Dear Nathan: Thank You Salma

Salma, a student of Indonesian Literature, and Nathan, an engineering student, begin a romance on campus. Their relationship is colored by contrasting activism styles: Salma prefers digital advocacy while Nathan takes to the streets for demonstrations. Their differing principles and methods make their bond tentative at first.

One of Nathan’s classmates becomes a victim of sexual harassment by a close peer; the abuser’s father is a campus leader. Zanna fears reporting the abuse and joins the Love Your Self community, where she meets Rebecca, Nathan’s high school friend. Rebecca asks Nathan to help bring the case to light while protecting Zanna’s privacy.

Nathan commits to solving the case and protecting Zanna’s privacy, working behind the scenes. Salma remains unaware of the case, which fuels her suspicions about Nathan’s secrecy. Meanwhile, Afkar, Salma’s older brother and a musician, becomes a central presence in her life.

Salma is suspicious because she doesn’t know about the harassment case. Her bond with Afkar deepens, and she spends time with him daily, blurring lines between friendship and romance. Nathan’s hidden involvement in the case compounds their tension.

During Salma’s birthday party, Nathan is surprised by how close Salma and Afkar seem, interpreting it as jealousy-inspiring. He leaves abruptly without giving Salma a present. The moment exposes the fragility of their relationship.

Salma arranges to bring Nathan and Afkar together so they can talk and clear the air. The three meet, and Nathan begins to accept Afkar as a close friend. This marks a turning point toward a more mature, honest relationship.

With Afkar in the picture, Nathan feels the need to prove his worth and demonstrate his love for Salma. He must become more mature and trustworthy in her eyes. Salma pushes him to grow and show real commitment.

Nathan, Rebecca, Salma, and Afkar unite to gather evidence and support Zanna, aiming to expose the harasser and protect her future on campus. They face threats and intimidation from the abuser who tries to silence Zanna. The group's solidarity strengthens as they organize and document what happened.

Zanna finally finds the courage to report the harassment, with the group standing behind her. The campus accepts the report and agrees to process it, while Zanna’s scholarship remains intact. The case moves toward accountability despite earlier threats.

The campus leadership does not expel the harasser because of his father’s position, but after further discussion, the father agrees to transfer his son to another campus for Zanna’s convenience. This compromise allows Zanna to study safely and reduces the chance of further intimidation. The harassment case achieves some justice, though not by expulsion.

Salma and Nathan’s relationship improves and becomes more romantic as they navigate the crisis together. They grow closer by supporting each other and the justice-driven work around Zanna. Afkar remains a trusted friend and ally in their lives.