When God's Destiny is Contested and Questioned

Finally, the film "God, Allow Me to Sin" directed by Hanung Bramantyo was released in cinemas this May 22.

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Kiran (Aghniny Haque) wants to meet Alim Suganda (Nugie) who ordered his services in the film God, Allow Me to Sin.

Was not sure if it would pass in cinemas, the film God, Allow Me to Sin was announced to have a screening schedule in May 2024. Previously, the film produced by Dapur Film and MVP Pictures premiered at Jakarta Film Week 2023 followed by Jogja- Netpac Asian Film Festival 2023.

At that time, after the screening at JAFF 2023, Hanung said he had no problem if his film was circulated at various festivals this time. He is aware that the film content he offers has the potential to cause controversy. The film God, Allow Me to Sin is an adaptation of the novel by Muhidin M Dahlan entitled God, Allow Me to Be a Prostitute.

By collaborating with Ifan Ismail as the screenwriter, Hanung developed the premise in the book and chose a different ending than the book. This is also known by the book's author. Based on the differences between the book and the film and discussions with producer Raam Punjabi, Hanung made adjustments to the title.

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"The title is different because the ending is here, I bablaske. That's why it's not fair to keep using the title. The producer also asked that the word prostitute be changed because it concerns corporations and brands too. "Don't use negative words," said Hanung.

A movie that tells the story of a woman named Kiran's fate caught Hanung's interest after he finished reading her book for the umpteenth time in 2020. The pandemic period made him contemplate and inspired him to adapt the book into a film.

Just like the book, Hanung still makes Kiran (Aghniny Haque) the driving force of the story. Kiran is a diligent student who attends religious studies and joins a religious group that grows on her campus. Kiran, who wears a long hijab, veil, and wide loose dress every day, actually begins to critically question the religious studies conducted by her group.

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Kiran (Aghniny Haque) after experiencing sexual violence God, Allow Me to Sin.

However, his devoutness to religion made him understand the closed-minded answers that did not match his thinking. Until one day, he refused the proposal of the group's founder ustadz to become his third wife. The ustadz then twisted the facts. Kiran's colleagues in the group turned against her. She was chased until she was rescued by Mbak Ami (Djenar Maesa Ayu) who was a prostitute.

Kiran lived in Mbak Ami's rental until she reunited with Da'rul (Andri Mashadi), a friend from her previous study group who promised to help Kiran. Instead of helping, it turned out that Da'rul had an interest in Kiran. One night, they had consensual sexual intercourse. However, Kiran was later falsely accused again.

This is a form of anger for all of us but it is not easy to realize.

Recently, he met his college lecturer, Mr. Tomo (Donny Damara), who offered protection and assistance with tuition fees. However, Mr. Tomo ended up becoming a pimp for Kiran instead. Kiran was also abandoned by his family. Everything had become complete.

The decision to become a prostitute targeting politicians and officials who have sweet mouths and religious shields is her way of seeking revenge on her situation. Alim Suganda (Nugie), who is running for regional head, is her main target.

Back on track

Through this film, Hanung seems to have returned to his touch. Women with Turban Necklaces (2009) and ? (2011) is a very neat work in terms of storytelling and message. Now, God, Allow Me to Sin carries an almost similar vibration even though there are many things that can trigger trauma for survivors of sexual violence, especially those that occur in religious environments.

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Kiran (Aghniny Haque) and Da'rul (Andri Mashadi) when trying to save themselves from being chased by the religious group God, Allow Me to Sin.

"This also stems from cases of those who experienced sexual abuse and it was carried out by ustad or kiai there. For women who can imagine entering a boarding school, it turns out they actually face something that is abusive. This is a form of anger for all of us but it is not easy to realize. "Well, what we don't get in reality we get in cinema," said Hanung.

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On the other hand, Hanung's return with a story like this is also because he believes the situation is more conducive given that many religion-based community organizations have already been limited in their activities. In addition, the political year is also another reason. "I don't want there to be identity politics again during the election," said Hanung.

Sexual violence

Yes, politics driven by the sale of religion is often hypocritical. However, what can be done, the community is unwilling to care or investigate because their self-image through religion is everything. Like when Kiran told her mother about the mental abuse and torture she suffered from the ustaz of her study group, Kiran's mother instead defended the ustaz and accused her own child of straying from the path of Allah.

Similarly, when Kiran was able to prove the corruption of politicians who trade religion but enjoy womanizing, once again she was not believed. However, for sexual violence survivors, trust from support systems and loved ones is important. In this film, it is actually sex workers like Mbak Ami who have a heart of gold and always support Kiran.

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Kiran (Aghniny Haque) while running away to the mountain God, Allow Me to Sin.

This 117-minute film is quite emotionally draining. As a woman, it is painful to see Kiran's fate being repeatedly betrayed by those she trusted and respected. Even when she asks for help and tries to fight for herself, she has to endure various painful pressures.

When someone has the courage to speak up, they are one of the few among millions who are too afraid to speak. This represents the many voices that cannot speak.

Sound familiar? Sexual assault victims, despite the existence of criminal laws on sexual violence, cannot easily seek justice. According to data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women, there were 289,111 cases of violence against women throughout 2023. These cases are reported by the victims themselves, as well as their supporters and families. Meanwhile, cases of violence against women that go unreported may be even greater. From this data, it can also be seen that the experiences of victims in obtaining protection and recovery are far from satisfactory.

At one point, Kiran's question to God about why he gave an unwarranted trial after another made sense. Although this may be controversial as it is seen as going against God, like in the novel at that time. This time, anyone who witnesses Kiran's story needs to be free from various biases beforehand so as not to suddenly judge Kiran's fragile decisions.

Especially when it comes to cases of sexual violence, siding with the victims is the top priority. "This is not a matter of whether it is permissible or not. When someone has the courage to speak up, they represent one in millions who do not dare to speak. This represents many voices that cannot speak. Acts of violence must be discussed and eradicated together. Hopefully, people will not only judge about God or judge about being a prostitute," said Djenar.

Because, all of this is part of a memoir of a woman's journey that also needs to be known.