‘Sinetron’ morality plays: Indonesia’s TV soap opera industry


Religious soap operas are big business in the Muslim-majority country, where filmmakers have to self-censor to avoid the outrage of the viewers.

Andi is in bed dying from a mysterious illness, his body wracked by spasms, but these are no natural causes. This onslaught is spiritual punishment for, among other offences, killing his boss and seducing the dead man’s beautiful widow, Nisa.

“I will not succumb to your charms again,” intones a guilt-laden Nisa, “because I have read Koranic verses to dispel them.” Then, thanks to the prayers of a remote Islamic teacher, Andi dies, his body emitting the foul stench of a sinner.

Having achieved her supernatural revenge, Nisa is presumably burden-free, and heathen Andi is buried in a forest. Soon there is a storm and a bolt of lightning sets a tree aflame, which falls on the tomb, lighting it on fire.