Munafik: Melawan Iblis Explores Trauma and Acceptance, Coming to Theaters September 3

JAKARTA, STUPA NEWS — The latest Indonesian horror film Munafik: Melawan Iblis is set to hit cinemas across Indonesia on September 3, 2026. Produced by Unlimited Production and Skop Productions, the film goes beyond supernatural terror, exploring themes of loss, trauma, grief, and the journey toward acceptance.

Directed by Guntur Soeharjanto and produced by Oswin Bonifanz, the film stars Arya Saloka as Ustaz Adam. The story follows Adam, whose life changes after he is involved in an accident while returning home from helping a family experiencing a demonic disturbance.

The accident results in the death of Adam's wife, Aini, played by Widi Dwinanda. The tragedy leaves him deeply traumatized, prompting Adam to stop performing rukiah, a form of Islamic spiritual healing, and withdraw into a life consumed by grief.

His circumstances begin to change when Anwar, played by Dimas Aditya, asks Adam to help Fitri, portrayed by Acha Septriasa. Fitri is a nurse and the daughter of Haji Mansur, played by Donny Damara, a respected figure in the village where Adam lives.

Although Adam initially refuses, he eventually agrees to help Fitri after remembering a message from his late wife. However, his attempt to save Fitri leads him to uncover a dark secret behind the disturbing events surrounding her.

While featuring horror elements and jump scares, Munafik: Melawan Iblis also emphasizes drama through its characters' emotional journeys as they confront loss, trauma, and unresolved pain.

Producer Oswin Bonifanz said the film explores the themes of possession and rukiah while adding a dramatic layer centered on emotional wounds, grief, and the process of dealing with loss.

Excitement surrounding the film has also grown ahead of its official release. A series of roadshows held before the nationwide premiere reportedly received an enthusiastic response from audiences, with tickets selling out.

Arya Saloka also described his role as Ustaz Adam as a meaningful experience. He said working on the film gave him an opportunity to further improve his ability to read verses from the Qur'an.

Meanwhile, Acha Septriasa faced both physical and emotional challenges while portraying Fitri. Her character is depicted as someone struggling with grief and unable to fully accept the circumstances she is facing.

For Acha, Fitri has become one of the most challenging characters she has portrayed throughout her two-decade career in the Indonesian film industry.

By combining horror, drama, and a story about coming to terms with loss, Munafik: Melawan Iblis offers a perspective that confronting fear is not always about fighting it, but also about learning to accept, let go, and surrender.

Munafik: Melawan Iblis is scheduled to premiere in cinemas across Indonesia on September 3, 2026. (Aiko).