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When stand-up comedians shift from quiet stages to packed crowds
The rise of stand-up comedians in Indonesia’s entertainment industry signifies more than the success of individual performers; it reflects a broader cultural shift.
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Fun pressure: Ernest Prakasa (left) laughs during a a photo session. Ernest co-produced “Kaka Boss“ and the 2024 box-office hit “Agak Laen“. (Courtesy of POPLICIST Publicist and Imajinari/-)
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ass protests took place outside the House of Representatives and several other places in Jakarta and beyond on Aug. 22. Unlike in previous demonstrations, this time around stand-up comedians caught the attention of many. Instead of taking turns on stage to deliver lines at a cafe for an audience of dozens, they addressed crowds at the mass rallies that day.
As a media and digital planner, I am accustomed to observing shifts in media consumption patterns across Indonesia. What stands out to me is how these stand-up comedians have become key influencers across multiple platforms. From the small screen of TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to the big screen of cinema, and even conventional TV and live events, these comedians are redefining how content is consumed and what resonates with audiences.
This shift is not just a passing trend, it is a significant cultural movement.
A prime example of this transformation is the film Agak Laen, which recently became the second-highest grossing film in Indonesian history, drawing 9.12 million viewers to cinemas. The film’s cast, direction, writing and even production are dominated by stand-up comedians.
Muhadly Acho, a veteran of the stand-up scene, both directed and wrote the film, while four other comedians took on the lead roles. The film’s producer, Ernest Prakasa, is himself a well-known stand-up comedian who has also carved out a name for himself in Indonesia’s film industry.
This collaboration of comedic talent showcases the deep pool of creativity and skill that stand-up comedians are contributing to the country’s entertainment landscape.
On television, stand-up comedians have also secured a prominent place. Transitioning from live comedy to the small screen, many comedians have successfully ventured into sketch shows, game shows and talk shows. Names like Kiky Saputri, Rigen, Indra Jegel and Dicky Diffie have become household figures, demonstrating their ability to deliver humor in agile and diverse formats.
