Adapted from a classic novel with the same title, the movie tells a love story between Zainuddin, Hayati, and Aziz. With the difference in social background lead Zainuddin and Hayati's true love to a tragedy on sailing Van Der Wijck ship.

A film adapted from a classic novel with the same title, tells a love story between Zainuddin, Hayati, and Aziz. With a background of social differences and life struggles, that leads Zainuddin and Hayati's true love to a tragedy on a sailing with Van der Wijck's ship.—anonymous

An Indonesian love story of a young couple separated by indigenous traditions, the culture Minangkabau, Padang and Culture Bugis, Makassar in questions of wealth and social status to end in death. Based on a Bestseller Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck By Prof. Dr. Hamka, 1939. The true story novel criticizes some native traditions that are not in accordance of the basic vogue nor the right state of mind.—Anonymous