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Local films outshine foreign ones in home market
Major cinema chains tend to prioritize well-performing titles, often at the expense of smaller, independent productions that struggle to attract viewers.
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The cast of Rahasia Rasa takes center stage on Feb. 13, 2025, at the film’s press screening and conference at Epicentrum XXI in Jakarta. (JP/Reza Mardian)
L
ocal films have been drawing more cinemagoers than foreign ones as Indonesian producers give their global competitors a run for their money in a space previously dominated by Hollywood blockbusters.
Analysts credit this shift to growing domestic film production as well as the breakout success of specific titles resonating with audiences thanks to savvy marketing and perfect timing.
However, they also highlight the challenge of growing competition for screens across the country, with major cinema chains often prioritizing well-performing titles at the expense of smaller, independent productions that struggle to attract viewers.
Last year, movie theater admissions in Indonesia rose 10.2 percent from 114.5 million in the previous year to 126.2 million, according to film industry tracker Bicara Box Office, which uses its own tracking methods and statistical analysis to extrapolate from available data as local cinemas do not provide standardized box office figures.
Notably, the share of admissions for local films has surged, with Indonesian titles capturing 65 percent of the market, up from 46.6 percent the previous year.
The uptrend has continued into 2025. As of May 18, Indonesian films accounted for 75.8 percent of 50.25 million cinema admissions.
Leading the charge this year is the animated hit Jumbo released on March 31, which has stunned the industry by racking up nearly 10 million admissions, almost overtaking KKN di Desa Penari as the country’s most-watched film.
