Indonesian martial arts superstar Iko Uwais is stepping behind the camera for the first time as director with his new action film Timur, set to hit theaters in Indonesia on December 18, 2025. Known internationally for his explosive roles in The Raid films and The Expendables 4, Uwais is now bringing his signature kinetic energy and action choreography to a deeply Indonesian story inspired by a real military operation Mapenduma hostage rescue operation that unfolded in 1996.
Timur tells the story of the titular soldier, played by Uwais himself, who leads a perilous jungle mission to rescue 11 researchers kidnapped by the Free Papua Movement in eastern Indonesia’s mountainous terrain. The mission tests more than just physical endurance—it forces Timur to confront his own past and the challenging realities of his childhood home. The film blends intense close-quarters combat with emotional stakes and high-tension military drama, promising a fresh and authentic perspective on Indonesian history and action cinema.
The film’s screenplay, crafted by Titien Wattimena, and produced by Ryan Santoso under Uwais's new production banner Uwais Pictures, showcases not only Iko Uwais’s talents as an actor but also as a visionary filmmaker. Supporting cast members include Jimmy Kobogau, Aufa Assagaf, Yasamin Jasem, Fanny Ghassani, and Kiki Narendra. Notably, the film incorporates real-life involvement with Prabowo Subianto, the military figure overseeing the original operation, adding a layer of authenticity to the production.
Early looks and teaser trailers reveal Timur as a pulse-pounding spectacle marked by Uwais's trademark martial arts choreography and a narrative that balances human drama with explosive action. While currently slated for release only in Indonesian cinemas, international audiences can look forward to potential wider releases in the future. Fans of Uwais’s past work and lovers of gritty, smartly-crafted action films should mark their calendars for December 18 for this culturally resonant thriller.
With Timur, Iko Uwais stakes his claim not just as a global action star but also as a creative force advancing Indonesian cinema on the world stage — delivering stories that are rich in local color yet universally compelling.
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