Cigarette Girl (2023) s01e01 Episode Script
Jeng Yah
- [light music playing]
- [crowd chattering]
[crowd laughs]
[chatter fading]
[heels clacking]
- [heart thumping]
- [ominous music playing]
[machine beeps]
[machine beeping intensifies]
- Raja. Dear?
- [groans]
[woman] Bas. Lebas.
Look after your dad.
- I'm going to call the nurse.
- Okay, Mom.
- [machine beeps loudly]
- [grunts]
[deep breath]
[gun cocks]
[in strained voice] Jeng Yah
[wind whooshing]
[heels clacking]
[heavy breathing]
Jeng Yah!
Jeng Yah!
[grunts]
Dad?
Dad.
- It's okay, Dad, come on.
- [groans]
[Raja grunts, groans]
It's okay, Dad. I got you. Calm down.
[Lebas] What are you looking for?
- [Raja grunts]
- Dad?
Come on, Dad.
Dad?
Dad
- [inhales deeply]
- [Lebas] What are you looking for?
- Find Jeng Yah.
- Who are you looking for?
[Raja] Please find Jeng Yah.
- What?
- Before it's too late, find her!
- [groans]
- Whoa, whoa, whoa! Watch it, calm down.
[Lebas] Please take care of him.
[suspenseful music playing]
[theme music playing]
BASED ON NOVEL BY RATIH KUMALA
CIGARETTE GIRL
[horns honking]
If you need anything,
I'll be outside, Mr. Lebas.
- Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Edith.
- Mm-hmm.
[door closes]
[lock clicks]
[woman] There are four things
etched in my memory.
[gentle music playing]
[soft rattling]
One,
the texture of cloves
that I felt on my palm.
Two,
the strong smell of tobacco
that tingles my nose.
[inhales deeply]
- [exhales deeply]
- [man] Dasiyah!
[Dasiyah] Three,
my father's voice as he calls my name.
[gentle music playing]
M CITY, 1964
[Dasiyah's father] Dasiyah!
- [worker] Good morning, sir.
- [Dasiyah's father] Good morning.
[Dasiyah] Four,
the sound of kretek cigarettes
being manufactured
which was my breath of life.
My dream is to produce
the greatest cigarettes,
as my father did.
I aspired to be a flavor creator.
The essence of a kretek cigarette.
But in the realm of kretek cigarettes,
women are only permitted
to work as hand-rollers.
[Dasiyah's father] Dasiyah.
I heard the fresh tobacco
from Mr. Budi had arrived.
[Dasiyah] They gave us a mixed batch.
[rooster crows in distance]
I suppose you're right. They did mix it.
But I believe it's fine.
We can still pick out the good ones
and the bad ones.
I don't believe it's fine.
You have to say something, Dad.
You must have a word with Mr. Budi.
Sweetheart, Mr. Budi
and I have a long history together.
I don't want to offend him, you know.
Besides, where else can I get
such inexpensive and good tobacco
except from Mr. Budi.
But we already have the evidence, Dad.
All right.
This afternoon come with me
to the marketplace
to meet Mr. Budi, okay?
See, you don't even want to go
with me to the market
to have a face-to-face conversation.
[Dasiyah] It's crowded there,
way too many people.
- I don't like it, Dad.
- [chuckles]
The market is always crowded
with people, you know.
If you prefer the quiet,
go to the cemetery.
Dad.
Dad, look. Purwanti gave me this.
And what is that?
[Dasiyah's sister] Mr. Djagad will launch
Proklamasi Kretek with new packaging.
Purwanti says that the launch
will be spectacular.
Because they found new partners
who provide funding
and assist with distribution in the West.
[chuckles]
I can guarantee you that how much
money they have makes no difference
or how they change
the design and the color.
Regardless, Proklamasi Kretek
will always be significantly
inferior than my Merdeka Kretek brand!
[Dasiyah's father]
They're trying to replicate our flavors!
But consumers continue to favor
Merdeka Kretek.
So don't worry about it, sweetheart.
[Dasiyah's father] Mr. Dibjo!
Here. Mr. Dibjo!
Mr. Dibjo.
If it's okay
I would like to talk to you for a bit.
[Dasiyah]
The flavor room behind that blue door
is the gateway to my dream.
A place where I'm not allowed to go.
Yet it is where my dreams are.
[Dasiyah's mother]
Yah, came here for a second.
Mrs. Melati has a nephew from Solo.
- [sighs]
- It's okay, come on.
I already asked a lot about him.
And it seems like he could be
an excellent husband for you.
He's a teacher.
He's been a widower
since several months ago.
He has two kids who are still very young.
And it also seems like
he doesn't care about
how old his potential wife is.
That's good to hear, Mom.
Not every woman would want to marry
a widower with two children.
I'm not trying to match you
with a widower with children.
I mean, perhaps you already have
your potential candidate in mind.
By the way, shouldn't we head
to the market now, Dad?
[Dasiyah] To speak with Mr. Budi?
Now?
Yeah, now.
Right now.
You said that earlier.
Mixed tobacco, we can't keep
quiet about that.
Sweetheart,
did I actually say that to you?
[Dasiyah] You did.
I'll go with you.
I'm running out of my ginger candy.
- Okay then, let's go.
- [giggles]
[Dasiyah's mother]
What am I supposed to do?
She keeps rejecting every man she meets.
[Dasiyah's mother] This is because
her father spoils her all the time.
[maid] But you sound like,
you don't know Ms. Yah, ma'am.
[car engine starts]
[Dasiyah]
There are so many things that I want,
that are more than what were meant for me.
[man] Please, open it.
Because I think this is
The percentage is too big!
Well, well, look who's here.
What are you doing in Dad's office?
Did he already become
the head of marketing, Rim?
[Karim] Just leave him alone, Tegar.
This is the first time
I've seen him working.
[Tegar] At least now
if my business friends ask me
about my lazy brother,
- I can tell them that he is working.
- [chuckles]
[Tegar] The company would no longer
waste money on his salary.
You just came here
to hide from the press, right?
Because of your party with Mia last night,
the tabloids has been phoning
your office all day.
Non-stop since this morning.
Here, read this!
ROMEO AND JULIET OF INDONESIAN KRETEK?
WHAT WILL THEIR FAMILIES SAY?
[Karim] I can't believe you, Bas.
You even hooked up
with our competitor's daughter.
- Huh?
- It's not like we're serious or anything.
[Tegar] Hey, Bas,
you're aware of Dad's condition.
Take an example from your brothers.
We're married and you're the only one
who still plays around.
Being the youngest doesn't mean
you can just play around.
It's easy though.
Just attend the morning meetings.
It will show that you have
responsibilities in our company.
Okay, I'll be serious.
Have you ever heard
Dad talk about Jeng Yah?
- [Tegar] Who?
- Jeng Yah.
Who is that?
[Lebas] Dad asked me to find her
as soon as possible.
It's kinda weird though,
given that he never asked me for anything.
Maybe that woman is his ex.
- He's not like that. You know that, Rim.
- [chuckles]
- What do we know about Dad?
- I know everything about him!
- Is that right? What?
- Hey, listen guys. Hey
If you wanna help Dad though,
help us expand our company.
[Tegar] Can you do that?
What I'm doing is helping Dad
by looking for Jeng Yah.
[laughs]
You're only serious
when it comes to the ladies.
What do you think, Rim?
I don't have time for this.
[Tegar] Come on, Rim.
[door opens]
I still have work to do with Tegar.
Call me if you need anything, Bas.
[Tegar] Rim!
- I'm serious about finding Jeng Yah.
- [door closes]
[door opens, closes]
[sighs]
Hi, Dad.
Did you forget you have cancer?
[Raja] No, I did not.
Whether I smoke or not,
I'm still going to die.
[scoffs]
In fact, did you know that
kretek cigarettes were originally made
for medicine.
That's completely false, Dad.
Many studies say otherwise.
