The film highlights the Bugis tradition of (fighting inside a sarong), which is traditionally used to settle disputes and maintain honor. It heavily blends action with religious themes, portraying martial arts as a path to spiritual awakening.
: The "Miyagi-esque" mentor who teaches Deni martial arts and spiritual wisdom. The film highlights the Bugis tradition of (fighting
Released on Netflix in 2020, Tarung Sarung is an Indonesian martial arts drama that serves as a regional homage to The Karate Kid . The story follows a spoiled heir who undergoes a spiritual and physical transformation through the Bugis traditional martial art of sarong fighting. Plot Summary Released on Netflix in 2020, Tarung Sarung is
: Deni Ruso (played by Panji Zoni) is the arrogant heir to Ruso Corp, one of Indonesia's wealthiest families. After a viral nightclub brawl, his mother Dina sends him to Makassar to manage a resort project and learn responsibility. After a viral nightclub brawl, his mother Dina
: Seeking revenge, Deni convinces Pak Khalid (Yayan Ruhian), a legendary former champion and mosque caretaker, to train him. Pak Khalid agrees only if Deni also reconnects with his lost faith in God.
: Deni's pursuit of Tenri puts him at odds with Sanrego (Cemal Faruk), a local champion of Tarung Sarung —a traditional martial art where combatants fight inside a single sarong. Sanrego easily defeats and humiliates Deni in a challenge.