4 Must-Watch Indonesian Films About Sandwich Generation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The refers to a group of young to middle-aged adults who face the dual responsibility of caring for their young children and elderly parents. This phenomenon is often depicted in various that portray the realities of life. Here are several Indonesian films that highlight this theme.

1. 1 Kakak 7 Ponakan (2025)

1 Kakak 7 Ponakan (A Brother and 7 Siblings) premiered in Indonesian cinemas on January 23, 2025. Directed by Yandy Laurens, the film tells the story of a young architect named Moko (Chicco Kurniawan) who suddenly becomes the sole caregiver for his seven nephews after the death of his siblings.

The film highlights Moko's struggle to balance his responsibilities as a breadwinner and caregiver, showcasing the challenges faced by many sandwich-generation people.

2. Home Sweet Loan (2024)

Released in September 2024, Home Sweet Loan stars Yunita Siregar, Derby Romero, Risty Tagor, and Fita Anggriani. The story is adapted from a novel by Almira Bastari and focuses on Kaluna, a middle-class worker living with her extended family.

Her dream of homeownership is brutally hindered by the financial burden she carries for her family, a common dilemma often faced by those in the sandwich generation. The film portrays Kaluna's journey as she navigates life's realities and strives to achieve her dreams.

3. Cinta Pertama, Kedua & Ketiga (2021)

Directed by Gina S. Noer, Cinta Pertama, Kedua & Ketiga (First, Second & Third Love) tells the story of Raja (Angga Yunanda) and Asia (Putri Marino), two young adults caring for their respective single parents. As the story unfolds, they face the dilemma of choosing between living their own lives or continuing to care for their parents.

The film portrays how children in the sandwich generation often face the dilemma of choosing between living independently and staying at home to care for their parents.

4. Gampang Cuan (2023)

Starring Vino G. Bastian and Anya Geraldine, Gampang Cuan addresses financial themes closely related to the burdens of the sandwich generation. The story follows Sultan (Vino G. Bastian) who moves to Jakarta and must shoulder his late father's Rp300 million debt while also funding his youngest sibling's education.

Together with his sister, Bilqis (Anya Geraldine), they struggle to find a way to repay the debt without their mother's knowledge. The highlights how financial pressures can affect family relationships within the sandwich generation.

Myesha Fatina Rachman and Raden Putri Alpadillah Ginanjar contributed to the writing of this article.

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