Netflix's new Indonesian drama series, Losmen Bu Broto, has a bittersweet ending, as not all of the characters' aspirations and dreams are fully realized, although they learn important lessons about accepting their fate and making their lives as happy as possible. The most important part of this series' plot is the romance between Anna and Tarjo, which ultimately complicates their lives greatly, making it seem almost impossible for them to stay together. Meanwhile, the other characters, including Tarjo's older sisters and the charming guesthouse assistant, Atmo, have their own developments. This article briefly analyzes the fates of each of the characters and also the possibility of Losmen Bu Broto returning for a second season.
The eldest daughter of the Broto family, Pur, is an exceptionally skilled cook with a keen interest in the culinary arts, but her life seems to have come to a standstill after the sad and sudden passing of her fiancé, Anton. We don't know how Anton died, but Pur still grieves—or rather, is expected to grieve—his loss. Instead of living a life of her own like her siblings, the young woman finds herself somewhat trapped in the family guesthouse, where she cooks for guests and handles all kitchen activities. Pur is happy in this role, as she supposedly finds purpose in preparing new dishes and serving guests, but it's clear, especially to her mother, that by doing so she's depriving herself of a full life. Therefore, Mrs. Broto almost forces Pur to leave the kitchen on certain occasions to go out and see the world, at least starting with exploring her own city.
Stars: Mathias Muchus, Maudy Koesnaedi, Ayushita
From the beginning of the series, Par, the guesthouse's driver, tries to express his feelings for Pur, and she also reciprocates in some ways, although they don't directly address their romantic feelings for a long time. Although Mrs. Broto senses this sympathy between the two, she doesn't stop them from dating, simply because she wants Pur to enjoy life a bit, and probably also because she trusts her daughter to make her own decisions. Thus, when Par opens up about her longing to be with Pur and make her happy, it seems they will be together by the end of the series. However, there is a slight twist in the story: Mrs. Broto convinces her husband to let Pur pursue her life, and the woman enrolls in culinary school—only after consulting her, of course.
Pur has always been interested in learning about cooking and has long prepared experimental dishes in the guesthouse kitchen, most of which have been well-received. Therefore, she readily agrees to her parents' plans, and although she feels the guesthouse will suffer without her presence, Mrs. Broto convinces her that there will be others to take care of the kitchen. This new phase in Pur's life also means that she and Par will no longer be able to be a couple, or even spend time together, at least for a while, as she is leaving Yogyakarta. He experiences love, kindness, and affection once again thanks to Par's efforts, even though a permanent bond cannot exist between them.
At the end, in fact, in the post-credits scene, Pur thanks Par for his kindness and support in front of his family, which is a great show of respect for him, as his efforts are rightly appreciated. However, he also prays that Par will soon find someone worthy of his love, as he, too, has felt lonely after the unexpected death of his wife, confirming that there is no chance of the two becoming lovers. Before leaving, Pur gives Par the same bracelet he had given her some time ago, which she often wore and which will now symbolize for him the time they spent together.
The friendly and goofy guesthouse helper, Atmo, suddenly has the chance to live a life straight out of his K-drama dreams when Ji Hae returns to Indonesia from her home in South Korea just to express her love for him. Although there are seemingly significant social and economic differences between the two, along with a language barrier, nothing seems to be able to stop Atmo and Ji Hae from becoming lovers. But when Ji Hae's ailing mother's condition worsens, she has to return to Korea and wants to take Atmo with her as well. Atmo isn't in a financial position to afford a new life in Korea, and she also has a genuine attachment to the people at the Broto guesthouse, so she asks for some time off.
It is suggested that the Broto family brought Atmo to the guesthouse when he was a poor child, and they have supported him for almost his entire life. Therefore, he has great respect and admiration for the elderly couple, which prevents him from telling them about his personal problem. But Yun's decision leads Mr. Broto to discover the situation, and he immediately visits Atmo in his room and offers to pay for his plane ticket. Although Atmo is hesitant at first, Mr. Broto clarifies that he wants to help the worker for his contribution to the business, as he is also an integral part of the guesthouse. Thus, during the Losmen Bu Broto ending, Atmo receives the money for the plane ticket to Korea from Mr. Broto, either as a loan or as a gift. We don't see Atmo leave yet, but the ending confirms that he will soon be leaving for Korea to reunite with his beloved Ji Hae. The Broto's middle daughter, Sri, has had her own difficulties throughout the series, related to the conflict between family and career. She wants to be a singer, but she can't leave her young daughter, Menik, behind. More importantly, she also struggles with her husband, Jarot, who must make his own decisions about where to settle. Jarot is an artist who has been selected for a professional position in the Netherlands, where he must stay for at least two years. Since the residency program allows Jarot to bring his family with him, he obviously wants Sri and Menik to move to another country with him. However, Sri isn't entirely ready for this move, as she has been gaining recognition in the music industry in Yogyakarta, which will ultimately allow her to build her career.
