“Miracle in Cell No. 7”
tells the poignant story of Dodo Rozak,
a 20-year-old balloon seller with an intellectual disability, and his daughter, Ika Kartika. In 2002,
Dodo is wrongly accused of murdering and raping Melati Wibisono, the daughter of a powerful man, after a tragic accident.
Despite his innocence, Dodo is pressured into a false confession and imprisoned. He faces harsh treatment from guards and the warden, Hendro Sanusi, but finds unexpected friendship and support from his fellow inmates in Cell No. 7. They help him and even smuggle Kartika into the prison to see him.
Hendro, witnessing Dodo’s innocence and sincerity, helps him gather evidence for an appeal. However, Melati’s father, now a governor, tightens child abuse laws, making Dodo’s release difficult.
During the trial, Dodo is pressured to confess, but Kartika, now an adult lawyer, fights for her father’s justice. She presents evidence proving his innocence and speaks out against the discrimination faced by people with disabilities.
Dodo is ultimately exonerated, but his absence is deeply felt. Kartika imagines her father fulfilling his dream of flying away in a hot air balloon, symbolizing his enduring spirit and the injustice he faced.
