Indonesia's film industry in 2026 will shift from volume to quality economics. What's changing: • Audience loyalty is becoming IP- LinkedIn·Irawan Sukma Nugraha
Indonesian entertainment has transitioned rapidly from traditional television (sinetron) to digital-first platforms. Today, content creators and media companies compete for the attention of a young, mobile-centric audience that consumes hours of video content daily.
Indonesia’s entertainment and media (E&M) industry is one of the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach with a CAGR of 8.4%.
Indonesia's music scene in 2025 is a testament to the country's love for fusion, where global genres seamlessly blend with local traditions. The nation's sonic identity is being shaped by both nostalgia and innovation. Indonesia's film industry in 2026 will shift from
Entertainment seamlessly blends with commerce, as popular creators host interactive, highly entertaining live streams to sell products. 3. Major Trends in Indonesian Video Content
Culinary content is immensely popular. Videos showcasing extreme street food, hyper-spicy chili pastes ( sambal ), and traditional market snacks drive high watch times. Viewers love watching creators react to intense flavors. Key Drivers of the Online Video Boom
Global giants are, of course, not sitting idle. Netflix is doubling down on its Indonesian investment, crafting a diverse 2026 slate that ranges from heartfelt family dramas to high-stakes thrillers. The strategy is working, as local content is now rivaling Korean dramas in popularity on the platform, marking a significant shift in viewer preference. With Disney+ Hotstar, Viu, and iQIYI also fiercely competing for a share of the 26.9 million active streaming accounts, the landscape is more competitive and exciting than ever. Indonesia’s entertainment and media (E&M) industry is one
Indonesian humor is highly unique, often categorized as receh (low-effort or silly humor) and slapstick. Creators use regional dialects (like Javanese or Sundanese) and relatable everyday struggles—such as dealing with traffic, street food culture, or strict parents—to create hyper-viral skits. Ghost Hunting and Horror (Horor)
These videos go viral because the Indonesian audience has a unique relationship with the supernatural. A video titled "Penampakan Pocong di Jalan Tol" (Appearance of a Shrouded Ghost on the Toll Road) will always outperform a political debate video by a factor of ten. Indosiar has mastered the art of producing "so bad it’s good" horror that viewers treat as absolute truth, driving shares and comments.
Are you looking to for a marketing campaign? In addition to music
The first was the , started by 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha from Riau. A video of him performing a confident, charismatic dance on the bow of a traditional Pacu Jalur racing boat went viral under the hashtags #AuraFarming. The trend quickly spread to global athletes, including NFL star Travis Kelce and Formula 1 driver Alex Albon, turning an 11-year-old Indonesian boy into an international sensation. The second major meme was "Tung Tung Tung Sahur," an AI-generated absurdist take on the traditional pre-dawn meal wake-up call. Featuring a wooden figure emerging from the darkness, the meme generated over 42 million views for its commentary on Ramadan traditions. These viral successes underscore how Indonesian creators are using humor, technology, and local traditions to engage a global audience.
In addition to music, Indonesian television shows and films have also gained popularity globally. Indonesian soap operas, known as "sinetron," have become a staple of local entertainment, offering a mix of romance, drama, and comedy that resonates with audiences. Indonesian films, such as "The Raid: Redemption" and "Gundala," have also gained international recognition, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and martial arts traditions.