Borderless Fog

Borderless Fog (Indonesian: Kabut Berduri) is an Indonesian crime thriller film directed by Edwin and features a script co-written by Edwin and Ifan Ismail. The movie Set in various locations throughout Kalimantan, Borderless Fog aims to spotlight the stories and cultures of local people and immigrants who reside in the area.^[1]

Summary[]

"A big-city detective investigates a series of gruesome murders along the Indonesia-Malaysia border — forcing her to confront ghosts from her past."

—Official Netflix synopsis

Plot[]

The film begins with a backdrop of historical conflict between Indonesia and Malaysia on Borneo Island, where military forces worked together to combat communist forces. The story quickly transitions to the present, where violence still lingers along the border.

The narrative kicks off with the discovery of a gruesome crime: the decapitated bodies of two victims, First Sergeant Thoriq Herdian and a Dayak activist named Juwing. This draws the attention of Inspector Sanja Arunika from Jakarta, who teams up with local Inspector Panca Nugraha to investigate. The investigation reveals that Thoriq’s head was attached to Juwing’s body, suggesting a deeper connection between the two men.

The detectives uncover various clues, including traces of fertilizer, evidence of post-mortem beheading, and rumors of a ghostly figure named Ambong—a supposed communist ghost haunting the area. As they delve deeper, they encounter local superstitions, including the belief that Ambong is responsible for the deaths.

The case takes a complex turn with the involvement of various characters, such as a crime lord named Agam, and the discovery of a trafficking ring involving young girls. The film weaves together elements of supernatural folklore, political intrigue, and a search for justice, all set against the eerie, violence-laden atmosphere of the Borneo borderlands. As the investigation progresses, Sanja and Panca face numerous challenges, including local hostility, corruption, and the ever-present threat of violence, both from human and possibly supernatural forces.

The scene shifts to the Tanamurung Longhouse in Kalimantan, Indonesia, where Jenta is seen in distress, missing someone named Indai. Jenta’s mother expresses concern for her, and there’s a sense of unresolved guilt and sorrow.

The narrative then cuts to July 2023, where Detective Sanja and her partner, Thomas, are investigating a series of gruesome murders. Sanja explains that the killer, who displays the victims' bodies to make a statement, is deriving pleasure from the attention. The investigation reveals that Thoriq, a victim, had been frequenting a drink stall before his death on July 17. Immigration data shows an uptick in teenage girls crossing the border a week after Thoriq’s death, hinting at possible trafficking connections. Sanja suspects Agam, a key suspect, but is frustrated when Silas reveals that Agam has been released due to lack of evidence.

Tensions rise as Thomas confronts Arum's father, who admits to selling his mute daughter to traffickers due to financial desperation. Meanwhile, Sanja arrests Agam, who insists on his innocence, showing his Malaysian ID as proof of citizenship. The situation becomes more complicated when Thomas discovers that Agam’s connection to the case is more sinister than initially thought.

The film delves into personal backstories, revealing Sanja's inner turmoil. She confides in Thomas about her guilt over a tragic accident from her past involving a child she hit with her car, leading to a cover-up orchestrated by her superiors. This confession deepens the bond between Sanja and Thomas, who are both grappling with their own demons.

As the investigation continues, it’s revealed that Agam may not be the killer after all. Suspicion falls on Panca, who is revealed to be corrupt and involved in trafficking. Tension escalates when Panca’s treachery is exposed, and it becomes clear that he has been manipulating events from behind the scenes. A dramatic confrontation ensues between Sanja, Thomas, and Panca.

In a shocking twist, Mr. Bujang, a local figure, is revealed as the true killer. Bujang’s motive is rooted in a desire to draw attention to the plight of his people, who suffer from repression and exploitation. He confesses to killing Juwing and others, believing that their deaths would highlight the issue of human trafficking and its devastating impact on the community.

The final scenes are marked by intense action and emotional confrontations. Bujang, now revealed as a complex and tragic figure, engages in a violent showdown with Sanja and Thomas. The confrontation is brutal, with Bujang demonstrating his conviction in his cause, despite his horrific actions. The climax is marked by a dramatic and fatal struggle that leaves Panca and several others dead.

In the aftermath, Sanja and Thomas are left to pick up the pieces. The film ends on a somber note, reflecting on the cost of justice and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth. Sanja, burdened by her past and the aftermath of the case, prepares to leave the region, while Thomas contemplates the moral complexities of their work. The movie closes with a haunting reminder of the ongoing struggle against exploitation and the dark echoes of the past that continue to resonate.