If you’re looking for a short film that intelligently slices through social realities, Tilik (2018) deserves a spot on your watchlist. Produced by Ravacana Films and funded by the Special Region of Yogyakarta’s Cultural Office, this 30-minute film has become a cultural phenomenon in Indonesia.
Not only did it garner 2.5 million views on YouTube, but Tilik also earned its place as an Official Selection at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (2018) and World Cinema Amsterdam (2019).
These accolades are no coincidence—directed by Wahyu Agung Prasetyo, the film presents a simple yet thought-provoking narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the fading tradition of tilik (visiting the sick), a practice once deeply rooted in Javanese culture.
Behind its minimalist facade, Tilik captivates with striking visuals. The story follows a group of mothers traveling by truck to visit their hospitalized village leader, Bu Lurah. The road-trip cinematography keeps the audience engaged, vividly depicting Indonesian women's daily lives, particularly in Java.
The Synopsis
True to its name, Tilik follows a group of mothers embarking on a truck journey to visit their hospitalized village leader, Bu Lurah. Among them, Bu Tejo emerges as the most striking figure, steering most conversations during the trip.
Bu Tejo enthusiastically spreads gossip, eagerly embraced by the other women in the truck. Their chatter soon centers on Dian, the village’s beloved “flower,” rumored to be romantically involved with Bu Lurah’s son, Fikri.
However, not everyone accepts Bu Tejo’s claims without question. Yu Ning, Dian’s relative, cautions the group against swallowing unverified information. Undeterred, Bu Tejo doubles down on her disparaging tales, swaying some mothers to her side. The tension escalates into a fiery verbal clash between Bu Tejo and Yu Ning, exposing the divisive power of gossip and the fragility of truth in a close-knit community.
Gossip as a Mirror of Daily Life
Tilik dissects gossip culture with a blend of humor and melancholy. Gossip—the act of discussing others’ lives, whether praising or criticizing, without their knowledge—is portrayed as a universal yet often unspoken social ritual. In Indonesian society, this culture of prejudice and idle chatter is deeply ingrained in daily interactions.
Bu Tejo epitomizes the archetypal gossipmonger, thriving within her circle of mothers who eagerly trade rumors. In contrast, Yu Ning refuses to conform, boldly challenging Bu Tejo to substantiate her claims. Despite Yu Ning’s defiance, most mothers succumb to the allure of gossip, mirroring real-world dynamics where sensational tales often overshadow truth. Here, Tilik poses a piercing question: To what extent are we complicit in these cycles? The film’s relevance amplifies in the social media age, where gossip can spiral into viral phenomena within seconds.
The Fading Tradition of Tilik
The film’s title itself is a metaphor. Tilik (meaning “to visit”) is not merely a ritual act but a symbol of communal solidarity in Javanese society. For generations, this tradition of visiting the sick has been deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, evolving into a form of local wisdom. Anthropologist Risa Permanadeli notes that the practice is rooted in gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and sambatan (collective care)—principles that once formed the backbone of village life.
To this day, tilik remains prevalent in rural areas, particularly Java. When a villager falls ill, the community mobilizes en masse to visit them. The higher the social status or influence of the ailing individual, the larger the crowd that gathers—a reflection of the tradition’s embedded social hierarchies.
In cities, however, tilik teeters on extinction. A 2022 BPS survey reveals only 22% of Jakarta residents regularly visit sick neighbors, starkly contrasting with 89% in regions like Bantul or Klaten. Modernization and the frenetic pace of urban life are the primary culprits.
The emergence of Tilik, the film serves as a wake-up call, questioning whether Indonesian society still holds onto the value of communal bonds. Through its narrative, the film laments how practices like tilik—once a cornerstone of togetherness—are now rare, particularly in urban landscapes.
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Tilik is a bold short film that slaps viewers into awareness. With authentic Javanese dialogues and relatable characters, it captures habits deeply embedded in Indonesian daily life. Without flashy effects, it relies on storytelling depth and cultural subtext. Curious? Watch it on Ravacana Films’ YouTube channel—English subtitles are available!
