you read
the Book of Life's Guide?
What am I going to learn here?
If I'm going to learn about how to have sex,
the chapters in the Book of Morality (Centhini)
have all the explanations.
So, you also read the famous book?
You're really an educated young man.
What is this painting about?
That's the Spring of Full Moon.
The place is behind this lodge.
This is the place where our ancestors
purify themselves before starting the ritual.
It's done every full moon.
Fortunately, tonight is the full moon.
You haven't answered my earlier question.
What am I going to learn here?
You'll find out yourself.
Now let me help you change your clothes.
Ma'am, I'll do it myself.
It's okay.
What's wrong? Are you embarrassed?
Don't worry.
Your parents have entrusted you to me.
It means, I have their permission,
and they acknowledge it.
Okay?
My God.
Young Master Jaya, what are you doing here?
This is not a place for a highborn man like you.
It's alright.
I have prepared some ginger coffee for you.
I'll bring it to your room.
Just bring it to the terrace.
- Thank you. - Yes
- Have a drink, please. - Thank you.
Excuse me.
Tri! Wait!
Sit with me here.
Accompany me.
Come sit here.
Come on!
It's okay. Just sit here with me.
Come on.
No, I can't.
Come on. Sit here. It's alright.
Come on.
Why…
Why are you sitting on the floor?
Please sit on the chair.
I can't.
I'm not allowed to sit with highborn men.
Alright then.
I'll sit here with you.
No! You can't sit here!
Ma'am will scold me!
Why should I sit on the chair while you're here?
I can't.
Then just sit on the chair.
Or else…
I'll keep sitting here.
Alright.
Alright, just sit back on your chair.
- I'll do what you say. - Come on.
- Alright. - Come on!
Sit here.
That's right.
It's more comfortable, right?
Now…
Look at my eyes.
I said, look at my eyes.
It's uncomfortable to talk while looking down like that.
- I apologize. - What now?
What else are you not allowed to do?
Our country is free now.
Why can't you let yourself
sit equally with a fellow Indonesian?
But not all noblemen and highborns
want to be seen as equals.
I'm not one of them.
Ma'am Santi will scold me if she sees me sitting here.
Okay then, let's go somewhere else.
Maybe we can take a walk?
No, we can't!
I have to do the laundry at the river.
That's even better!
I'll go with you. Come on!
Where's your laundry?
- No! - Is that it?
- That's your laundry? - No!
It's still at the well.
The well? Over there?
- No! - Let's go get it!
Please, Ma'am Santi will scold me.
- She will be angry. - Don't worry.
I really can't do this.
You don't need to be shy.
We're outside the lodge now.
So,
the first Gowok was from China?
That's right.
It originated from a Chinese woman
named Goo Wook Niang.
She came to Java for the first time
with Admiral Cheng Ho.
The admiral from China's navy,
a very respectable man during the era.
She came here
to teach Javanese highborn men
how to satisfy the sexual needs
of their wives and their concubines.
To satisfy their sexual needs?
Right.
That's why we call them "Mighty Man",
the greatest man in the universe.
You have a lot of knowledge to share.
No, I don't.
I only learned it from Ma'am Santi.
Are you her daughter?
I'm not. We don't look alike.
She's more beautiful than me.
You're wrong.
You're also beautiful.
You know how to flatter.
She raised me since I was a baby.
Where is your mom?
She passed away
when I was a baby.
Does Ma'am Santi have kids?
Being a Gowok
means staying single forever.
Forever?
Usually, a Gowok will adopt kids.
Besides you and her,
there is that gardener, right?
What's his name?
- You mean Liyan? - Liyan.
He's not a gardener.
He's also her adopted child, just like me.
But he won't be her future successor, right?
Only a woman can be a Gowok.
She will be chosen naturally.
You will be her successor?
That's what's expected by her apprentices,
including me.
So, you won't get married?
Excuse me.
Come in.
I have a hot ginger shot for you,
to help with your blood circulation before sleep.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
You will start the procession tomorrow.
I have prepared everything in the main bedroom.
Do you need anything else?
I'll prepare it for you.
Where's Ma'am?
She just went to the waterfall.
What is she doing there?
She went there to meditate.
For tomorrow's procession.
Now, excuse me.
Tri, wait!
Do you need anything?
Can I see
what she's doing at the waterfall?
You can't.
Have you seen her there?
I'm not allowed to go there.
So, how do you know if she's meditating?
That's…
I see.
You sneaked around, right?
No, I didn't.
- I didn't. - You are lying.
- I just… - Take me there.
- No, we can't. - Just go with me.
No, she'll be angry.
Let's sneak around together.
Please…
Come on now.
- We can't be here. - It's alright.
Come on.
I am summoning the Spell of Love
to possess my physical body.
O God and Goddess of Love.
Possess my body now, O the God of Love.
You need to turn the light off.
Possess my body now, O the God of Love.
What is she doing?
I don't know either.
What is that?
Those are Hyang Kamajaya and Kamaratih.
The couple of Gods of Love, believed by the Javanese.
Allow me to absorb your holy spirit.
Throw away all my lusts.
Tri.
Tri…
Ratri.
Ratri!
Tri! Ratri!
I sprained my ankle.
