🇲🇾🇮🇩 A cross-border collaboration for Ramadan 2026 in Walid (Heaven’s Reign)
Malaysia and Indonesia unite for a high-stakes thriller of faith and power
🎯 The Main Takeaway
A powerhouse Malaysia-Indonesia collaboration brings Walid (Heaven’s Reign) to screens as a Ramadan 2026 flagship release.
This 12-episode original series, available to stream on Viu, tells a gritty story of a former cult leader, a charismatic rival, and the thin line between religious devotion and personal ambition.
🔍 Why It’s on Our Radar
The Dual Meaning: The title Walid suggests fatherhood and legacy, while the subtitle Heaven’s Reign underscores the central conflict: who truly holds the authority to lead in the name of the divine?
A Unified Front: This is a true creative synergy. Pairing Malaysian legends like Faizal Hussein and Dato’ A. Tamimi Siregar with Indonesian star Olla Ramlan creates a “Best of Southeast Asia” ensemble that feels seamless rather than forced.
Faizal Hussein, who played Walid in the series, is a Malaysian actor. (Viu Malaysia Instagram)
⚖️ What’s at Stake
For the characters, it’s a fight for the soul of their followers.
For the industry, it’s a test of whether nuanced portrayals of faith—navigating the delicate space between sincere belief and radical distortion—can resonate with a global audience through a shared regional lens.
🌏 The Big Picture
This partnership signals a maturing “Nusantara” film market.
By pooling resources and talent, Malaysia and Indonesia are creating a unified creative force capable of competing with high-budget international exports.
🌙 Why This Hits Home: A Shared Faith
As two of the world’s most prominent Muslim-majority nations, Indonesia and Malaysia share a deep-rooted spiritual DNA.
Released during Ramadan 2026, the series mirrors the season’s core values:
Redemption: The struggle of a “lost” student (Walid) seeking a way back through his mentor, Ustaz Fateh.
Introspection: Distinguishing between genuine Iman (faith) and the ego’s desire for power—a theme that resonates across the entire Nusantara region.
The Path to Peace: Moving away from radicalism toward a more grounded, authentic faith that reflects the moderate values of both countries.
📍 The Regional Stakes
The collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia is more than just shared language; it’s about cultural sovereignty.
By telling authentic stories that involve Al-Azhar-educated mentors and regional social dynamics, the production keeps the narrative firmly in local hands.
The Bottom Line
Walid (Heaven’s Reign) is a sophisticated chess match played with prayer beads and power plays.
Across its 12-episode run on Viu, it proves that when Malaysia and Indonesia collaborate, the result is a story that is as intellectually sharp as it is culturally resonant for the holy month.
(ZIL/VBD/QOB)