Melati, a young Malay girl, is wanted as a bride by the old chief of a powerful Java tribe. Her Malay tribe reject the marriage proposal and the Java threaten to attack. To escape the Java, the Malay try to build a big boat to sail to another land – but before their boat is ready, a callous murder shatters the fragile peace between the tribes. Melati's brother, Bandri, tries to identify the murderer, create trust, and prevent any further violence. But tensions escalate when a relationship develops between a Java girl and another Malay tribesman. The Malay have to confront their spiritual beliefs and unify as a tribe to overcome the challenges and survive.