Let me help you.
Hold on to me.
Slowly…
Sit over there.
Come on.
It hurts.
No! Don't!
- It's alright! - No! Don't!
Let me help you.
Slowly, it's painful.
It's painful.
It's okay, Tri.
No, you can't!
Slowly!
What are you doing?
- No, don't! - Let me help you!
- Don't! - Let me!
Here?
Yes.
Slowly…
Forgive me for what I did earlier.
- I was reckless. - Stop it.
I couldn't hold back.
- We shouldn't have gone there! - That's enough…
We shouldn't have gone there!
- We made a mistake! - Enough!
No! Now I understand why I'm not allowed to go there…
Ratri! Enough!
It has happened!
Calm down!
Did you…
feel it too?
You must be disgusted with me.
I actually enjoyed it.
You're so beautiful, Tri.
By the time you finish daydreaming, no water will be left. See?
I have told you not to go to the waterfall.
And you brought Jaya there!
Forgive me, ma'am!
I have made a mistake!
I deserve punishment.
Forgive me.
- Forgive me. - Enough! Follow me!
Follow me!
Now you have my permission to take a look inside this book
to appease your curiosity.
This book originated in ancient China.
They called it Su Nu Jing.
My ancestors
had adjusted the content with Javanese culture.
They called it Atmaprawesa.
It means
binded souls.
This book teaches us how to bind our lover
through the purity of love.
That's why
they need to purify their physical bodies.
They can't do it recklessly,
since it could bring fatal illness.
If the couple
recites the spell of Atmaprawesa when they have sex,
their souls are bound,
inseparable forever.
Liyan, what are you doing?
Forgive me, ma'am.
I didn't do it on purpose.
- Forgive me. - Just come here!
Sit down.
Keep this in your mind.
No one is allowed to go to the waterfall
when I do my ritual
to recite this dangerous spell.
What's dangerous about making such a faithful promise?
It's dangerous
when a man breaks the promise.
It could kill him
and his lover.
Then why do you need to do the ritual?
The ritual is not only reciting the spell.
I need that to get the protection from Hyang Kamajaya and Kamaratih,
so the Gowok procession can be done with their blessings.
The whole Atmaprawesa procession is done in the waterfall?
It can be done anywhere, as long as it's far from people.
Why is that?
All the positive energy
will also bring negative energy.
This energy is called
Nur Illahi.
Meanwhile, this one is the spirit of the devil.
It contains all the lust and forbidden desires.
The color is orange.
It means
last night.
Right.
You were possessed by the dark lust.
Even worse, you did it with a highborn man.
I made a mistake! It's my fault!
I'm so sorry!
That's enough. Calm down now.
I have prayed for you.
Now,
pack Jaya's things
and move it to the main bedroom.
I need to start the procession sooner
to cast out the evil spirits.
Please come in.
Tri.
Close the door.
About the accident at the waterfall…
Please don't blame Ratri.
No one is blaming you.
I know.
I just…
I'm so sorry.
I was just trying to light the lamp.
Excuse me.
Forgive my apprentice.
I'm the one who needs to apologize.
It's okay. Everything has happened.
Now,
let's prepare everything.
I will teach you
Aji Asmaragama (The Spell of Love).
- That is the core of household happiness, - Please drink this.
how a man can satisfy a woman's sexual desires.
It's not the other way around?
No, it's not.
A woman is the soul of a home.
Our ancestors call them
"Kanca Wingking". (The company behind you)
They are trusted to be your company behind you,
to support and encourage the man
as "Kanca Ngajeng". (The company in front of you)
Because the man stands in front to face all the dangers.
As someone who gives support from behind,
she needs her soul to be regularly replenished
and satisfied.
A peaceful heart is the first step of learning Aji Asmaragama.
It consists of four stages.
First, the Asmaratura stage.
That is when love starts from your eyes.
Tell her something that makes her laugh,
anything.
Don't forget to compliment her
to boost her confidence and her mood.
When she feels comfortable,
start touching her.
That is the Asmaratantra stage.
The love that sparks from touches.
Touch her slowly with your romantic feelings.
When both of you have reached the deepest love,
then you can unite your souls as one,
as well as your bodies.
That is the Asmaragama stage.
That is when two human beings become one.
In Asmaragama,
our spirits recite a poem with our bodies.
That is when
we no longer know "me"
or "you".
Everything has become one.
Unified…
Binded together…
As one.
When a woman is satisfied,
her body becomes stronger,
her mind gets brighter,
and she will face her days even happier.
Purwaceng coffee for you.
This is coffee mixed with ginger and a sprinkle of salt
to help you gain your strength after last night.
Enjoy your coffee, Young Master Jaya.
Excuse me.
How are you doing today?
I'm good.
Where is Ratri?
She's usually at the river during the day to do the laundry.
I see.
Enjoy your coffee.
Alright.
Please don't come anywhere near me.
Are you angry?
Because we did that.
You are already betrothed.
Last night, I only had you in my mind.
Your aura…
Your scent…
I couldn't clear them from my mind.
I couldn't resist.
I love you.
Please stop.
Tri…
Please stop, or else…
I don't know what has gotten into me.
I've never felt like this before.
- What do you mean? - I'm so confused.