The young couple have several fights and arguments throughout the series due to this situation. Although Sri doesn't want to leave with her husband, she also can't accept him moving so far away from her and their daughter, and yet she can't advise him to let this brilliant opportunity pass him by. Both Sri and Jarot need to understand themselves and each other and determine their priorities in life. Towards the end, Jarot decides not to go to the Netherlands simply because he doesn't want to be away from his family, but Sri advises him not to make such an important career decision just for them.
Jarot realizes he's looking forward to the residency program in the Netherlands, while accepting that it's important for Sri's career that she stay as well. Therefore, he decides to leave Indonesia alone, technically leaving his wife and daughter behind, though only physically, not spiritually. Before leaving, Jarot gives little Menik a projector with photos of the three of them on it, so she can watch it whenever she wants. Eventually, both young parents understand that life is also about ensuring their daughter can be proud of them and thank them in the future, even if it entails some difficulties in the present.
Tarjo's affair with Anna greatly embarrasses the Broto family, as the scandal becomes public knowledge as soon as Mr. Broto is taken to the police station for questioning. It is then that Tarjo realizes how his decisions have ruined his and his family's lives, and an immense sense of shame and guilt keeps him away from home for a few days. The young man has also neglected his studies due to the affair, and especially his university thesis, which he must submit and pass to graduate. As part of this thesis, Tarjo and his classmate, Sekar, have been working on a travel company focused on cultural exchange, called Traveling with Strangers.
Although the thesis is practically finished at the end of the series, Tarjo struggles with the financial projection and is also asked to find a sponsor for the conceptual venture. He had previously approached Anna for funding, which didn't work out, so when he returns to the thesis project after the scandal, he has to meet with businesspeople again to try to enlist their support as sponsors. After numerous rejections, Tarjo finally secures a fictitious investment for his company and is able to submit his thesis on time. Ultimately, he passes the course and graduates from college, becoming the first member of his family to do so, which is a source of great pride. Although his parents never stopped supporting him or blaming him for what happened, graduating gives Tarjo a huge boost of confidence and allows him to regain his family's respect.
Because of this accusation, Mr. Broto has to spend three days in the police station, although not behind bars, and there is absolutely nothing that can convince Jody to forgive the family. However, when Mrs. Broto finds the manuscript of Anna's novel and gives it to him, the man finally realizes how he destroyed his marriage by emotionally neglecting his wife, despite his best efforts to stay together. Anna had written about the difficulties of their marriage in her novel, only indirectly. Thus, in the end, Jody apologizes to Anna and promises that he will never make her feel alone and excluded again. This definitely suggests that Anna will not file for divorce again and will try to live with Jody again.
While the romance between Tarjo and Anna initially seems sweet and worthy of support, as they are the only ones willing to understand and respect each other, this effect begins to fade when the world finds out about their affair. Tarjo can be blamed for suddenly shying away from his expressions of love simply because he doesn't want people to speak ill of them, but Anna also reacts very recklessly. She decides to tell Mr. Broto about her love for him, even while drunk, and her desire to find love and herself is completely misinterpreted by the people at the Broto Guesthouse. It seems that Losmen Bu Broto intentionally avoids presenting the relationship in a positive light to oppose such relationships, possibly due to social norms in Indonesia.
In the second half, the story treats the relationship as an illicit affair that should be looked down upon, and Anna bears particular responsibility, understandably because she is much older than Tarjo. Tarjo realizes he has made a grave mistake by getting involved in such an affair, for which he must apologize to his father, his family, and indirectly to society. Anna is completely sidelined at the end, as we barely see her on screen, meaning Tarjo and Anna are no longer together. While Anna seems willing to give her husband another chance after his revelations, Tarjo is seen hinting at romance with his dear friend, Sekar, who was already attracted to the young man.
There is no confirmation of the return of Losmen Bu Broto: The Series for a second season, although it could be on the horizon, considering that multiple versions of the Broto Boarding House story have been presented, beginning with the Losmen series in the 1980s and then the Losmen Bu Broto film in 2021. While the romance between Tarjo and Anna is no longer possible, other matters could be explored in the second season. Pur could return home and reunite with Par, or she could even find a lover elsewhere, which could complicate matters. The reunion between Jarot and Sri will undoubtedly be very heartwarming, especially for the young Menik. Finally, we could even see Atmo in South Korea, while the relationship between Tarjo and Sekar could also be further explored.
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