Ringgo Agus Rahman Touched by Film 'Aku Sebelum Aku': Parents Shouldn't Dictate Children's Lives
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Actor Ringgo Agus Rahman reflected on his role as a father in the film "Aku Sebelum Aku."
- The film explores the parent-child dynamic, where a father's expectations create emotional distance.
- Rahman realized his own potential to become a controlling parent and believes parents should guide, not dictate, their children's lives.
Actor Ringgo Agus Rahman found personal resonance in his role as a father in the film "Aku Sebelum Aku." The movie delves into the complex relationship between parents and children, particularly when parental expectations inadvertently create distance.
Rahman portrays Jaya, a father convinced he knows the best path for his son, Jati. His attempts to steer his son's future, driven by his own definition of success, lead to an emotional rift. The actor admitted the character served as a stark reminder that parental hopes can sometimes stem from personal ambition rather than a child's genuine happiness.
"Every parent has hopes for their child," Rahman stated. "But are those hopes personal ambitions, or are they purely for the child's happiness?" He confessed that he could easily fall into the same pattern as Jaya in his real life.
For Rahman, the film reinforced his belief that a parent's role is not to determine a child's life path but to be a supportive presence. "Since my child was born, I've been aware that my job is to guard their sides, not pull them in the direction I want," he explained. "Wherever they want to go, I'll just be beside them. That's how my journey as a parent should be, never forcing my child in a certain direction."
"Aku Sebelum Aku" uses the relationship between Jaya and Jati to show how expectations, even those born from love, can become pressure for children. The film, set to premiere on Netflix on July 16, 2026, emphasizes that listening, understanding, and allowing children the space to find their own way is a profound expression of love.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.