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Very few young Indonesian actors make an impression quite like Arbani Yasiz.
He’s neither a nepo baby nor an overnight sensation. A true example of someone who started from the bottom, Arbani entered the entertainment world through modeling before finding his way into soap operas with no formal acting training.
In his late 20s, after years of playing supporting roles, Arbani finally landed what was meant to be his breakout feature film, 2022’s Ranah 3 Warna (The Realm of Three Colors), where his name topped the call sheet. Though the pandemic stalled the film’s momentum, Arbani pushed forward.
Then, against all odds, Ancika: Dia yang Bersamaku 1995 (Ancika: The One Who Was With Me in 1995) became a massive box-office hit in 2024, launching Arbani into the exclusive ranks of Indonesia’s most bankable stars. Add to that a packed slate of projects — including Amazon Prime Video’s Sekotengs (2024) and the official music video for “Terlalu Cinta” (Too Much in Love) by Yovie Widianto and Lyodra — and it’s clear: Arbani is one of the busiest, most versatile actors working today.
“It’s been a pretty long and grueling journey,” Arbani said, reflecting on his decade-long career.
“People might think only those with money or the right connections can become actors. But as it turns out, I’ve proven that I can do it.”
Cinema’s miracle worker
Arbani’s non-stop work ethic reflects his genuine love of the craft.
Acting allows him to become “somebody else” and try “something new” every time. Sekotengs brought him into the medical world, while Ranah 3 Warna pushed him to explore Minangkabau culture.
From the start, Arbani knew his passion for acting shouldn’t be confined to one format.
Though he found stability in soap operas and gained national fame with hits like Roman Picisan the Series (2017) and IPA & IPS (2021), he chose to broaden his horizons, even if it meant juggling more work than many of his peers.
This speaks volumes about his work ethic.
“I just wanted to try, try and try while I was still young,” he said with a grin.
“I wanted to find where I truly felt comfortable as an actor. And I’ve discovered that it’s in film. I love doing films because they’re clearer and more structured. That said, I’m not ruling out returning to soap operas. Never say never.”
Big goals come with big gambles, and Ancika was his boldest move yet.
I still remember the skepticism surrounding the film when Arbani was cast as Dilan, a character previously made iconic by Iqbaal Ramadhan. But Ancika’s runaway success proved Arbani could deliver a miracle.
When asked what he learned from making the film, he answered thoughtfully: “We never know until we try, so try anyway. What’s important is giving it our absolute best.”
A great trust
It feels like everything Arbani’s gone through, both professionally and mentally, has prepared him for his latest role in Pabrik Gula (Sugar Factory).
It’s well-known that MD Pictures saves its biggest release for Eid, and this year, that title belongs to Pabrik Gula. When Arbani read the script, he immediately realized MD was aiming to break the mold of typical horror films.
As a humble factory worker caught in supernatural chaos, Arbani’s character is neither a grand hero nor a romantic lead. In most horror flicks, his character wouldn’t even survive. That’s what makes Pabrik Gula so intriguing: audiences can expect the unexpected.
“I see [my character] as a guide for the audience,” he explained.
“He’s terrorized, he witnesses the accidents and deaths, and he helps put the puzzle together. But the main conflict isn’t centered on him.”
Arbani is well aware of MD Pictures’ past Eid juggernauts, like Sewu Dino (A Thousand Days) in 2023 and Badarawuhi di Desa Penari (Badarawuhi in the Dancer’s Village) last year. With Pabrik Gula also set to screen in the US, it could be his gateway to international recognition.
Still, rather than call the opportunity a burden or an honor, Arbani sees it as a form of trust.
“Initially, I questioned my ability to lead an MD Pictures tentpole,” he admitted.
“But I was handed this role and their trust, so I chose not to mess around. I brought everything I had. It’s hard to put into words, but doing a film like this was on my bucket list.”
Leading the way
It seems Arbani is finally reaping the rewards of a decade’s worth of hard work, and he’s got a bit of advice for young actors hoping to follow in his footsteps.
“Be cautious with your social life,” he warned. “Don’t get carried away just because you’re young.”
He also believes younger actors shouldn’t settle too soon.
“While you’re still young, go after every opportunity you can. Let our peers look up to us, not the other way around,” he said.
It feels appropriate to close this piece with a few words from Umay Shahab, who directed Arbani in the 2022 web series Cinta di Balik Awan (Love Behind the Clouds).
“His effort for me — as someone who, at the time, had only directed two series and one film — was extraordinary. He didn't look at me as either a newbie director or a seasoned one. Instead, he was a consummate professional. Even when I asked him to do plenty of absurd stuff, he gave his full, maximum effort, all for the sake of creating something great together.”
That dedication, in the end, is what’s carried Arbani to where he is now.