- What do you feel? - I also love you.
Tri!
Tri, what's wrong?
My mother was a whore.
Ratri…
Young Master Jaya?
Where are we going?
Just follow me.
Keep this book.
When I finish my studies,
I'll take this book back
to continue with our story.
Our story?
My feelings for you…
are written in this book.
I really love you.
I don't know
why my feelings are so strong. It urges me to write everything down.
Just forget your feelings for me.
I will be a Gowok one day.
Is that what you really want?
I can only accept my fate.
I'm just an adopted child
that was born from a sinner mother.
Enough with that.
Here.
I have this for you.
Indonesian women.
‪INDONESIAN WOMEN ASSOCIATION
"Berdikari"? (Independent)
It means to stand up for yourself.
Soekarno created that slogan, so women like you can stand up for yourselves.
So you can start building your own dreams.
But how?
By teaching women literacy.
So they can read what's in the newspaper,
magazines,
pamphlets.
They also teach women useful life skills,
such as batik, threading, and other skills.
Even better,
they have a dream
to build a school for women in small cities, including here.
But I'm sure they only accept highborn women.
They don't.
Look!
A ROEPINDO MEMBER REPRESENT INDONESIA AT INTERNATIONAL WOMAN CONFERENCE
Her name is Ningsih.
She's my brother's friend.
I call her Sister Ning.
Tri…
Her father was a robber.
He was in and out of jail.
She was almost forced to be a child bride to save her family when she was 15.
But you know what?
She refused it.
She joined Roepindo and changed her fate.
You need to see her in person.
She will gladly help you.
This is her office address.
ROEPINDO ADDRESS MAWAR STREET NO.1, BUMIREJO, CENTRAL JAVA
Why are you helping me?
Because I know…
you can decide your own future.
Unless
you really want to be Ma'am Santi's successor.
Tri.
You can pursue your dream.
Are you sure I am capable to pursue my dreams?
Only you can answer that.
I want to be like Sister Ning.
Then, let's go.
That's the spirit.
I will help you.
Are you serious?
I swear on Hyang Kamajaya and Kamaratih.
I'm serious.
I love you.
I really love you.
I swear on everything I have,
one day I'll come back here and ask you to be my wife.
We will write our story in this book together,
so our children can read our story.
Just believe me.
Thank you, ma'am.
Of course.
Hopefully, Jaya can be a "Mighty Man",
just like what his father wishes for.
Amen for that.
Excuse us.
Take care.
Come on, son.
You have gone too far.
I know everything.
Leave!
Forget Jaya!
He won't keep his promise!
How do you know?
The rich only marry the rich.
The same goes with noblemen.
People outside their world
do not matter to them.
Jaya is not that kind of man.
Stubborn kid!
Listen to me.
You have to be my successor.
I have received the blessing from Hyang Kamajaya and Kamaratih
when I prayed at the waterfall. You understand?
I don't want to, ma'am.
I will decide my future.
BAROE SHOP SHOES AND BAGS
Come, buy some fruit.
MEKAR BAKERY
I will prove to Ma'am
that I can decide my own fate.
Help me, Jaya.
Rickshaw ride, ma'am?
- Excuse me. - How can I help you?
Where is this address?
- This address? - Right.
Over there.
- A… - A…
- B… - B…
- C… - C…
- D… - D…
- E… - E…
- F… - F…
- G… - G…
- H… - H…
- I… - I…
- J… - J…
How many meals do you have in a day?
Sometimes I eat once a day or once every two days.
- Are you looking for Roepindo's office? - Right.
I'm looking for Sister Ningsih.
She's inside.
Let me take you there.
Sister Ning, someone's here to see you.
- Alright. - Excuse me.
- Thank you. - Sure.
Have a seat.
How can I help you?
I received this from Jaya.
Sister Ning is a great woman.
I'm determined to change my life.
That's what's important.
Me too.
Welcome.
Let me introduce you.
As long as I live,
I've only known a woman like Ma'am Santi.
I never knew
if the world outside the lodge could be so amazing.
I'm sure
I can reach my future from here.
Post!
- Sir! - My Kamaratih.
I heard about you and your dreams from Sister Ning.
I really want to be there for you.
But I have so many assignments for my studies.
Don't give up on your dreams, Tri.
My beloved Jaya.
Thank you for being my light.
COMMISARY OF ROEPINDO
Roepindo is like my second home now.
I've never felt this happy before.
I could be a woman to own my dreams.
Achieving my own honor,
without any noble status.
So, this is what it's like to have my own dreams?
Tri!
Where's Ratri?
In her room.
That kid…
Tri!
Come here!
- What is it about? - Come here.
Wear your kebaya!
We have guests coming!
This house is a hell for me.
I really want to leave this place
and reach my dreams with you.
- Sir. - Come in.
Sir!
Do you have any letters for me?
- No, I don't! - Wait!
Usually, you have one for me.
But I don't have one for you.
- Excuse me. I need to hurry. - Sir!
I have read your last letter ten times
to appease my yearning.
Where are you?
Wait, sir!
Sir!
Sir, do you have a letter for me?
No, I don't.
No way. It must have slipped.
What do you mean, slipped? It's impossible.
