Balik Jakarta (Return to Jakarta) - German & Indonesian Short Film [CC ENG & IDN SUB]

Summary

In this humorous and heartwarming interaction, a foreigner named Günther seeks help from a local motorcycle taxi driver, Togar, in Jakarta. Their journey is filled with language misunderstandings, cultural exchanges, and a series of comical moments as they try to navigate the city's traffic. While exploring their shared interest in football and personal backgrounds, they bond over small acts of kindness, like refueling a motorcycle and discussing family memories. Togar’s tradition of adaptability, symbolized by the 'cicak' (gecko), adds a touch of local insight, making this experience a memorable cultural encounter.

Takeaways

• 😀 The match being discussed is between Germany and Poland, indicating the importance of the football event.
• 😀 There is a playful argument about debt between the characters, with one claiming that if Germany wins, he will pay off his debts.
• 😀 The conversation includes humor and cultural differences, such as the mention of a 'Keris' and a joke about being a motorcycle driver.
• 😀 A foreigner, referred to as 'Mas Bule' (foreigner), is trying to navigate Jakarta and find a specific place called 'Kebab Joran.'
• 😀 A misunderstanding occurs when the foreigner mispronounces the place name as 'Kebab Joran,' which is actually 'Kebayoran.'
• 😀 The foreigner expresses nostalgia for a house he lived in years ago, which he now wants to visit and photograph.
• 😀 A friendly conversation reveals that the foreigner is from Germany, and the local driver, Togar, shares his Batak heritage and the meaning of 'Cicak' (a symbol of adaptability).
• 😀 The foreigner mentions his pride in German football, especially players like Mesut Özil, though Togar does not seem particularly interested in football.
• 😀 There's humor about the foreigner's identity, with the driver misinterpreting his name several times (e.g., 'Günther' being mistaken for 'Sunter' or 'Bunder').
• 😀 The driver, Togar, tries to help the foreigner in navigating Jakarta's notorious traffic, but the motorcycle breaks down, leading to an amusing situation involving a lack of gasoline.
• 😀 A moment of kindness occurs when Togar helps the foreigner by providing free gasoline, and they bond over the idea of helping others as a way to return kindness.
• 😀 The foreigner, although frustrated with the delays and difficulties, tries to keep a positive attitude and continues to navigate the city, even though the search for his childhood home is ultimately postponed.

Q & A

What is the main context of the conversation in the script?

The conversation takes place between two individuals, one of whom is a foreigner, while the other is a local Jakarta motorcycle taxi driver. They discuss topics such as debts, the challenges of life in Jakarta, football, and a nostalgic journey to the foreigner's childhood home.

Why does the foreigner want to visit his childhood home?

The foreigner wants to visit his childhood home to take a photograph and relive nostalgic memories from his past, particularly as he lived there when he was 5 or 6 years old.

What cultural symbol does the motorcycle driver mention, and what does it represent?

The motorcycle driver mentions the cicak (gecko) as a symbol of his tradition. It represents adaptability and the ability to thrive in different environments, which he describes as important for surviving in Jakarta.

How does the foreigner react when the motorcycle driver mentions German football?

The foreigner seems proud and enthusiastic when the motorcycle driver mentions German football, especially when the driver references well-known players like Mesut Özil. He expresses pride in Germany's success and mentions being a fan of football.

What is the significance of the conversation about the foreigner's mother?

The foreigner reveals that his mother gave him a motorcycle as a gift, emphasizing the emotional connection to his family. This personal detail adds depth to his character and hints at the challenges he faced growing up.

How does the motorcycle driver try to resolve the issue of the broken motorcycle?

The motorcycle driver initially attempts to troubleshoot the issue with the foreigner's motorcycle by checking the plug and other parts, before eventually discovering that the real problem is the empty gas tank.

What is the resolution when the motorcycle runs out of gas?

The motorcycle driver helps the foreigner by taking him to a gas station and filling the tank, offering the fuel for free as an act of kindness. He explains that he once experienced a similar situation and wants to pay it forward.

What does the foreigner think about Jakarta's traffic?

The foreigner is frustrated with the heavy traffic in Jakarta, noting how it makes traveling difficult and time-consuming. He expresses disappointment that he can't easily find his childhood home due to the city's congestion.

Why does the foreigner struggle to find his childhood home?

The foreigner struggles to find his childhood home because Jakarta has changed a lot over the years. He realizes that the city looks very different from when he was young, and it becomes increasingly difficult to pinpoint the location of his old house.

What is the final outcome of the journey to the foreigner's childhood home?

After a long journey and failed attempts to find his childhood home, the foreigner decides that it is not the right time to continue the search. He reflects on the tiring process and decides to try again at a later date.