Indonesian Cinema Faces Turmoil: Jumbo's Triumph Amidst Volatility

Indonesia's film industry is navigating a turbulent 2025, marked by fluctuating box office results despite notable successes like the animated feature "Jumbo." This film alone achieved nearly 11 million admissions, becoming the country's all-time champion. However, other months saw significantly lower ticket sales, prompting industry leaders to seek sustainable growth strategies beyond domestic revenue.

Filmmaker Angga Dwimas Sasongko advocates for industry restructuring, suggesting a cap of 160 films released annually to address market oversaturation. He emphasized that innovation and differentiation are key to success in the Indonesian market. Meanwhile, challenges persist regarding exhibition infrastructure, with the country remaining significantly under-screened compared to global standards.

The market's unique distribution model, which bypasses traditional distributors, coupled with a ban on foreign film dubbing, creates a direct producer-to-cinema pathway. However, average ticket prices below $3 hinder large-scale investment, and despite rising production quality, achieving international breakthrough talent remains an ongoing discussion.