Please search it for me.
- I have no letter for you. - Sir!
PERISH
Look!
This is Princess Nilawati, right?
The daughter of King Kartanegara.
Look.
She's married already?
But who's the man?
- Is he also from a royal family? - He's not.
He's the son of the Temanggung regent.
But Nila was dating a communist party official from Surakarta, right?
They broke up.
Her family didn't accept him.
Why?
I'm not sure why.
What's wrong, Tri?
PRINCE KAMANJAYA SON OF REGENT TEMANGGUNG MARRIED WITH
NILAWATI, DAUGHTER OF KING KARTANEGARA FROM SURAKARTA PALACE
This must be a lie.
Kamanjaya's father is not a regent.
The newspaper got it wrong.
- Hey, that's my newspaper. - Let me borrow it!
Where's Ma'am?
Tri!
Why didn't you tell me?
About what?
Don't lie to me!
How could a head of district
become a regent and marry a royal family member in such a short time?
With power
and wealth,
nothing is impossible.
But Jaya wouldn't do that.
He's not like that.
He's a man of honor.
Tri.
I have told you.
It's a lie.
Lie…
KAMANJAYA MARRIED WITH NILAWATI
I swear on Hyang Kamajaya and Kamaratih,
one day I'll come back here and ask you to be my wife.
Let's write our story in this book together.
You're possessed by dark lust. Forget Jaya!
He won't keep his promise!
Have some food.
You need to gain some strength.
My life
is meaningless now.
I won't accept my fate without a fight, Jaya.
The pain you gave me…
I will engrave it in my heart forever…
until the end.
- You can't bother her now. - Move!
- Ma'am Santi is busy-- - Don't get in my way!
- Move! - No, Tri!
What is this about?
You want me to be your successor, right?
Then teach me everything.
I swear I will keep them alive.
Not for this one.
Teach me.
Or I will end my life again.
- Don't! - Shut up!
If you refuse,
I will stab myself.
I don't want anyone to be the victim just like your mother was.
I'm not a whore like my mother.
I will be an honorable Gowok.
All men
will be "Mighty Men" in my hands.
Teach me everything.
And everyone will know how great this place is.
I swear.
You need to pay for this.
This is from Pemalang Regent.
He sent his gratitude to Ma'am Ratri
for accepting his son to do the procession.
I see. Then send my gratitude back to him.
I will.
Excuse me.
Please.
Liyan!
Please bring the stuff to the kitchen!
Alright, ma'am.
Young Master.
Please.
How are you, Mr Hardjolukito?
Fine, thank you.
How was it?
- Everything went well? - It did, Father.
Thank you, Ms. Ratri.
Sri…
- Sri, help me! - What is it?
- So much stuff to move. - Let me finish this.
Please wait.
Alright.
Tri.
It's almost a year.
You've been receiving more than three clients every month.
I think our place is too small now.
Too many dicks here.
Liyan.
My knees are shaking.
Give me a good massage.
Alright then.
Maybe we need to take a break this month.
Okay, ma'am.
Liyan, please prepare some food.
Alright.
- What can I do for you? - Excuse me.
My name is Laras.
I'm Ningsih's new assistant.
Please, come in.
- Excuse me. - How is she doing?
She's doing well.
I was asked to come here to tell you something.
Really?
Ningsih.
I'm so thrilled with this movement.
‪INDONESIAN WOMEN MOVEMENT ‪(GERWANI)
Don't worry.
The Communist Party will give you full support.
So, our organization
is now called GERWANI,
- Indonesian Women Movement. - I'm leaving now.
Our members are almost one and a half million,
all across Indonesia.
I'm so happy to see our organization has become so big.
This is thanks to the hard work.
Our hard work.
But especially thanks to you.
- I only donated a little. - Don't humble yourself like that.
WOMEN ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM
Because now we're taking care of such a big organization,
I want to make our dream come true.
Follow me.
Come on.
INDONESIAN WOMEN FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Look.
This is the design for the women schools.
This is amazing.
I can't wait to see this school open.
Actually,
we have some people offering us money.
But due to the recession,
some of them canceled the fund.
So,
I'm asking for your help.
Don't worry. Some of my clients are sons of noble families.
I can ask them for help.
Are you serious?
Yes.
Gosh, Tri.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
You had some guests this afternoon. Who are they?
How did you know?
I bumped into them on my way home.
Who are they?
I wanted to keep this for myself.
Because we have agreed to take a break this month.
Seems like they're not just anyone, huh?
They're basically VVIP.
I have waited for them for a long time.
Who are they?
They're a royal family from Surakarta.
What?
Is that true?
Thank you, sweetie.
How could royal family members know about this place?
They actually know a lot about us.
Liyan, tell her.
Our guest this afternoon is the aide of King Arya Kertanegara from Surakarta.
He said that two days from now,
the King will visit us with his grandson.
That's great!
Let's have our meal.
Come, sir.
Santi.
Wow…
My grandson, Prince Bagas Dewangga,
is betrothed to Fatimah,
the daughter of Sultan Omar Ali, from Brunei.
We arranged this marriage since their grandparents
were college mates when they studied in the Netherlands.
So, I think it's expected
of me to hope Bagas can be a "Mighty Man" as Fatimah's husband.
