Release and Overview
Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series, the prequel to the acclaimed 2021 film Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens. It premieres on Netflix on September 12, 2025. This Indonesian comedy-drama series is set in the vibrant borough of Queens, New York City. The dramedy series follows the lives of four Indonesian women who have immigrated to the U.S. seeking new beginnings. The show explores their struggles, sisterhood, and resilience far from home, blending humor and heartfelt drama with the immigrant experience.
Story and Themes
Unlike the original film which follows Ali’s journey to find his estranged mother, this series dives deeper into the backstories of the four “Queens” — Party, Biyah, Ance, and Chinta. It explores themes of chosen family, female empowerment, cultural identity, and the bittersweet realities of chasing dreams abroad. The series captures how these women create a surrogate family for themselves, a concept especially resonant with immigrant and diaspora communities.
Cast and Characters
The series features Indonesia’s acclaimed actresses:
- Nirina Zubir as Party (the nurturing cleaner and matriarch figure)
- Tika Panggabean as Ance (a protective single mother)
- Asri Welas as Biyah (a street-smart paparazzi)
- Happy Salma as Chinta (the holistic healer)
Supporting cast includes Yoshi Sudarso and Luna Allegra Kurtz. The chemistry among the four lead actresses has been praised for its authenticity and warmth, evoking comparisons to iconic female ensembles such as Sex and the City but with a unique Indonesian cultural lens.
Production and Unique Behind-the-Scenes Facts
The series is directed by Lucky Kuswandi, who also helmed the original film, ensuring tonal consistency and depth across both formats.
It was filmed on location in Queens, NYC, adding authenticity to the backdrop and atmosphere.
Muhammad Zaidy serves as showrunner, with Andri Cung as screenwriter, both bringing strong cultural insight to the storytelling.
An innovative feature inherited from the original film is the creative use of camera movement and selective use of animation sequences that symbolize emotional shifts and passage of time.
The show’s sound design includes Dolby Surround 7.1 for an immersive audio experience, reinforcing the city’s vibrant, bustling feeling.
Why Ratu Ratu Queens Resonates?
The series stands out not only as a piece of entertainment but also as an important cultural touchstone, capturing the nuanced realities of diaspora and immigrant women—a narrative rarely centered on screen. Its focus on chosen family resonates deeply with audiences who understand the complexities of familial bonds beyond blood relations, especially for those displaced or starting anew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When was Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series released on Netflix?
A: It premiered on September 12, 2025.
Q: Is Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series related to the movie Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens?
A: Yes, it’s a prequel focusing on the four women from the movie, exploring their backstories in more depth.
Q: Who are the main actresses in Ratu Ratu Queens: The Series?
A: Nirina Zubir, Tika Panggabean, Asri Welas, and Happy Salma play the four lead characters.
Q: Where was the series filmed?
A: On location in Queens, New York, USA, for authenticity.
Q: What makes the series unique compared to other immigrant stories?
A: It centers on the female experience of diaspora through the lens of friendship and chosen family, highlighting diverse roles and personal growth, with creative cinematography and sound design enhancing storytelling.
Q: Who directed and produced the series?
A: Directed by Lucky Kuswandi and produced by Muhammad Zaidy’s Palari Films with Andri Cung as screenwriter.