[deep coughing, wheezing]
You just don't want to listen.
Dad, do you recall
what happened last night?
Mm, I do recall.
Last night, you came into my room, right?
[Raja] You were home
after partying, right?
What is this, Dad?
You insolent fool! How dare you!
How dare you go into my office
without my permission!
You were the one who gave me
the key last night, remember?
- You asked me to find someone.
- No, I don't remember
because I never asked you
to do anything like that,
- okay!
- Right Oh, my God!
You never asked me to do anything.
You always tell me what to do.
Go to this school,
work for the family company!
Don't ask too much,
just follow my instructions!
I won't let you use this tone!
I provided you
with a much better life than I had!
It's not at all comparable.
- You know nothing. You hear me!
- Well, that's precisely the problem.
Every time I want to get to know you,
you avoid me like the plague!
[deep coughing]
What's this picture, Dad?
- Enough!
- Maybe I should ask Mom?
- You better leave your mother out
- Who's Jeng Yah!
[emotional music playing]
[Raja cries]
[deep coughing]
Dad Dad!
- Dad.
- [coughing]
- Dad.
- Lebas
I don't have much time left,
do you understand, Bas?
[coughs]
Please, bring that box.
[sobbing]
Please
- [coughing]
- Okay, enough, Dad. Enough now.
Nurse, in here! Nurse!
Lebas, I'm asking you this as a favor,
find Jeng Yah.
Please, promise me!
You have to find Jeng Yah!
[sobbing]
[Karim over phone] Bas, are you seriously
searching for Jeng Yah?
[Lebas] I am, I already told you.
I have to find her no matter what.
I just arrived in M City.
But, please remember, Rim.
Under no circumstances
should you tell Mom and Tegar.
Dad's orders, okay?
What has gotten into you
that even you would obey Dad, Bas?
To be honest with you, Rim,
I still don't know where to start.
So, I followed your advice.
I went to the Kretek Museum.
[Karim] Okay, good.
Go talk with Mrs. Sri.
She's the museum director.
I'll call her after this. Yeah?
Okay, thank you, Karim.
[sighs]
[Dasiyah] When I'm around people,
I can see what they don't see.
[birds squawking]
I see freedom in the vast sky.
[birds squawking]
And I want to carry those dreams
wherever I go.
But my dream is only a small fragment
in the big scheme of our existence.
[indistinct chatter]
The freedom I desire
is not up to my control.
[chirping]
And it's truly terrifying.
In the real world,
people just want to see the part of me
that they want to see.
[assistant] Hey.
Mr. Idroes doesn't usually
take his daughter to the market.
[Dasiyah] I hope
they all can see the real me.
I have dreams,
ambitions,
and desires
to become something different
from what has been set out for me.
[Mr. Budi] Do we have a deal?
[Idroes] Mr. Budi.
- Mr. Idroes.
- [Dasiyah's sister] Dad.
- Please.
- Can I go see Purwanti first?
Yeah, take care.
[Idroes] How's it going?
Pretty well. Check this out.
- [shopkeeper] Do you want a cup of coffee?
- Okay.
- Plain brewed. Yeah.
- [shopkeeper] Plain brewed?
Guys, come on!
[man 1]
Which brand of cigarettes should I buy?
[man 2] Merdeka, of course.
- Merdeka Kretek is the best product.
- [man 1] Yeah?
All right then. But I have to make sure
it's the real deal first.
- They taste very different than the rest!
- Yeah, this is it.
Hey, why do you buy this crap when
there are tastier cigarettes available?
[man 3] Here.
Hmm
Please try this.
There you go.
[man 3] Inhale it once,
you can taste the flavorful tobacco
in a single whiff.
See, that's all the best flavors.
[man 1] It tastes amazing, sir.
The Proklamasi brand provides
authentic gentlemen's cigarettes.
Wow, this is amazing!
MERDEKA DJAJA KRETEK CIGARETTE
PROKLAMASI KRETEK CIGARETTE
- Please, take it home with you.
- Oh
- For me? Thank you so much.
- Mm.
[man 1] Thank you.
- [man 2] Come on.
- [man 1] Thank you, sir.
Take care, gentlemen.
[man 3]
I've compensated you well, haven't I?
But my cigarettes
are tucked away in the back!
[vendor] I'm sorry, sir.
I don't care, move them to the front!
[vendor] Okay, sir. Right away.
[inhales deeply]
[man 3] Dasiyah.
Fancy seeing you here. Hmm.
You're a woman,
so what are you doing playing with smokes?
No man would want you if your hand
smelled like cigarettes.
[chuckles]
You're here with your mom? Or by yourself?
No, Mr. Djagad. I'm
Dasiyah is here with me if you must know.
[chuckles]
How incredible is that, huh?
A father who takes care
of his business with his daughter.
[Djagad chuckles]
Ah, your daughter happens
to have some good taste though.
You got that right,
my daughter's great taste indeed.
More than you think.
Just like her amazing mother.
She likes the original.
Mr. Budi!
- [Djagad] Hey.
- [Mr. Budi] Hey!
[Djagad] What's up? So good to see you.
[ominous music playing]
[inaudible whisper]
[indistinct chatter]
[Idroes] How come, Mr. Budi?
Why is the tobacco you sent me different?
Did you send me the wrong one
or did you mix them?
My daughter noticed.
How could you think I'd ever
try to rip you off, Mr. Idroes?
[Mr. Budi] We've been business partners
in the tobacco industry
before your daughter was even born.
Besides [scoffs]
when did women
become familiar with cigarettes, huh?
[Dasiyah] Advance payment.
I was actually born
in a tobacco warehouse.
I know the smell of Srintil,
the tip of tobacco.
Excuse me, Mr. Budi.
Please accept this.
[Mr. Budi] Well, this is nice.
- Consider it done, Mr. Idroes.
- Okay.
Tomorrow, I'll give you
a special batch of tobacco, all right?
[Mr. Budi] Here. It's exceptional.
[man] Hey you! Stop! Come back here!
- [loud thudding]
- Stop! Hey, come back here!
- Stop him! Hey!
- [upbeat music playing]
Pur.
[man] Hey, stop! Come back here!
Yah!
- [indistinct chatter]
- [man] Hey! Come back!
- [man 1] Stop! Hey, hey!
- [man 2] Stop!
[groans]
Come back here!
- [man 1] Hey, hey! Stop!
- [man 2] Don't let him get away!
[upbeat music continues playing]
What's going on?
[Dasiyah's sister]
Why is this man being chased?
He's so big, like a monster.
Let's go have a look!
Let's not, Yah. I'm scared. No way.
- Purwanti!
- Let's go, all right?
How about we get some ginger candy?
[indistinct chatter]
- [exclaims]
- [grunts]
[groans]
[grunts]
[gentle music playing]
[Dasiyah] That look in his eyes was
unique.
In my life,
I'm used to having men look down on me.
[man grunts]
But
it was as though he sensed
freedom within me.
[muffled thudding]
KRETEK MUSEUM, CENTRAL JAVA
[Lebas] Good morning.
Good morning, how can I help you today?
I'm here to meet Mrs. Sri.
[receptionist]
Could you please sit and wait here?
- I'll call her.
- [Lebas] Okay, thank you.
[footsteps receding]
[light music playing]
[Dasiyah's sister] Why do you like it?
Your hands get so sticky.
You know why, right?
That's because it's the best way
to roll homemade cigarettes.
- [Dasiyah] That's why
- Dad simply wants the flavor
that his daughters create
with their hands.
[light music continues playing]
[sizzles]
[snipping]
[rustles]
[Dasiyah's mother] Dasiyah! Rukayah!
You're father's home!
[Idroes] Come in. Come in.
- Honey! Honey.
- [Dasiyah's mother] What is it, dear?
Well, this is
What's your name again?
- Soeraja, sir.
- Starting today,
Soeraja will be helping here.
[Dasiyah's mother]
My husband enjoys surprising me.
What will he do?