For that reason,
I'm asking for your help.
So, what do you say?
I apologize for being reckless with my words.
It's an honor
to have your royal family members here.
But do we deserve
this honor to do the procession for a prince?
I heard that the palace has their own Gowok.
I know this place from my in-laws.
Also from the regents.
They told us about you.
I mean…
I didn't believe them at first.
But in the end,
after my beautiful daughter said it herself
about her experience with her husband
on their first night as newlyweds…
Extraodinary!
I heard that Ma'am Santi had him as a student back then.
Is that right?
I apologize, Your Majesty.
If I may know,
who is your royal son-in-law?
That's…
My son-in-law…
Wait…
He's here.
Please, sir.
Jaya?
This is him.
This is my son-in-law.
You have my blessings.
How are you doing, Ma'am Santi?
Ratri?
Jaya, so you received the guidance from them?
It's actually…
I received it from Ma'am Santi.
So, what was the result?
Excuse me, Father.
I've only heard the rumors.
A man who receives guidance from a Gowok
will be a man who can satisfy a woman.
But my dear Jaya
is more than that.
He's really an amazing husband.
So, Bagas needs to be like his father.
So, can you two help me?
Maybe Ma'am Ratri needs more time to consider.
My apology, Your Majesty.
But I have a condition.
What's the condition? Tell me.
I'm building an all-women's school in this city.
Right now, the school is in its early stages of construction.
The Gowok money for this task
will be used to help build the school.
If I accept this task,
can I receive the money first?
I didn't expect
you to have such a noble mind.
That's great.
I admire you.
Hey, my assistant!
Get me the envelope. Hurry!
Why didn't you tell me about your plan to build a school?
Then why didn't you tell me that I would be the Gowok for Jaya's son?
- I didn't know. - You're all just the same. Liars.
I really didn't know. Why would I need to lie?
What's in it for me?
Thank you so much, Tri.
Welcome to our lodge, Princess Nilawati.
Please come in.
Bagas' wedding is being prepared.
It will be held after he graduates from his school.
Who will be my Gowok?
Ma'am Santi or Ma'am Ratri?
Bagas, watch your words.
Don't worry, Your Highness.
When he comes back,
he will have a much better attitude.
I will do the Gowok procession.
Please come in, Your Highness.
Let's see your room.
Right.
Is this my room?
Right.
Did my father use this same room?
What do you expect?
I want to do it differently.
Alright.
Then you'll receive something different from your father.
Sri.
Why don't you help her clean up?
She asked me to stay back.
Keep your eyes on her.
See if she does anything weird.
Tell me everything!
I'm heading to the city.
I have something to do.
I understand.
It's cold.
Calm down. Please relax.
I will warm you up later.
Okay?
Isn't this your bedtime already, Mother?
Are you still not feeling well?
I'm fine.
I'm going to visit Bagas in Bumirejo tomorrow.
Please arrange the car for me.
I don't think you need to do that.
Let's just leave the matter to them.
Remember, Jaya.
This is your time to show the King
that you're not just an ordinary son-in-law.
Bagas has to be his next successor.
That way,
our bloodline can be a part of the royal family.
FOR RADEN MAS KAMANJAYA
ENGINEERING SCHOOL DORM, SEMARANG
Liyan, where's Ma'am?
She went to the city and hasn't come back.
What about Sri?
She's in the kitchen.
Sri.
- Sri. - Yes, ma'am
Please prepare two jarik clothes.
I need them for the waterfall ritual tonight.
Why do you need two?
You don't need to know.
Just prepare them for me. Okay?
I heard that you met Jaya's mother this afternoon.
Is that true?
So, Jaya and Ratri
still has unfinished business?
She just wanted to make sure
that her son doesn't try to meet Ratri again.
I'm curious.
Why is she so obsessed to have Bagas
receive the procession from Ratri?
She doesn't want it from Ratri.
But from you.
Me?
Right.
Your talent has made Jaya
the King's favorite son-in-law.
You really know how to flatter.
The truth is,
Rahayu and the King
had a brief moment of romance.
Rahayu and the King were in a relationship?
Right.
How do you know?
People talked about it.
Back then, it was the talk among noblemen and the rich.
Aside from that,
Wiro, her husband, was my friend in high school.
We're close.
Then why did they end the relationship?
She's not from a royal family.
There were differences
in their background, wealth, and wisdom.
He would lose his chance
to be the heir to the throne if he married her.
So, Rahayu was betrothed to Wiro.
That was when he was a head of district.
And she agreed to that?
She refused at first,
but then she accepted it with a condition.
What was that?
When he was announced as the king,
Wiro must be appointed as a regent.
And the King agreed to the condition?
Right.
How could a head of district become a regent
and marry a royal family member in such a short time?
I feel like
Rahayu planted a powerful talisman.
Even the King obeys her.
You don't use the same magic, do you?
- Of course not. - I knew it.
I also get a strong aura from her.
What's crazier is,
she wants people
to call her "Your Highness" too.
What?
But that's for royal family members only.
Right.
That's strange.
Keep this between us.
Alright.
Don't let anyone know.
- Alright. - Promise me.
- Keep your word. - Okay, I promise.
