Movie Review: Jangan Panggil Mama Kafir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNE8IHQHh3s

I recently watched the Indonesian family drama Jangan Panggil Mama Kafir, and I have to say — this is a really good movie. But it’s also the kind of film that might spark some debate, especially because it touches on religion and interfaith relationships.

The story follows Fafat, a Muslim man, and Maria, a Christian woman, who fall in love and decide to get married. Maria initially struggles with the decision because she doesn’t want to convert to Islam, but Fafat reassures her that she doesn’t have to. That alone already caught my attention because, coming from Malaysia, this kind of situation is almost unheard of. Interfaith marriage usually comes with strict expectations regarding conversion.

Out of curiosity, I did a bit of reading after watching the film. From what I understand, in Islamic teachings it is sometimes considered permissible (though not encouraged) for a Muslim man to marry a “woman of the book,” meaning someone from the Abrahamic faiths such as Christianity or Judaism. However, Muslim women generally cannot marry outside the faith unless the man converts to Islam. I’m not claiming to be an expert here, but it was interesting to see how the film explored that dynamic within the Indonesian context.

But beyond the religious topic, what truly makes the movie work is the family drama at its core.

After their marriage, Fafat and Maria have a daughter named Laila. Tragically, Fafat dies in an accident, but before his passing he tells Maria that he wants their daughter to be raised in the Islamic faith. Maria, despite being a Christian, honors that promise wholeheartedly. She sends Laila to an Islamic school, teaches her how to pray, and even encourages her to fast during Ramadan.

Watching Maria do all of this for her daughter — while still remaining true to her own faith — is honestly very moving.

The real conflict begins when Fafat’s mother believes Maria is not suitable to raise Laila as a Muslim. She challenges Maria for full custody of her granddaughter on the basis that Maria herself is not Muslim. From there, the movie turns into a very emotional custody battle.

And I’m not going to lie — I was absolutely crying during parts of this movie. Seeing Maria devastated at the thought of losing her only child was heartbreaking.

The most powerful moment comes near the end during the court hearing. Laila, who is only five years old, speaks up for her mother and explains that Maria has done everything she can to teach her about Islam, even though she herself is not Muslim. She did it simply because she loves her daughter.

That moment really hits hard.

In the end, everyone realizes that Maria truly is capable of raising Laila with love and respect for the faith her father wanted her to follow. The grandmother eventually relents and allows Maria to continue caring for her daughter.

That said, I can understand why this movie might be considered controversial. Some viewers might feel that it portrays Islam as overly rigid or intolerant, especially in the way the conflict is framed. But at its heart, the film isn’t really attacking religion — it’s telling a story about motherhood, promises, and the complicated realities of faith within families.

For me, it worked because of the emotional weight and the performances. The acting across the board was strong, and the story managed to genuinely move me.

I’m giving Jangan Panggil Mama Kafir a 7/10.