ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Following the success of the 2014 hit Assalamualaikum Beijing, the long-awaited sequel—Assalamualaikum Beijing 2: Lost in Ningxia—is set to premiere across Indonesian cinemas on June 19, 2025.
Adapted from a novel by bestselling author Asma Nadia, the film’s screenplay is co-written by Benni Setiawan, with Guntur Soeharjanto returning as director. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ningxia, China—a region known for its significant Muslim population—the film explores the spiritual journey of a young journalist named Aisha (played by Yasmin Napper), who migrates in pursuit of love and faith.
The story begins when Aisha decides to follow her lover, Arif (Emir Mahira), to Ningxia after embracing Islam. Their journey marks a new chapter in Aisha’s life, one filled with emotional intensity, spiritual reflection, identity struggles, and poignant romantic dilemmas.
“Aisha is such a complex and endearing character. When I first read the script, I kept wondering how to make the audience empathize with her stubbornness—until I realized she clings to Arif as her only emotional anchor,” Yasmin Napper shared during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 10.
Yasmin also reflected on the film’s impact on her personally. “One lesson I took to heart is the importance of surrendering to destiny. We can’t force things—God already has a plan and a path for each of us,” she added.
Beyond its emotionally rich narrative, Assalamualaikum Beijing 2: Lost in Ningxia offers stunning visuals that captivate the eye. The rarely portrayed landscapes of Ningxia add a unique visual texture to the film, showcasing Chinese culture in a fresh and immersive way for Indonesian cinema-goers.
Director Guntur Soeharjanto hopes the film will bring new energy to Indonesia’s film industry.
“We want to offer a fresh perspective through a story that spreads kindness, with strong characters that can inspire the audience,” he said.
Asma Nadia, the original author, expressed her joy at seeing the film adaptation finally completed after a five-year production journey.
“Seeing your book turned into a film is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But after watching the rough cut, I was speechless. All the goodness I wanted to share in the story came through beautifully,” she remarked.
The film introduces a lineup of new actors who bring a fresh dynamic to the story. Yasmin Napper delivers a deeply emotional performance as the lead, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Emir Mahira, Baskara Mahendra, Gabriella Ekaputri, Ferry Salim, Ria Ricis, and others.
Yasmin revealed that her decision to join the project was driven by her connection with the production team.
“I’ve been familiar with Ms. Asma’s and Mr. Guntur’s work. Plus, I really loved the story, so I was very excited to be part of it,” she said.
Supporting actress Ria Ricis recalled the challenging filming conditions, particularly during scenes shot in extreme cold.
“Yasmin was screaming from the cold during filming. But honestly, it added a layer of realism to the scene,” she recounted with a laugh.
With its powerful storyline, captivating cinematography, and heartfelt moral message, Assalamualaikum Beijing 2: Lost in Ningxia is poised to win the hearts of Indonesian audiences once again. Aisha’s tale of love, spiritual awakening, and inner conflict unfolds against the exotic cultural landscape of China in a film rich with meaning and emotion.
Don’t miss this soulful romantic drama—Assalamualaikum Beijing 2: Lost in Ningxia—premiering nationwide in cinemas on June 19, 2025. (Silvia Andriani)
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