Kiss me.
The other side.
What is it?
So, this is the thing.
Something disgraceful happened at the palace.
Nila was pregnant when she was in a relationship with a communist lad.
The palace couldn't accept their relationship.
To cover up everything,
Rahayu convinced the King to wed Nila to Jaya.
It came with a condition.
When he's announced as the King,
Jaya would be granted a royal family status,
and Rahayu would be granted the name "Gusti Raden Ayu". (Her Royal Highness)
That was what happened.
So, that means Bagas
is not Jaya's son?
Right.
Does Jaya know?
Of course not.
That was a rushed wedding.
And after they got married,
Nila fell for Jaya. She loves him dearly.
Everyone in their circle thought that
Rahayu must have used some kind of dark power.
But I don't buy it.
That must be the result of your talent, right?
What did you give me at the waterfall?
That was amazing!
That was a part of the procession.
It's for your marriage later.
No!
I don't want to get married!
I want to stay here. I love you.
Your Highness, no!
Please, not here, Your Highness.
- Then, let's go. - Wait, Your Highness.
- No, Your Highness. - Come on.
- Where are you from? - Where are you going?
I'm going that way.
What is your business?
I want to go home.
What is this ruckus?
- They're doing some checks. - What are they checking?
Something happened in Jakarta.
Seven generals from the army were abducted and killed.
- You're a communist? - What do you mean?
They caught a communist, the one with red clothes.
You're a GERWANI!
You must be a GERWANI!
- Take her! - Come on!
Just drive.
Stop there!
Where are you going?
This is the regent.
The regent! Open!
Open!
Welcome home.
Mother keeps talking in her sleep.
Bagas…
Alright, Your Majesty.
Bagas…
She has a weak heart, but we have treated her.
What's the cause?
She was under a lot of stress and pressure.
I have given her sedatives.
Do not let her do a lot of activities for now.
Wait until she gets better.
That's my suggestion.
- Thanks, Doctor. - Of course.
Your mother keeps asking about Bagas.
What is happening?
Bagas…
Right…
Mother…
It's me, Jaya.
Jaya…
You need to marry him as soon as possible.
You have to.
Mother, you don't need to worry.
The King and I have taken care of everything.
You need to hurry.
Do not let him fall in love with that whore's daughter.
Jaya!
- Mother… - Jaya…
Who do you mean?
Ratri…
Ratri, that seducer Gowok.
How do you know that her mom was a whore?
I know…
Hurry.
Pick him up and marry him to Princess Fatimah.
Right now…
I know…
- Calm down… - Now, please. Jaya…
Help me.
Do you like the rawon?
I do.
Your Highness.
Tomorrow, your mom is coming to pick you up.
I thought she would come next week.
But that's what your father told me.
I don't want to go home.
Your Highness.
You need to listen to your mother.
I've obeyed my parents all my life.
Even my grandmother. I don't want to listen to them anymore.
Let me go!
- Come with me! - Let me go! Ratri!
Let me go!
- I don't want to go home! - Bagas!
Ratri!
Do not let them take me!
Bagas!
Ratri, help me!
LONG LIVE THE FARMERS
INDONESIAN WOMEN MOVEMENT (GERWANI)
My God! Laras!
- Laras, what happened? - Ma'am!
Where's Sister Ning?
- Sister Ning… - Laras, come with me.
- But we need to-- - We don't have time!
- But we need to-- - They are waiting at the border!
Gosh!
Let's go!
Hurry! Let's go!
Let's go!
Sister Ning…
Sister…
Sister Ning…
Lord Jaya…
I heard that the GERWANI office was raided by the mob.
If I didn't save you,
you would've been dead.
Raided?
What did they do?
What about Sister Ning?
She has headed to Sragen.
People are watching the party members.
What's the reason?
The army accused GERWANI of being behind the generals' murders.
SEVEN ARMY GENERALS DIED IN LUBANG BUAYA WELL
GERWANI is not affiliated with any parties.
- It's all a lie! - Enough!
This is politics!
You don't understand.
Just stay away from her. That's it!
How did you know I was there?
Ningsih told me last night.
She was in bad shape.
She asked me to protect the school project, and I agreed.
She told me
you have been helping her organization.
But now she's on the run with some of the members.
Ratri.
I'm so sorry
for leaving.
We're facing a hard time now.
I have entrusted the school project to Kamanjaya.
He is my best friend, and he's been supporting us secretly.
He told me a lot about his feelings for you.
Including your last letter
about breaking up with him.
He was heartbroken.
I hope with the two of you meeting,
you can have a good relationship again,
as good friends
who will build our school together.
What does she mean by "my last letter"?
- This is not from me. - You're lying!
- This is not my handwriting. - What's your excuse again?
I don't know.
You could have written this yourself,
as a reason to leave me.
You were the one who left me!
- How could you accuse me? - You broke your promise.
You never replied to my letter.
I always replied!
Every month!
Watch your words!
Meet me here tomorrow.
I will prove my words,
Lord Jaya.
Where is Ma'am?
She went to the city.
She will be back at night.
- I have prepared lunch. - You eat first. I'm not hungry.
MY RATRI, MY KAMARATIH
Are you looking for this?