Perhaps, let him clean first.
Marem.
If you could please help Soeraja figure
out what he could do around the house.
[Idroes] What could he be working on?
[Marem] Right. Understood.
[Marem] Come this way.
- So, who is that?
- Come on, honey.
Not now, I'll explain later.
Dad. Your hand-rolled kretek.
Ah
Sweetheart, you always know
what your father wants.
Hon, look at our girl.
[sniffs]
I love the smell.
[workers chattering]
[male worker] Here lift this.
[Raja] Yes, sir.
[Raja grunts]
[Raja] There.
- [male worker] Here. Yeah.
- [Raja] Like this
[male worker] Yeah, put it here.
Can you tell me your name?
Uh
Raja, miss. Soeraja.
Have you ever worked in a factory before?
[Raja] Not yet, miss.
But I'm grateful
to Mr. Idroes and your family
for welcoming me and giving me a chance.
- I hope I can help you a lot.
- I don't need your help though.
My father doesn't have a son
so I'm the one helping him
take care of this factory.
You don't like working with women?
Uh
No Uh
It's not like that, miss.
I don't have any problem with that.
[Raja] I don't mind
doing manual labor either.
There's an empty chair over there.
Do you have any other tasks besides that?
Listen up, everyone.
[all] Yes?
- This is Raja.
- [all] Yes, miss.
He's new here, so please feel free
to give him a hand.
- [worker 1] Come here, sir!
- [worker 2] Let we all help you.
Come here, it's okay.
Don't be shy, come on.
- Come here, sir. Come on, have a seat.
- [worker 3] It's okay.
We'll give you a hand.
- We know all the tricks.
- Thank you.
Sit here, sit here.
Come on, let's make room.
- [worker 4] This is Marem.
- [laughs]
[worker 5] Come on.
- Welcome! I'm going to help you, sir.
- If you don't do anything, like this.
- It's pretty easy.
- [Raja] Right.
- [Raja] Oh, wait. Let me try. Like this?
- [Marem] Yes, like this.
Not bad. Right! Nice.
[chortles]
- [nervous chuckle]
- It is so small.
[workers laughing]
- It's not bad for your first.
- Thanks.
- Just do it again.
- All right, here.
I'll do it again. I'll do it again.
- [worker 6] I can't sell this one.
- [Raja] You can't
- [Marem] The next one will be better.
- [Raja] We'll be able to sell this one.
Let me try again.
[Dasiyah's mother] So, where did you meet
each other?
Well
me and Mr. Idroes,
we met yesterday at the
[Idroes] Art the market, honey.
This kid actually almost died.
He got beaten up by some thugs.
After hearing his story,
I brought him here so he can work here.
Dad, your kretek.
So, tell me, Raja,
how did you end up in M City?
Well, actually, ma'am, I'm from the south.
[Raja] Recently, I helped
a few families who'd been taken
advantage of by a loan shark.
I genuinely wanted to help them.
But I ended up dealing
with the wrong person.
They kept harassing me
and chased me all the way here.
Your parents must be worried.
I I'm an orphan, sir.
[in Dutch]
Don't ask our guest
strange questions, dear?
[in Dutch]
No problem, ma'am.
[in Dutch]
I don't mind.
[sighs]
[in English] Could you read this part?
Here.
[Idroes] Come on.
[clears throat]
Mm Dad. I can help you with that.
[Raja in Dutch] "As he walks,
he sees a faint moon nestled in the crown
of tender spring trees and doesn't notice
that he's going through a lighted ravine
that flows into the skeleton
of the black cathedral,
a monstrous rock rising
from primeval times in the night."
[light music playing]
[Idroes] So
you received an education.
[Idroes] Right?
[in English] My parents used to work
for the Dutchmen, sir.
Mmm.
[Raja] They helped me
and sent me to school there.
But it's not easy for indigenous people
to have the same education
as Dutch children.
[chuckles]
My headmaster had me read five books
till I finished them.
Otherwise, they wouldn't even feed me.
When I was 14 years old,
I also helped indigenous people.
I got paid for writing letters.
But after
all the Dutchmen were deported,
everyone else in the village
didn't like the indigenous
who had ties with Dutchmen.
So, I escaped.
Because my family was persecuted.
[clears throat]
I've been living alone ever since, sir.
[deep breath]
Well
people like you are exactly
what this factory needs.
Well, dig in. We need to eat first.
Come on.
[Idores] Come on, eat.
- [Dasiyah's mother] Please, help yourself.
- [Idroes] Please, Raja, don't be shy.
- [Raja] Where to?
- Mm
- Put it here.
- [Raja] Okay.
- Right here?
- Yeah. Great.
We'll use this space over here.
And store the rest
of what's still upstairs.
- Please, get them.
- Right.
Get them downstairs.
Yeah, yeah. Put it over there, yeah.
Where's Mr. Idroes?
He's not available today.
So, I'll be the one
to pick up your delivery.
Not here. Take it there.
[Mr. Budi] What are you doing?
It's not the same quality
as what you showed us at the market.
What are you implying, huh?
Are you accusing me of lying?
Let me ask you something.
Move aside!
What can a cigarette vendor do
without a tobacco vendor, huh?
[Mr. Budi] It's none of your business!
Your duty is only cleaning the house
and finding yourself a husband!
Do you understand?
[dramatic music playing]
Just ignore people like Mr. Budi, miss.
[Raja] He'll just end up draining you.
If you want, miss,
why don't we buy tobacco
from somewhere else?
Mr. Budi is the only tobacco supplier
in the area.
[Dasiyah] The only decent one.
[exhales]
In that case, miss,
what if we search in the north?
First off, do you know anything
about tobacco?
[Raja] I know a little, miss.
I worked in a tobacco field
in that region.
So, if you're looking
for high-quality tobacco, I mean
I can talk to the farmers.
I'll keep working. [clears throat]
[exciting music playing]
[rooster crows in distance]
AMOUNT, TOTAL
The leaves are not looking good at all.
[Dasiyah's mother]
Women should be able to do this.
Okay, bundle it.
[girls giggling, laughing]
- You need to try without moving my hand.
- [Purwanti] I can't!
[Rukayah] What's wrong?
Yeah! Ha, ha, it's done?
Okay, that's one.
[both giggling]
They've copied us again. Damn!
GENTLEMEN, PICK THE RIGHT ONE
CHOOSE PROKLAMASI KRETEK CIGARETTE
MERDEKA DJAJA KRETEK CIGARETTE
[exciting music continues playing]
[Raja] For you, miss.
I noticed that you like this coffee.
- [Raja] Djoko, here's another one.
- Yes, sir?
Thank you.
How are you? Feeling better?
[Djoko] Yes, much better, sir. Thank you.
- [Raja] Send my regards to your family.
- [Djoko] Okay, Mr. Raja.
- [Djoko] See you next time.
- [Raja] Yes, sir.
[music ends]
- [shoe snaps]
- [Raja] Whoa, whoa!
[grunts]
[light music playing]
Are you all right, miss?
[clears throat]
Those are for you.
[Dasiyah] Merdeka Kretek is the most
popular cigarette brand.
But if we stay the same
and don't make any changes,
we'll lose to our competitors.
I wish my father would take my advice.
From what I've seen, miss
you have Mr. Idroes' full attention.
It reminds me how wonderful it is
to have a family on which to rely.
[clears throat]
Just because my dad
believes in you doesn't mean
that I'm going to let you sabotage
my plan and all I fought so hard for.
What plan, miss?
Let me help you.
So I can repay
as much of my debt as I can.
The blue door.
Do you know which one I'm talking about?
Yeah.
Every kretek's secret is
its unique flavor.
And I want to make my own flavor.
But unfortunately, Mr. Dibjo,
the mixer of Merdeka Kretek,
he believes that women are forbidden
to enter the Flavor Room.
That they would ruin
the cigarette's taste.
That they would make it sour.
[scoffs]
I'll help you, miss.
