Stealing Raden Saleh (2022) – Movie Plot
An Ambitious Indonesian Heist Thriller
Stealing Raden Saleh (2022), directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, is a bold and stylish heist film that puts a unique Indonesian twist on the genre. Set against the backdrop of youthful rebellion and corruption, the film follows a group of college students as they attempt the impossible—stealing a priceless national painting.
Inspired by real historical art and driven by high-octane action, this film brings together suspense, emotion, and culture in a way that’s rarely seen in Southeast Asian cinema.
The Target: A Symbol of National Pride
At the heart of the plot is The Arrest of Pangeran Diponegoro, a famous painting by Indonesia’s legendary artist, Raden Saleh. The artwork is not just valuable—it’s a national treasure housed in the presidential palace.
When a mysterious politician offers a huge sum to steal and replace it with a forgery, six students are drawn into the plan. Each has a personal reason to say yes—whether it’s money, revenge, or justice. As a result, they form an unlikely alliance with one daring goal: to pull off the heist of the century.
The Crew: Young, Talented, and Fearless
Each member of the crew brings a critical skill to the table:
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Piko (The Leader): Calm and calculated, he holds the team together.
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Ucup (The Forger): A gifted artist who can replicate masterpieces.
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Sarah (The Brains): A brilliant strategist with a clear plan.
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Tuktuk (The Driver): Fast and fearless behind the wheel.
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Fella (The Hacker): A tech-savvy genius who breaks through any system.
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Gofar (The Muscle): Tough and loyal, always ready to protect the team.
Together, they seem unstoppable. However, the mission soon proves to be more complex than they imagined.
The Heist: High Stakes and Shocking Twists
Initially, everything goes according to plan. The group infiltrates the heavily guarded palace using clever tactics and teamwork. But as the mission unfolds, they encounter unexpected obstacles. Security systems change. Surveillance tightens. And not everyone is who they seem.
Suddenly, what started as a clean heist turns chaotic. Trust is broken. Hidden agendas come to light. Eventually, the students must choose between saving themselves or standing for something greater.
A Story of Rebellion, Art, and Identity
While Stealing Raden Saleh delivers all the thrills of a heist film, it also dives deeper. The painting represents more than money—it’s a piece of Indonesia’s history. In stealing it, the crew confronts questions of patriotism, identity, and the fine line between crime and protest.
Moreover, the film challenges ideas of authority, showing how youth can fight back against corrupt systems using creativity, courage, and unity.
A New Standard for Indonesian Cinema
In conclusion, Stealing Raden Saleh is not just visually captivating—it’s meaningful. With strong performances, dynamic pacing, and cultural depth, it sets a new benchmark for Indonesian action films. It proves that local cinema can be as thrilling and thought-provoking as any global blockbuster.
