Firman inherits a piece of land and a hut from his late father. He works hard by selling fruits, to fulfil his father’s dream, of ensuring that his little brother, Agus, finishes his university education. Agus falls in love with Isma, a daughter of a middle-class tailor, Mrs. Slamet. Mrs. Slamet is a distant relative of Mrs. Dirham; a rich widow, who wants her son, John, to marry Isma. But Isma falls for Agus and John often disparages Agus, which infuriates Isma more and more. Finally Mrs. Slamet gives in and accepts Agus’ proposal, and even John is willing to pay the marriage expenses.

After the revolutionary war, Leman is asked by Barjo to join him in collecting donations from businessmen. Some donate while others do not. But Leman gets into a fight with one particular man who refuses to donate and kills him.

Tamin is one of the village boys who are ensnared by Japanese propaganda to enroll as Heiho (auxiliary soldiers). He joins the mission to Burma (Myanmar) during World War II in the Red Cross division. When the Japanese forces are defeated, Tamin and his friends are brought back to Java and handed over to the Dutch who are attempting to rule the country one more time. Tamin is forced to join the Dutch military (KNIL) to fight his fellow citizens. After Indonesia gains full sovereignty (1950), Tamin chooses to return to the village. But his heart remains uncertain as his friends accuse him of not participating in the struggle for Indonesia's independence. So Tamin goes to the city where he meets a fellow former Heiho, who is now in the Indonesian military force. His friend shows him that there are other ways to contribute to the national struggle. Then Tamin returns to his home, his village and his country.

This film shows the Acehnese people‘s struggle against the Dutch through a fictional approach. Meutia is one of the fighters. But within their ranks, there are also traitors such as Commander Husin. Husin is in love with Kemala, but she chooses Djohan over him. To get rid of his competition, Husin sends Djohan to deliver a message to Commander Him in the mountains. Djohan is injured in the process and Meutia nurses him to recovery. Meutia then takes him to see Commander Him. Meanwhile, Husin manages to marry Kemala. As Kemala sympathizes with the struggle for independence, she opposes her husband, and is killed. Based on information that Kemala provides, Djohan hunts down and finally captures Husin.