Production
Serangan Fajar was directed by Arifin C. Noer and produced by Brigadier General G. Dwipayana of the state-run, Jakarta-based production house PPFN. Arifin wrote the script on his own and during production M Soleh Ruslani handled cinematography. The completed film was edited by Supandi, while Noer's brother Embie provided music. Antonius Yacobus starred as Suharto, Dani Marsuni as Temon, and Amoroso Katamsi as Romo. Other cast members included Noer's wife Jajang, Charlie Sahetapy, and Suparmi.
Serangan Fajar used traditional wayang imagery. Scholar of Indonesia Donald K. Emmerson suggests that this was to legitimise then-president Suharto and emphasise the story's heroism.
Three World War II Japanese aircraft replica were made for the purpose of this film. They were made to represent scenes of the first combat sortie of Indonesian Air Force on 29 July 1947. Those aircraft were two Yokosuka K5Y Cureng and Mitsubishi Ki-51 Guntei. Their frame were made from wood with aluminium skin. One of the Cureng were equipped with a Volkswagen engine so it can rotate its propeller. [4]
Arifin Chairin Noer was an Indonesian poet, theater director and film producer.
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