“It’s only a matter of time.”
That is Fadly’s signature line from the Jodoh 3 Bujang movie. Set in eastern Indonesia, Makassar City, the movie tells the story of three unmarried men, Fadly (Jourdy Pranata), Kifly (Christoffer Nelwan), and Ahmad (Rey Bong). The men suddenly panicked when their father, Mustapa (Arswendy Bening Swara), asked them to get married at the same time.
As men from Sulawesi, they must face the tradition of uang panai’ (bridal dowry), a major challenge in Bugis-Makassar weddings. The procession also involves various stages, from the proposal to the festive yet sacred wedding party.
Kifly, the middle son, took the first step by proposing to his girlfriend, Karin (Barbie Arzetta). This inspired Mustapa to plan a double wedding for his three sons.
With 300 million in savings, Mustapa was determined to cover all the wedding costs, including the uang panai’ for his three sons.
Fadly is dating Nisa (Maizura), a girl from Sengkang Regency, the youngest child and only daughter in her family. And Ahmad, the youngest, is dating Asha (Elsa Japasal), who was born and raised in Jakarta but now studies and works in Makassar.
However, their plans are disrupted when Nisa’s parents suddenly set her up with a more well-established man. Fadly was pressed for time and had to either find a new partner immediately or accept being married off by his parents.
In his search for a partner, Fadly goes through a series of funny and unexpected encounters. He tried dating apps, met jalangkote sellers, ran into people who fart carelessly, and even came across women much older than him.
Amidst his despair, he reunited with Rifa (Aisha Nurra Datau), his college friend who is now pursuing her master’s degree. Rifa comes from a moderate Bugis-Makassar family that values education.
Challenges continue to arise. Rifa’s housemaid, Bibi Surti (Musdalifah Basri), remarked that for a man with a master’s degree, an only child, and someone who has been to Umrah, the uang panai’ should be no less than three billion rupiah. This illustrates the cultural and social realities that Fadly must confront.
In fact, Fadly had feelings for Rifa in college, but insecurity over their different backgrounds kept him from confessing, and graduation eventually set them apart with distance.
As merely a local musician, Fadly was far from the lofty “3 B (three billion)” criteria. Meanwhile, Nisa, still in love with him, even asked him to elope for love’s sake. Fadly found himself torn between choosing a partner with a uang panai’ of three billion or one of just three hundred million.
The story unfolds with Makassarese humor, cultural pressures, and the struggles of searching for true love. Along the way, Fadly was supported by his friends, Ariping (Iwan Coy) and Pierre (Zakaribo), as well as his mentor, Malik (Nugie).
“Kuallengi Tallanga Na Toalia, it’s better to drown than to turn around,” Malik said.
At 1 hour and 47 minutes, Jodoh 3 Bujang offers a refreshing experience, rich in cultural value.
Shot across Makassar’s iconic spots, such as Hasanuddin University, the Mandala Monument, Losari Beach, and Paotere Harbor, the film enhances the local nuances of every scene.
The background music features popular songs, such as “Seberapa Pantas” by Sheila on 7, “Celengan Rindu” by Fiersa Besari, and “Bersamamu” by Jaz, which heighten the emotions of the story.
In addition to highlighting the issues of uang panai’, this film is based on a true story. Simultaneous marriages are common in Sulawesi, and the man behind this story is also named Fadly, from Bulukumba.
Fadly said that finding a spouse is difficult, especially in a short amount of time. For parents, marrying off their children is a matter of responsibility and pride.
Directed by Arfan Sabran, Jodoh 3 Bujang presents a story that is not only entertaining but also evocative. The movie blends romantic comedy with social reflections on how the younger generation deals with family expectations, traditional values, and the challenges of modernity.
With warm cinematography and rich South Sulawesi cultural nuances, this movie touches the audience’s emotions without losing its humor.
Jodoh 3 Bujang is not just about three men looking for partners, but also a journey of discovering the meaning of love, responsibility, and family strength.
The film was released in Indonesian cinemas starting on June 26, 2025, and is suitable for all audiences, especially young people at the crossroads between tradition and the freedom to choose love.
Will Fadly choose Rifa, or will he accept an arranged marriage from his parents?
Find the answer by watching Jodoh 3 Bujang at your nearest cinema, Sobat iden!
Read the original article in Bahasa
Original Writer: Aliyah Fadhilah
Translated By: Andika Wijaya
