Title: 4: Indonesian Muslims and cultural networks
Abstract: This chapter traces the human networks and communication pathways that made up the cultural ties between Indonesia and Islamic countries by examining the roles of three artists and cultural leaders: Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (Hamka) (1908-1981), Usmar Ismail (1921-1971), and Bahrum Rangkuti (1919-1977). Hamka?s admiration for Egypt was well founded. Since the 19th century and the era of Mohamad Ali Pasya, Egypt had been developing and adopting modernizing ideas from the West. As a leading filmmaker, Usmar travelled many times to other countries, especially to the US, Italy, and Japan in order to attend seminars and film festivals. Usmar also had the opportunity to meet Miss Magda, the director of Magda Films. Keywords: Bahrum Rangkuti; cultural networks; Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (Hamka); Magda films; Usmar Ismail