Ayah

Linda, eldest of the Mulyadi family, wants to continue her studies at a university in Yogya because she realises her potential. Her father approves this even though they are struggling financially as he is just a low-ranking staff in a bank. But her mother disapproves. Then her friend, Nancy, introduces her to Lukman, a playboy who likes her. Lukman becomes a bad influence and she is carried away by the lifestyle of the rich and forgets how hard her parents work to pay for her studies. The father drives a motorized rickshaw after work while her mother becomes a street vendor. One night, Linda and her friends are driving a car recklessly and hit the motorized rickshaw that her father drives. Linda’s friends run away while she stays to help her father. Suddenly, the scene changes to the school’s graduation where words of wisdom are given and Linda graduates thanks to her parents’ hard work.

Directed by Amin Kertarahardja, Ayah leans on a strong ensemble — Rachmat Hidayat, Rima Melati, Paula Rumokoy — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1973.