I keep the key to Ma'am's room
because I need to clean up.
- Can I borrow it? - For what?
I need to read the book of Centhini.
She keeps some of them in her room.
I'm so sorry.
I know that you're hiding something
about Bagas from Ma'am.
May I know what is it about?
Ma'am has been hiding something in this house.
Does it have something to do with Bagas?
With his father.
Was his father the man you loved?
Not only did we love each other,
we made a promise.
Then why did you break up?
That's what I want to find out.
Maybe
the answer is behind that door.
Why did you help me?
You've helped me a lot.
And you love me too.
You're like my sister.
Thank you, Sri.
FOR MY RATRI
My beloved Ratri.
How are you?
I have so many assignments.
But I managed to write some letters for you.
My Ratri.
Did you receive my letter?
I'm waiting for your reply.
Ratri…
TO RATRI MIDDLE JAVA
Do you still remember my promise to pick you up?
To be my beloved wife,
realizing our dreams together.
Ratri!
Where are you?
I really miss you.
She's back!
Sri!
How could you do this to me?
I can explain.
What is there to explain?
You want to say I couldn't marry Jaya because I needed to be your successor?
- Not like that. - Then what?
I have done enough for you.
Wait!
This is because of Jenar.
Your mom.
Even if she was a whore…
Dear Lono…
…she was the mistress of a married man named Lono.
Lono forgot that the spell of Atmaprawesa was placed within his body.
No way.
Come to my place.
Not now.
- Come to my place. - My Lord.
Ma'am Santi?
Why aren't you faithful to your wife?
What are you doing here?
It's not your business.
I don't want something bad to happen to you.
Shut up!
- Please listen to me. - You're nobody to me!
- Please. - Leave me!
Hyang Kamajaya and Kamaratih.
Ma'am!
Ma'am! Help me!
- Ma'am, help me! - My Lord?
Remove your spell.
Remove your spell. My wife…
Ningrum, my wife…
She has lost her mind!
Help me!
I have warned you.
Please remove it.
Please remove your spell.
Once the promise is made,
only death can end it.
"Till death do us part," right?
Dear Lono!
You whore!
Dear Lono!
Please take care of my Ratri.
For the first time,
I saw what that spell does to a man who can't keep his promise.
Why did you betray our sacred promise?
- Ningrum, please no… - You promised to be with me until we die.
- You need to pay for this. - No, please spare my life.
Not in my house!
Please, Ning…
Now, I'm alone.
You're dead.
I will follow you.
I didn't know
that Ningrum was Rahayu's sister.
I didn't expect
that you were the cause of my sister's death.
Forgive me, madam.
Her husband made me use the spell to bind them forever.
Forever?
So, that's what you've used for Jaya?
So he could be with your adopted daughter?
I didn't use it.
So, how could Jaya be head over heels with that whore's daughter?
I don't know.
I swear on Kamajaya and Kamaratih, I don't know.
Remember, Santi.
I will destroy you.
I have collected enough proof that you've been using dark power.
You'll be in jail in no time.
- You can die! - I was wrong.
Don't punish me.
Then you should help me to end Jaya and Ratri's relationship.
I will.
‪HEAD POST OFFICE
Since that time,
I tried to end your relationship.
What is it?
If I can help,
I will definitely help you.
What do you need?
The letter from Kamanjaya,
the student of Semarang engineering school…
- Can you not send it to my house? - Right.
Just keep it here.
I will collect it myself.
It won't be easy.
I need to talk to the people who sort the letters.
I also need to talk to the delivery men.
So many things to do.
Please do it for me.
I will.
I could see that Jaya really loves you.
But I couldn't let the two of you be together.
I tried really hard
to copy your handwriting to reply to Jaya's letter.
YOURS TRULY
Sir, please hand this to the chief.
He knows.
Sure, ma'am.
Sir! Wait!
Do you have any letters for me?
No, I don't have one.
I'm sure it slipped.
What do you mean "slipped"?
- But sir… - I'm off.
Please search it for me.
There's no letter for you. I'm off.
I really appreciate your effort.
In three months, Jaya will get married
to a royal family member from Surakarta.
This is for you.
Forgive me, madam.
I can't accept it.
What do you mean?
I've always had a dream to have a royal family member as my student.
If Jaya has a son in the future, let me do the procession for him.
Here's your order.
Please. Enjoy your drink.
I specifically asked to do the procession
to save you.
Now look at you.
You're a royal Gowok now.
You'll be known everywhere for your talent.
It's not that easy.
Sri, prepare two jarik clothes.
I need them for tonight's ritual at the waterfall.
Why do you need two?
You don't need to know.
Just prepare them, okay?
What are we doing here?
Just follow me. Okay, Your Highness?
Are we going to take a bath?
Close your eyes.
Inhale slowly.
Relax yourself.
I've bound Bagas to me with the Atmaprawesa.
You're out of your mind.
My God!
Forgive me, God.
How could this happen?
I was overpowered by revenge.
- Bagas! - Ratri!
Tri!
What did you do to Bagas? Answer me!
Help me. What should I do?
- Help me. - How could this happen?
I just wanted revenge. Please help me.
But our duty is to make Bagas a "Mighty Man", right?
Just like his father?