Mr. Lebas.
[laughs]
Hi, I apologize for making you wait.
My name is Sri.
The director of this museum.
[laughing]
Uh, it's all right, not to worry.
It's not the first time I've waited
- for ladies like you, ma'am.
- Gosh, you waited this long!
I'm just kidding.
Thank you so much for your time.
It's okay, you're welcome and I'm glad
you've come here actually.
Because Mr. Raja has been
one of our most valued contributors.
He's donated many items
to this museum over the years.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know from his closed-down factory.
- Right.
- [both laughing awkwardly]
- Ma'am, shall we?
- Oh, right.
[giggles]
Let me introduce you. Nur.
- Hello.
- She's in charge of looking
- after our collection here.
- Oh!
I might be bothering you later then.
- No problem.
- No problem at all.
- Oh, yeah.
- [Sri] Yes?
I have a question for you,
I discovered a letter including a photo.
[Lebas] This photo,
and I actually wanted to ask, uh
- if you guys knew where this place was.
- May I take a look?
Do you know where this is, Nur?
- [footsteps approaching]
- I don't know precisely where it is,
- but this document is from the 1960s.
- Mm-hmm.
During that period, the kretek industry
in Indonesia was booming.
- [Sri] Mm.
- [Nur] And many of those
where home-based businesses.
But not every cigarette brand
is registered.
- True.
- Because basically,
when the owner dies, so does the business.
- [Sri] Mm.
- [Nur] So, I'm afraid we don't
have enough detail
for the information you need.
- Mm-hm.
- But if you're interested,
there are documents that you can read.
- [Sri] Right.
- Really?
- [Sri] Yes. Yes, of course.
- Can I see?
- Of course, you can.
- Okay.
[Nur] This way.
We're currently renovating this section.
Because we've recently received new items
from one of our donors.
Mm, yeah.
The donor's family used to run a cigarette
manufacturing business from their home.
[Nur] You might find some of them useful.
[Sri] Hopefully it will be useful.
- Mm-hmm.
- We'll give you some space
to browse around, Mr. Lebas.
- [Lebas] Mrs. Sri.
- Yeah?
Do you think it'd be possible
for me to meet the donor?
Yes, it's possible.
She actually said
she was planning to come here today.
Let me double-check, okay?
- I appreciate it.
- Well, you're very welcome.
[laughs] Come, Nur.
[gentle music playing]
[reporter] The Red Party, as one
of the biggest parties in Indonesia
is also celebrating Indonesia's
19th Independence Day.
On this occasion,
according to the parties head,
The Red Party history cannot be isolated
from the fight for national independence.
He thus call that all members of the left
to raise large number of troops
to combat colonialism.
- [Raja] Freedom!
- [crowd cheering]
[Rukayah] Freedom!
- [Raja] It was fun, wasn't it?
- [laughter]
- [Rukayah] Raja, please take it off.
- [Raja] Yeah. Let me help you.
Hold on a second
[kid] Freedom!
- There. You got it.
- Thanks a lot.
[man 1] Freedom! Freedom!
- [man 2] Freedom! Freedom!
- [man 3] Freedom!
- Freedom!
- Freedom!
[woman shouts in distance]
Freedom!
It's a holiday, miss. Why are you working?
Exactly, it's a holiday,
and when it's calm, I work better.
My chance to get things done,
without being constantly disturbed.
[chuckles] Right.
What is that?
Where did you get this?
Mr. Budi?
It comes from a friend I have up north.
The one I told you about.
Tobacco of this quality
must be very expensive.
My father won't want to buy it
if it's too costly.
Yeah. You're right, miss.
But you said that we need to find a way
to beat our competitors.
Actually, tobacco of this quality
only requires a small mixture.
It would taste like no other.
Much more special.
You mean very much like salt in a dish.
Yeah.
But is it possible
to only buy small batches?
Well, I talked to them already.
They said that we could buy
premium tobacco
for a reasonable price
if we become regular customers.
Which means, we wouldn't have to deal
with Mr. Budi anymore, miss.
[gentle music playing]
[clears throat]
[mobile phone rings]
Hello?
Bas.
Did you actually go hunting
for that woman?
Why would you do that?
[Raja's wife] I was the one who took care
of Raja all this time.
And now he's looking for that woman.
Was that Mom, Tegar?
That's right. I questioned her
about Jeng Yah and now
Well, you heard how she reacted.
Oh, no! Oh, my God!
[Lebas] Why, Karim? Why?
I thought I already made myself clear
not to tell anybody!
You better hurry
finishing your business then.
[Raja's wife] What's this?
I asked for soft-boiled eggs, didn't I?
Like every morning.
Why did you fry them?
[maid] I'm sorry, ma'am.
[Raja's wife]
Make some new one, immediately.
[maid] Yes, ma'am.
Gar, is that Lebas?
What, Mom?
What?
- [Raja's wife] Is it Lebas?
- No, it's, uh, uh
just a work-related matter.
[sighs]
[phone thuds]
[Dasiyah] That night,
everyone was celebrating Independence Day.
Meanwhile, I was contemplating
becoming independent.
Wondering how to break away.
[Idroes] Dear.
I received an offer
that might seem
difficult for us to decline.
Do you know
Mr. Tira, the owner
of Boekit Klapa Kretek?
[sighs]
Very soon he intends to marry off his son
to you.
In my opinion,
this marriage is great.
[Idroes] It's great for you.
It's great for business.
It's great for all of us.
You will live a much happier life.
For that reason,
your mother and I already agreed to it.
[emotional music playing]
You're going to get married next year,
and your future husband's family
will come to see you.
[emotional music continues playing]
Mr. Lebas, the donor has arrived.
[giggles]
This is Ms. Arum.
[giggles]
Her family has done so much
for this museum
[Sri] Among other things, they donated
the items you see in this room.
[soft music playing]
Why are you holding
a picture of my mother?
Trails of smoke
Trapped in a two by two ♪
Wasting the night feels right
When I'm with you ♪
It's the shimmer in your eyes ♪
NEXT ON CIGARETTE GIRL
[photographer] One, two
My father is actually looking
for the person in that picture.
[Lebas] My father is very sick.
This is his last wish.
[dramatic music playing]
I have an idea for a new flavor.
Women aren't supposed to enter
the Flavor Room.
[Raja] I know you want to prove
something to the world.
And I'd like to be a part of it.
[Dasiyah] This kretek is just for us.
We don't have much time either,
as you know.
This is an old letter written by Jeng Yah.
[Lebas] I really have no idea
if it's related to my family
or your family.
Ms. Dasiyah.
Nice to meet you, I'm Seno Aji.
Dasiyah will never have to work again.
Simply think of it
as one of your obligations.
I'm in love with Jeng Yah.
You should be aware
of your current position.
[man] I don't believe Dasiyah
has the slightest idea
of who you really are.
Jeng Yah, please stop.
- Dad!
- [Rukayah] Dad!
- Please, Dad!
- Honey, please don't!
Dad!
- [gun cocks]
- Jeng Yah
[gunshot fires]
♪you let down your disguise ♪
I feel ♪
Like I've known you for ages ♪
I feel ♪
Like with you I'm going places ♪
Ahh ♪
Ahh ♪
The same song on repeat ♪
You can call me anything you want ♪
It's fine by me ♪
Number two out of three ♪
He says that it's his favorite ♪
And I can't disagree ♪
We talk about everything ♪
The important and the mundane ♪
You know I think you know everything ♪
But the night's still young ♪
And there's still so much to gain ♪
I feel ♪
Like I've known you for ages ♪
I feel ♪
Like with you I'm going places ♪
Ahh ♪
Ahh ♪
The same song on repeat ♪
You can call me anything you want ♪
It's fine by me ♪
Number two out of three ♪
He says that it's his favorite ♪
And I can't disagree ♪
The same song on repeat ♪
You can call me anything you want ♪
It's fine by me ♪
Number two out of three ♪
He says that it's his favorite ♪
And I can't disagree ♪
- [crowd chattering]
[crowd laughs]
[chatter fading]
[heels clacking]
- [heart thumping]
- [ominous music playing]
[machine beeps]
[machine beeping intensifies]
- Raja. Dear?
- [groans]
[woman] Bas. Lebas.
Look after your dad.
- I'm going to call the nurse.
- Okay, Mom.
- [machine beeps loudly]
- [grunts]
[deep breath]
[gun cocks]
[in strained voice] Jeng Yah
[wind whooshing]
[heels clacking]
[heavy breathing]
Jeng Yah!
Jeng Yah!
[grunts]
Dad?
Dad.
- It's okay, Dad, come on.
- [groans]
[Raja grunts, groans]
It's okay, Dad. I got you. Calm down.
[Lebas] What are you looking for?
- [Raja grunts]
- Dad?
Come on, Dad.
Dad?
Dad
- [inhales deeply]
- [Lebas] What are you looking for?
- Find Jeng Yah.
- Who are you looking for?
[Raja] Please find Jeng Yah.
- What?
- Before it's too late, find her!
- [groans]
- Whoa, whoa, whoa! Watch it, calm down.
[Lebas] Please take care of him.
[suspenseful music playing]
[theme music playing]
BASED ON NOVEL BY RATIH KUMALA
CIGARETTE GIRL
[horns honking]
If you need anything,
I'll be outside, Mr. Lebas.
- Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Edith.
- Mm-hmm.
[door closes]
[lock clicks]
[woman] There are four things
etched in my memory.
[gentle music playing]
[soft rattling]
One,
the texture of cloves
that I felt on my palm.
Two,
the strong smell of tobacco
that tingles my nose.
[inhales deeply]
- [exhales deeply]
- [man] Dasiyah!
[Dasiyah] Three,
my father's voice as he calls my name.
[gentle music playing]
M CITY, 1964
[Dasiyah's father] Dasiyah!
- [worker] Good morning, sir.
- [Dasiyah's father] Good morning.
[Dasiyah] Four,
the sound of kretek cigarettes
being manufactured
which was my breath of life.
My dream is to produce
the greatest cigarettes,
as my father did.
I aspired to be a flavor creator.
The essence of a kretek cigarette.
But in the realm of kretek cigarettes,
women are only permitted
to work as hand-rollers.
[Dasiyah's father] Dasiyah.
I heard the fresh tobacco
from Mr. Budi had arrived.
[Dasiyah] They gave us a mixed batch.
[rooster crows in distance]
I suppose you're right. They did mix it.
But I believe it's fine.
We can still pick out the good ones
and the bad ones.
I don't believe it's fine.
You have to say something, Dad.
You must have a word with Mr. Budi.
Sweetheart, Mr. Budi
and I have a long history together.
I don't want to offend him, you know.
Besides, where else can I get
such inexpensive and good tobacco
except from Mr. Budi.
But we already have the evidence, Dad.
All right.
This afternoon come with me
to the marketplace
to meet Mr. Budi, okay?
See, you don't even want to go
with me to the market
to have a face-to-face conversation.
[Dasiyah] It's crowded there,
way too many people.
- I don't like it, Dad.
- [chuckles]
The market is always crowded
with people, you know.
If you prefer the quiet,
go to the cemetery.
Dad.
Dad, look. Purwanti gave me this.
And what is that?
[Dasiyah's sister] Mr. Djagad will launch
Proklamasi Kretek with new packaging.
Purwanti says that the launch
will be spectacular.
Because they found new partners
who provide funding
and assist with distribution in the West.
[chuckles]
I can guarantee you that how much
money they have makes no difference
or how they change
the design and the color.
Regardless, Proklamasi Kretek
will always be significantly
inferior than my Merdeka Kretek brand!
[Dasiyah's father]
They're trying to replicate our flavors!
But consumers continue to favor
Merdeka Kretek.
So don't worry about it, sweetheart.
[Dasiyah's father] Mr. Dibjo!
Here. Mr. Dibjo!
Mr. Dibjo.
If it's okay
I would like to talk to you for a bit.
[Dasiyah]
The flavor room behind that blue door
is the gateway to my dream.
A place where I'm not allowed to go.
Yet it is where my dreams are.
[Dasiyah's mother]
Yah, came here for a second.
Mrs. Melati has a nephew from Solo.
- [sighs]
- It's okay, come on.
I already asked a lot about him.
And it seems like he could be
an excellent husband for you.
He's a teacher.
He's been a widower
since several months ago.
He has two kids who are still very young.
And it also seems like
he doesn't care about
how old his potential wife is.
That's good to hear, Mom.
Not every woman would want to marry
a widower with two children.
I'm not trying to match you
with a widower with children.
I mean, perhaps you already have
your potential candidate in mind.
By the way, shouldn't we head
to the market now, Dad?
[Dasiyah] To speak with Mr. Budi?
Now?
Yeah, now.
Right now.
You said that earlier.
Mixed tobacco, we can't keep
quiet about that.
Sweetheart,
did I actually say that to you?
[Dasiyah] You did.
I'll go with you.
I'm running out of my ginger candy.
- Okay then, let's go.
- [giggles]
[Dasiyah's mother]
What am I supposed to do?
She keeps rejecting every man she meets.
[Dasiyah's mother] This is because
her father spoils her all the time.
[maid] But you sound like,
you don't know Ms. Yah, ma'am.
[car engine starts]
[Dasiyah]
There are so many things that I want,
that are more than what were meant for me.
[man] Please, open it.
Because I think this is
The percentage is too big!
Well, well, look who's here.
What are you doing in Dad's office?
Did he already become
the head of marketing, Rim?
[Karim] Just leave him alone, Tegar.
This is the first time
I've seen him working.
[Tegar] At least now
if my business friends ask me
about my lazy brother,
- I can tell them that he is working.
- [chuckles]
[Tegar] The company would no longer
waste money on his salary.
You just came here
to hide from the press, right?
Because of your party with Mia last night,
the tabloids has been phoning
your office all day.
Non-stop since this morning.
Here, read this!
ROMEO AND JULIET OF INDONESIAN KRETEK?
WHAT WILL THEIR FAMILIES SAY?
[Karim] I can't believe you, Bas.
You even hooked up
with our competitor's daughter.
- Huh?
- It's not like we're serious or anything.
[Tegar] Hey, Bas,
you're aware of Dad's condition.
Take an example from your brothers.
We're married and you're the only one
who still plays around.
Being the youngest doesn't mean
you can just play around.
It's easy though.
Just attend the morning meetings.
It will show that you have
responsibilities in our company.
Okay, I'll be serious.
Have you ever heard
Dad talk about Jeng Yah?
- [Tegar] Who?
- Jeng Yah.
Who is that?
[Lebas] Dad asked me to find her
as soon as possible.
It's kinda weird though,
given that he never asked me for anything.
Maybe that woman is his ex.
- He's not like that. You know that, Rim.
- [chuckles]
- What do we know about Dad?
- I know everything about him!
- Is that right? What?
- Hey, listen guys. Hey
If you wanna help Dad though,
help us expand our company.
[Tegar] Can you do that?
What I'm doing is helping Dad
by looking for Jeng Yah.
[laughs]
You're only serious
when it comes to the ladies.
What do you think, Rim?
I don't have time for this.
[Tegar] Come on, Rim.
[door opens]
I still have work to do with Tegar.
Call me if you need anything, Bas.
[Tegar] Rim!
- I'm serious about finding Jeng Yah.
- [door closes]
[door opens, closes]
[sighs]
Hi, Dad.
Did you forget you have cancer?
[Raja] No, I did not.
Whether I smoke or not,
I'm still going to die.
[scoffs]
In fact, did you know that
kretek cigarettes were originally made
for medicine.
That's completely false, Dad.
Many studies say otherwise.
[deep coughing, wheezing]
You just don't want to listen.