Don't tell me
you used the Atmaprawesa spell on that boy.
What could go wrong if I did?
Are you scared
that he can't keep his promise just like his father?
- Watch your words! - I'm just telling the truth!
Bagas must learn to keep his sacred oath,
unlike his father.
Please help me.
Please help.
Please…
My God…
There's no other way.
You have to leave this place.
Don't let Bagas find you.
Bagas!
Mother, where are you going?
I want to go to Bagas' place.
Bagas is in his room.
Mother, he's in his room.
- Please… - He's not in his room!
He's not in his room!
Mother!
He's not in his room!
Calm down.
Bagas!
- Please stop… - Just wed him!
- Get him married! - Why are you so obsessed with his wedding?
Tell me the truth!
Tell me!
I wanted to make the King happy.
I love him so much.
I love him.
Calm down, Mom.
I would do everything for him,
for the King,
including marrying you to Nila,
who was already pregnant with Bagas.
Mother…
Mother… Mother!
Take care…
Ma'am Ratri!
Ma'am!
Ma'am Ratri!
Ma'am!
Sri…
Ma'am!
Sri.
Take me with you!
No, Sri.
Please…
Take care of Ma'am Santi.
You'll be a lot greater than me.
Ma'am…
Take me.
Ma'am!
Ma'am Ratri!
Stop there!
No, please!
- No. - Where are you going, Tri?
Don't you want to know
why I am here?
I know this area.
Step aside!
Step aside now!
- I'll shoot you! - Stop, Your Highness.
- Please… - Don't call me Your Highness.
Now, I'm just a free human.
You'll make your father sad.
- No, please… - Jaya is not my father.
I'm a bastard.
- Your Highness, please… - Shut up!
- Liyan! - Ratri!
Liyan!
Please, stop. Where are you taking me?
- Follow me! - Please let me go!
- Your Highness, let me go… - Just follow me, Ratri!
Please, let me stay here.
No! I won't let you!
If you refuse to go with me,
let's die here, both you and I.
Do you want to die?
- Let's go! - Please, Your Highness…
Just come with me!
Please, Your Highness…
Shut up!
Try me!
Let me go!
Try me!
- Go home! - You're not my dad!
You're just a fake royal.
You're just a fake.
Because of you, my life has been miserable.
You know that?
Please stop, Jaya.
Take him home!
Take him.
Go home!
Tri.
Tri…
It's all clear now.
My mother was behind this.
Come with me now. I still love you.
Let's go.
Come with me.
- Let's go. - We need to end this, Jaya.
- Let's go. - This is enough.
- Jaya! - Come with me!
What now?
You have to let go. This is our fate.
I can't let go.
- What fate? You don't believe me? - Please stop…
- You don't believe me? - It's not like that.
Come on!
It's not like that. Let's accept our fate.
We can't be together…
We're not meant to be.
Please, just this one time…
- Tri… - Let go…
Jaya…
- Jaya… - Tri…
Jaya!
Come on!
Tri!
Ratri!
- Where are you going? - Don't! Please don't!
Why did you run away? You don't love me anymore, huh?
Why did you reject me?
Why?
Don't!
Please don't!
Don't!
Ma'am…
Ma'am Ratri…
- Ma'am, are you okay? - Sri…
Sri…
Come on…
Let's go! Let's leave this place!
Ma'am, just go! Go now!
Ma'am! Leave!
Ma'am!
Sri!
Sri…
Hey!
Who are you?
I'm just a local.
He's a communist.
He raped my sister. I couldn't sit and watch, so I killed him!
Those darn communists!
Get them! Move!
Let's go!
Come on!
Let's go!
- Sister Ning… - Just walk…
- Sister Ning!
Sister Ning…
Ma'am, just walk… You don't need to look back.
What have they done?
Get them all!
Ma'am, come on!
Jaya…
I'm so sorry, Jaya.
I'm so sorry.
I still love you.
I will always do.
I'm so sorry, Jaya.
Jaya…
- Jaya! - Ma'am, let's go now.
It'll be dawn soon. People will come here.
Come on!
Let's go, ma'am!
Please stop.
It looks scary.
Yeah.
- Are you Iwan? - That's right.
The son of Brigadier General Soetarjo?
Right.
I am Karim.
I'm the village head.
Your father called me to inform me that you were coming here.
So, I came here.
I see.
Just like what you see, this is the house.
After the 1965 mass killings,
this house was abandoned and perhaps haunted.
This house belonged
to a Gowok.
She committed suicide due to loneliness.
So, this house was left to the village.
I see.
So, what do you think?
You want to buy the house?
It's not up to me.
Let my mother decide.
Tell Mother she can come out.
We're ready, Mom.
You're going to buy this house, Mom?
What are you going to use it for?
You don't want to consider?
I'm buying this house
to build an all-women's school.
Iwan.
Please take care of everything.
Alright, Mom.
THIS FILM IS CREATED WITH THE SUPPORT OF ALL VILAGERS OF GAMPLONG SLEMAN VILLAGE
DATA SOURCE FOR THIS FILM WAS TAKEN FROM A BOOK TITLED NYAI GOWOK
A JAVANESE KAMASUTRA NOVEL BY BUDI SARDJONO