Dad, do you recall
what happened last night?
Mm, I do recall.
Last night, you came into my room, right?
[Raja] You were home
after partying, right?
What is this, Dad?
You insolent fool! How dare you!
How dare you go into my office
without my permission!
You were the one who gave me
the key last night, remember?
- You asked me to find someone.
- No, I don't remember
because I never asked you
to do anything like that,
- okay!
- Right Oh, my God!
You never asked me to do anything.
You always tell me what to do.
Go to this school,
work for the family company!
Don't ask too much,
just follow my instructions!
I won't let you use this tone!
I provided you
with a much better life than I had!
It's not at all comparable.
- You know nothing. You hear me!
- Well, that's precisely the problem.
Every time I want to get to know you,
you avoid me like the plague!
[deep coughing]
What's this picture, Dad?
- Enough!
- Maybe I should ask Mom?
- You better leave your mother out
- Who's Jeng Yah!
[emotional music playing]
[Raja cries]
[deep coughing]
Dad Dad!
- Dad.
- [coughing]
- Dad.
- Lebas
I don't have much time left,
do you understand, Bas?
[coughs]
Please, bring that box.
[sobbing]
Please
- [coughing]
- Okay, enough, Dad. Enough now.
Nurse, in here! Nurse!
Lebas, I'm asking you this as a favor,
find Jeng Yah.
Please, promise me!
You have to find Jeng Yah!
[sobbing]
[Karim over phone] Bas, are you seriously
searching for Jeng Yah?
[Lebas] I am, I already told you.
I have to find her no matter what.
I just arrived in M City.
But, please remember, Rim.
Under no circumstances
should you tell Mom and Tegar.
Dad's orders, okay?
What has gotten into you
that even you would obey Dad, Bas?
To be honest with you, Rim,
I still don't know where to start.
So, I followed your advice.
I went to the Kretek Museum.
[Karim] Okay, good.
Go talk with Mrs. Sri.
She's the museum director.
I'll call her after this. Yeah?
Okay, thank you, Karim.
[sighs]
[Dasiyah] When I'm around people,
I can see what they don't see.
[birds squawking]
I see freedom in the vast sky.
[birds squawking]
And I want to carry those dreams
wherever I go.
But my dream is only a small fragment
in the big scheme of our existence.
[indistinct chatter]
The freedom I desire
is not up to my control.
[chirping]
And it's truly terrifying.
In the real world,
people just want to see the part of me
that they want to see.
[assistant] Hey.
Mr. Idroes doesn't usually
take his daughter to the market.
[Dasiyah] I hope
they all can see the real me.
I have dreams,
ambitions,
and desires
to become something different
from what has been set out for me.
[Mr. Budi] Do we have a deal?
[Idroes] Mr. Budi.
- Mr. Idroes.
- [Dasiyah's sister] Dad.
- Please.
- Can I go see Purwanti first?
Yeah, take care.
[Idroes] How's it going?
Pretty well. Check this out.
- [shopkeeper] Do you want a cup of coffee?
- Okay.
- Plain brewed. Yeah.
- [shopkeeper] Plain brewed?
Guys, come on!
[man 1]
Which brand of cigarettes should I buy?
[man 2] Merdeka, of course.
- Merdeka Kretek is the best product.
- [man 1] Yeah?
All right then. But I have to make sure
it's the real deal first.
- They taste very different than the rest!
- Yeah, this is it.
Hey, why do you buy this crap when
there are tastier cigarettes available?
[man 3] Here.
Hmm
Please try this.
There you go.
[man 3] Inhale it once,
you can taste the flavorful tobacco
in a single whiff.
See, that's all the best flavors.
[man 1] It tastes amazing, sir.
The Proklamasi brand provides
authentic gentlemen's cigarettes.
Wow, this is amazing!
MERDEKA DJAJA KRETEK CIGARETTE
PROKLAMASI KRETEK CIGARETTE
- Please, take it home with you.
- Oh
- For me? Thank you so much.
- Mm.
[man 1] Thank you.
- [man 2] Come on.
- [man 1] Thank you, sir.
Take care, gentlemen.
[man 3]
I've compensated you well, haven't I?
But my cigarettes
are tucked away in the back!
[vendor] I'm sorry, sir.
I don't care, move them to the front!
[vendor] Okay, sir. Right away.
[inhales deeply]
[man 3] Dasiyah.
Fancy seeing you here. Hmm.
You're a woman,
so what are you doing playing with smokes?
No man would want you if your hand
smelled like cigarettes.
[chuckles]
You're here with your mom? Or by yourself?
No, Mr. Djagad. I'm
Dasiyah is here with me if you must know.
[chuckles]
How incredible is that, huh?
A father who takes care
of his business with his daughter.
[Djagad chuckles]
Ah, your daughter happens
to have some good taste though.
You got that right,
my daughter's great taste indeed.
More than you think.
Just like her amazing mother.
She likes the original.
Mr. Budi!
- [Djagad] Hey.
- [Mr. Budi] Hey!
[Djagad] What's up? So good to see you.
[ominous music playing]
[inaudible whisper]
[indistinct chatter]
[Idroes] How come, Mr. Budi?
Why is the tobacco you sent me different?
Did you send me the wrong one
or did you mix them?
My daughter noticed.
How could you think I'd ever
try to rip you off, Mr. Idroes?
[Mr. Budi] We've been business partners
in the tobacco industry
before your daughter was even born.
Besides [scoffs]
when did women
become familiar with cigarettes, huh?
[Dasiyah] Advance payment.
I was actually born
in a tobacco warehouse.
I know the smell of Srintil,
the tip of tobacco.
Excuse me, Mr. Budi.
Please accept this.
[Mr. Budi] Well, this is nice.
- Consider it done, Mr. Idroes.
- Okay.
Tomorrow, I'll give you
a special batch of tobacco, all right?
[Mr. Budi] Here. It's exceptional.
[man] Hey you! Stop! Come back here!
- [loud thudding]
- Stop! Hey, come back here!
- Stop him! Hey!
- [upbeat music playing]
Pur.
[man] Hey, stop! Come back here!
Yah!
- [indistinct chatter]
- [man] Hey! Come back!
- [man 1] Stop! Hey, hey!
- [man 2] Stop!
[groans]
Come back here!
- [man 1] Hey, hey! Stop!
- [man 2] Don't let him get away!
[upbeat music continues playing]
What's going on?
[Dasiyah's sister]
Why is this man being chased?
He's so big, like a monster.
Let's go have a look!
Let's not, Yah. I'm scared. No way.
- Purwanti!
- Let's go, all right?
How about we get some ginger candy?
[indistinct chatter]
- [exclaims]
- [grunts]
[groans]
[grunts]
[gentle music playing]
[Dasiyah] That look in his eyes was
unique.
In my life,
I'm used to having men look down on me.
[man grunts]
But
it was as though he sensed
freedom within me.
[muffled thudding]
KRETEK MUSEUM, CENTRAL JAVA
[Lebas] Good morning.
Good morning, how can I help you today?
I'm here to meet Mrs. Sri.
[receptionist]
Could you please sit and wait here?
- I'll call her.
- [Lebas] Okay, thank you.
[footsteps receding]
[light music playing]
[Dasiyah's sister] Why do you like it?
Your hands get so sticky.
You know why, right?
That's because it's the best way
to roll homemade cigarettes.
- [Dasiyah] That's why
- Dad simply wants the flavor
that his daughters create
with their hands.
[light music continues playing]
[sizzles]
[snipping]
[rustles]
[Dasiyah's mother] Dasiyah! Rukayah!
You're father's home!
[Idroes] Come in. Come in.
- Honey! Honey.
- [Dasiyah's mother] What is it, dear?
Well, this is
What's your name again?
- Soeraja, sir.
- Starting today,
Soeraja will be helping here.
[Dasiyah's mother]
My husband enjoys surprising me.
What will he do?
Perhaps, let him clean first.
Marem.
If you could please help Soeraja figure
out what he could do around the house.
[Idroes] What could he be working on?
[Marem] Right. Understood.
[Marem] Come this way.
- So, who is that?
- Come on, honey.
Not now, I'll explain later.
Dad. Your hand-rolled kretek.
Ah
Sweetheart, you always know
what your father wants.
Hon, look at our girl.
[sniffs]
I love the smell.
[workers chattering]
[male worker] Here lift this.
[Raja] Yes, sir.
[Raja grunts]
[Raja] There.
- [male worker] Here. Yeah.
- [Raja] Like this
[male worker] Yeah, put it here.
Can you tell me your name?
Uh
Raja, miss. Soeraja.
Have you ever worked in a factory before?
[Raja] Not yet, miss.
But I'm grateful
to Mr. Idroes and your family
for welcoming me and giving me a chance.
- I hope I can help you a lot.
- I don't need your help though.
My father doesn't have a son
so I'm the one helping him
take care of this factory.
You don't like working with women?
Uh
No Uh
It's not like that, miss.
I don't have any problem with that.
[Raja] I don't mind
doing manual labor either.
There's an empty chair over there.
Do you have any other tasks besides that?
Listen up, everyone.
[all] Yes?
- This is Raja.
- [all] Yes, miss.
He's new here, so please feel free
to give him a hand.
- [worker 1] Come here, sir!
- [worker 2] Let we all help you.
Come here, it's okay.
Don't be shy, come on.
- Come here, sir. Come on, have a seat.
- [worker 3] It's okay.
We'll give you a hand.
- We know all the tricks.
- Thank you.
Sit here, sit here.
Come on, let's make room.
- [worker 4] This is Marem.
- [laughs]
[worker 5] Come on.
- Welcome! I'm going to help you, sir.
- If you don't do anything, like this.
- It's pretty easy.
- [Raja] Right.
- [Raja] Oh, wait. Let me try. Like this?
- [Marem] Yes, like this.
Not bad. Right! Nice.
[chortles]
- [nervous chuckle]
- It is so small.
[workers laughing]
- It's not bad for your first.
- Thanks.
- Just do it again.
- All right, here.
I'll do it again. I'll do it again.
- [worker 6] I can't sell this one.
- [Raja] You can't
- [Marem] The next one will be better.
- [Raja] We'll be able to sell this one.
Let me try again.
[Dasiyah's mother] So, where did you meet
each other?
Well
me and Mr. Idroes,
we met yesterday at the
[Idroes] Art the market, honey.
This kid actually almost died.
He got beaten up by some thugs.
After hearing his story,
I brought him here so he can work here.
Dad, your kretek.
So, tell me, Raja,
how did you end up in M City?
Well, actually, ma'am, I'm from the south.
[Raja] Recently, I helped
a few families who'd been taken
advantage of by a loan shark.
I genuinely wanted to help them.
But I ended up dealing
with the wrong person.
They kept harassing me
and chased me all the way here.
Your parents must be worried.
I I'm an orphan, sir.
[in Dutch]
Don't ask our guest
strange questions, dear?
[in Dutch]
No problem, ma'am.
[in Dutch]
I don't mind.
[sighs]
[in English] Could you read this part?
Here.
[Idroes] Come on.
[clears throat]
Mm Dad. I can help you with that.
[Raja in Dutch] "As he walks,
he sees a faint moon nestled in the crown
of tender spring trees and doesn't notice
that he's going through a lighted ravine
that flows into the skeleton
of the black cathedral,
a monstrous rock rising
from primeval times in the night."
[light music playing]
[Idroes] So
you received an education.
[Idroes] Right?
[in English] My parents used to work
for the Dutchmen, sir.
Mmm.
[Raja] They helped me
and sent me to school there.
But it's not easy for indigenous people
to have the same education
as Dutch children.
[chuckles]
My headmaster had me read five books
till I finished them.
Otherwise, they wouldn't even feed me.
When I was 14 years old,
I also helped indigenous people.
I got paid for writing letters.
But after
all the Dutchmen were deported,
everyone else in the village
didn't like the indigenous
who had ties with Dutchmen.
So, I escaped.
Because my family was persecuted.
[clears throat]
I've been living alone ever since, sir.
[deep breath]
Well
people like you are exactly
what this factory needs.
Well, dig in. We need to eat first.
Come on.
[Idores] Come on, eat.
- [Dasiyah's mother] Please, help yourself.
- [Idroes] Please, Raja, don't be shy.
- [Raja] Where to?
- Mm
- Put it here.
- [Raja] Okay.
- Right here?
- Yeah. Great.
We'll use this space over here.
And store the rest
of what's still upstairs.
- Please, get them.
- Right.
Get them downstairs.
Yeah, yeah. Put it over there, yeah.
Where's Mr. Idroes?
He's not available today.
So, I'll be the one
to pick up your delivery.
Not here. Take it there.
[Mr. Budi] What are you doing?
It's not the same quality
as what you showed us at the market.
What are you implying, huh?
Are you accusing me of lying?
Let me ask you something.
Move aside!
What can a cigarette vendor do
without a tobacco vendor, huh?
[Mr. Budi] It's none of your business!
Your duty is only cleaning the house
and finding yourself a husband!
Do you understand?
[dramatic music playing]
Just ignore people like Mr. Budi, miss.
[Raja] He'll just end up draining you.
If you want, miss,
why don't we buy tobacco
from somewhere else?
Mr. Budi is the only tobacco supplier
in the area.
[Dasiyah] The only decent one.
[exhales]
In that case, miss,
what if we search in the north?
First off, do you know anything
about tobacco?
[Raja] I know a little, miss.
I worked in a tobacco field
in that region.
So, if you're looking
for high-quality tobacco, I mean
I can talk to the farmers.
I'll keep working. [clears throat]
[exciting music playing]
[rooster crows in distance]
AMOUNT, TOTAL
The leaves are not looking good at all.
[Dasiyah's mother]
Women should be able to do this.
Okay, bundle it.
[girls giggling, laughing]
- You need to try without moving my hand.
- [Purwanti] I can't!
[Rukayah] What's wrong?
Yeah! Ha, ha, it's done?
Okay, that's one.
[both giggling]
They've copied us again. Damn!
GENTLEMEN, PICK THE RIGHT ONE
CHOOSE PROKLAMASI KRETEK CIGARETTE
MERDEKA DJAJA KRETEK CIGARETTE
[exciting music continues playing]
[Raja] For you, miss.
I noticed that you like this coffee.
- [Raja] Djoko, here's another one.
- Yes, sir?
Thank you.
How are you? Feeling better?
[Djoko] Yes, much better, sir. Thank you.
- [Raja] Send my regards to your family.
- [Djoko] Okay, Mr. Raja.
- [Djoko] See you next time.
- [Raja] Yes, sir.
[music ends]
- [shoe snaps]
- [Raja] Whoa, whoa!
[grunts]
[light music playing]
Are you all right, miss?
[clears throat]
Those are for you.
[Dasiyah] Merdeka Kretek is the most
popular cigarette brand.
But if we stay the same
and don't make any changes,
we'll lose to our competitors.
I wish my father would take my advice.
From what I've seen, miss
you have Mr. Idroes' full attention.
It reminds me how wonderful it is
to have a family on which to rely.
[clears throat]
Just because my dad
believes in you doesn't mean
that I'm going to let you sabotage
my plan and all I fought so hard for.
What plan, miss?
Let me help you.
So I can repay
as much of my debt as I can.
The blue door.
Do you know which one I'm talking about?
Yeah.
Every kretek's secret is
its unique flavor.
And I want to make my own flavor.
But unfortunately, Mr. Dibjo,
the mixer of Merdeka Kretek,
he believes that women are forbidden
to enter the Flavor Room.
That they would ruin
the cigarette's taste.
That they would make it sour.
[scoffs]
I'll help you, miss.
Mr. Lebas.
[laughs]
Hi, I apologize for making you wait.
My name is Sri.
The director of this museum.
[laughing]
Uh, it's all right, not to worry.
It's not the first time I've waited
- for ladies like you, ma'am.
- Gosh, you waited this long!
I'm just kidding.
Thank you so much for your time.
It's okay, you're welcome and I'm glad
you've come here actually.
Because Mr. Raja has been
one of our most valued contributors.
He's donated many items
to this museum over the years.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know from his closed-down factory.
- Right.
- [both laughing awkwardly]
- Ma'am, shall we?
- Oh, right.
[giggles]
Let me introduce you. Nur.
- Hello.
- She's in charge of looking
- after our collection here.
- Oh!
I might be bothering you later then.
- No problem.
- No problem at all.
- Oh, yeah.
- [Sri] Yes?
I have a question for you,
I discovered a letter including a photo.
[Lebas] This photo,
and I actually wanted to ask, uh
- if you guys knew where this place was.
- May I take a look?
Do you know where this is, Nur?
- [footsteps approaching]
- I don't know precisely where it is,
- but this document is from the 1960s.
- Mm-hmm.
During that period, the kretek industry
in Indonesia was booming.
- [Sri] Mm.
- [Nur] And many of those
where home-based businesses.
But not every cigarette brand
is registered.
- True.
- Because basically,
when the owner dies, so does the business.
- [Sri] Mm.
- [Nur] So, I'm afraid we don't
have enough detail
for the information you need.
- Mm-hm.
- But if you're interested,
there are documents that you can read.
- [Sri] Right.
- Really?
- [Sri] Yes. Yes, of course.
- Can I see?
- Of course, you can.
- Okay.
[Nur] This way.
We're currently renovating this section.
Because we've recently received new items
from one of our donors.
Mm, yeah.
The donor's family used to run a cigarette
manufacturing business from their home.
[Nur] You might find some of them useful.
[Sri] Hopefully it will be useful.
- Mm-hmm.
- We'll give you some space
to browse around, Mr. Lebas.
- [Lebas] Mrs. Sri.
- Yeah?
Do you think it'd be possible
for me to meet the donor?
Yes, it's possible.
She actually said
she was planning to come here today.
Let me double-check, okay?
- I appreciate it.
- Well, you're very welcome.
[laughs] Come, Nur.
[gentle music playing]
[reporter] The Red Party, as one
of the biggest parties in Indonesia
is also celebrating Indonesia's
19th Independence Day.
On this occasion,
according to the parties head,
The Red Party history cannot be isolated
from the fight for national independence.
He thus call that all members of the left
to raise large number of troops
to combat colonialism.
- [Raja] Freedom!
- [crowd cheering]
[Rukayah] Freedom!
- [Raja] It was fun, wasn't it?
- [laughter]
- [Rukayah] Raja, please take it off.
- [Raja] Yeah. Let me help you.
Hold on a second
[kid] Freedom!
- There. You got it.
- Thanks a lot.
[man 1] Freedom! Freedom!
- [man 2] Freedom! Freedom!
- [man 3] Freedom!
- Freedom!
- Freedom!
[woman shouts in distance]
Freedom!
It's a holiday, miss. Why are you working?
Exactly, it's a holiday,
and when it's calm, I work better.
My chance to get things done,
without being constantly disturbed.
[chuckles] Right.
What is that?
Where did you get this?
Mr. Budi?
It comes from a friend I have up north.
The one I told you about.
Tobacco of this quality
must be very expensive.
My father won't want to buy it
if it's too costly.
Yeah. You're right, miss.
But you said that we need to find a way
to beat our competitors.
Actually, tobacco of this quality
only requires a small mixture.
It would taste like no other.
Much more special.
You mean very much like salt in a dish.
Yeah.
But is it possible
to only buy small batches?
Well, I talked to them already.
They said that we could buy
premium tobacco
for a reasonable price
if we become regular customers.
Which means, we wouldn't have to deal
with Mr. Budi anymore, miss.
[gentle music playing]
[clears throat]
[mobile phone rings]
Hello?
Bas.
Did you actually go hunting
for that woman?
Why would you do that?
[Raja's wife] I was the one who took care
of Raja all this time.
And now he's looking for that woman.
Was that Mom, Tegar?
That's right. I questioned her
about Jeng Yah and now
Well, you heard how she reacted.
Oh, no! Oh, my God!
[Lebas] Why, Karim? Why?
I thought I already made myself clear
not to tell anybody!
You better hurry
finishing your business then.
[Raja's wife] What's this?
I asked for soft-boiled eggs, didn't I?
Like every morning.
Why did you fry them?
[maid] I'm sorry, ma'am.
[Raja's wife]
Make some new one, immediately.
[maid] Yes, ma'am.
Gar, is that Lebas?
What, Mom?
What?
- [Raja's wife] Is it Lebas?
- No, it's, uh, uh
just a work-related matter.
[sighs]
[phone thuds]
[Dasiyah] That night,
everyone was celebrating Independence Day.
Meanwhile, I was contemplating
becoming independent.
Wondering how to break away.
[Idroes] Dear.
I received an offer
that might seem
difficult for us to decline.
Do you know
Mr. Tira, the owner
of Boekit Klapa Kretek?
[sighs]
Very soon he intends to marry off his son
to you.
In my opinion,
this marriage is great.
[Idroes] It's great for you.
It's great for business.
It's great for all of us.
You will live a much happier life.
For that reason,
your mother and I already agreed to it.
[emotional music playing]
You're going to get married next year,
and your future husband's family
will come to see you.
[emotional music continues playing]
Mr. Lebas, the donor has arrived.
[giggles]
This is Ms. Arum.
[giggles]
Her family has done so much
for this museum
[Sri] Among other things, they donated
the items you see in this room.
[soft music playing]
Why are you holding
a picture of my mother?
Trails of smoke
Trapped in a two by two ♪
Wasting the night feels right
When I'm with you ♪
It's the shimmer in your eyes ♪
NEXT ON CIGARETTE GIRL
[photographer] One, two
My father is actually looking
for the person in that picture.
[Lebas] My father is very sick.
This is his last wish.
[dramatic music playing]
I have an idea for a new flavor.
Women aren't supposed to enter
the Flavor Room.
[Raja] I know you want to prove
something to the world.
And I'd like to be a part of it.
[Dasiyah] This kretek is just for us.
We don't have much time either,
as you know.
This is an old letter written by Jeng Yah.
[Lebas] I really have no idea
if it's related to my family
or your family.
Ms. Dasiyah.
Nice to meet you, I'm Seno Aji.
Dasiyah will never have to work again.
Simply think of it
as one of your obligations.
I'm in love with Jeng Yah.
You should be aware
of your current position.
[man] I don't believe Dasiyah
has the slightest idea
of who you really are.
Jeng Yah, please stop.
- Dad!
- [Rukayah] Dad!
- Please, Dad!
- Honey, please don't!
Dad!
- [gun cocks]
- Jeng Yah
[gunshot fires]
♪you let down your disguise ♪
I feel ♪
Like I've known you for ages ♪
I feel ♪
Like with you I'm going places ♪
Ahh ♪
Ahh ♪
The same song on repeat ♪
You can call me anything you want ♪
It's fine by me ♪
Number two out of three ♪
He says that it's his favorite ♪
And I can't disagree ♪
We talk about everything ♪
The important and the mundane ♪
You know I think you know everything ♪
But the night's still young ♪
And there's still so much to gain ♪
I feel ♪
Like I've known you for ages ♪
I feel ♪
Like with you I'm going places ♪
Ahh ♪
Ahh ♪
The same song on repeat ♪
You can call me anything you want ♪
It's fine by me ♪
Number two out of three ♪
He says that it's his favorite ♪
And I can't disagree ♪
The same song on repeat ♪
You can call me anything you want ♪
It's fine by me ♪
Number two out of three ♪
He says that it's his favorite ♪
And I can't disagree ♪