Indonesian audiences are flocking to cinemas to watch homegrown horror films that draw on the country’s rich tradition of ghost and monster stories. The genre now dominates Indonesia’s theatres, accounting for 60 per cent of the 258 domestic productions made in 2024, with a total of 54.6 million ticket sales – or 70 per cent of the total audience. Moviegoer Elang, a 25-year-old consultant, said the success of the genre can be attributed to “emphasis on local traditions and monsters” like Pocong, a ghost still wrapped in a burial cloth. Elang also stated that films inspired by urban legends, such as Tuyul, a living-dead child, and Kuntilanak, a woman unable to give birth while her stillborn baby remains inside her, are “easier to understand… more exciting”. Ekky Imanjaya, a 52-year-old film studies lecturer at Jakarta’s Bina Nusantara University, highlighted the significance of these stories in Indonesian culture. “These tales are very close to us,” Ekky said. “Our parents and grandparents used these stories to scare us.”
The indonesian film Board (BPI) reported that 37 out of 456 films made between 1990 and 2000 were horror movies. However, the industry’s fortunes changed dramatically in the 2010s, with the emergence of new directors who produced high-quality, independent horror films. Joko Anwar, a prominent director, is credited with changing the industry’s trajectory. “He made very good independent horror films of high quality,” said Ismail Basbeth, a 39-year-old director from Yogyakarta. The Covid-19 pandemic sparked a resurgence in the industry, with the 2022 film KKN di Desa Penari selling 10 million tickets. The film is based on a supposedly true story of students experiencing supernatural events in a rural community service programme. “It launched a new wave of more realistic films, based on real events,” said Nanang Istiabudi, a 53-year-old director. The Indonesian film industry has generated significant revenue, with cinemas contributing billions to the country’s economy. According to Film Indonesia, cinemas generated USD136 million in gross revenue in 2022. PwC Indonesia estimates that the cinema industry will continue to grow, with an annual growth rate of over six per cent until 2027. The success of Indonesian horror films has also earned the industry recognition, with a programme at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival, titled “the renaissance of Indonesian cinema”. The boom also marks a shift towards more diverse storytelling, with films incorporating local traditions, urban myths, and religious themes. “The latest films have been released in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and we are negotiating with Vietnam,” said Marianne Christianti Purnaawan, a 27-year-old producer at Avantgarde Productions. This success can be attributed to the unique blend of Indonesian horror films, which are “unique, exotic, and unimaginable,” according to Ekky. “The horror film audience seeks the unknown,” Ekky said. “Indonesian films are successful abroad because they are far from the ordinary and the familiar.”
The Indonesian film industry’s future looks bright, with a predicted growth rate and increasing international recognition. The country’s fascination with horror movies and the appetite of international viewers will continue to drive the industry’s success. “The horror genre has been a part of Indonesian culture for decades,” said Ekky. “It will continue to thrive and evolve, adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of the audience.”
The success of Indonesian horror films is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to create unique and captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. The boom also marks a significant shift in the country’s entertainment industry, with horror movies becoming a major player in the market. The growth of the horror genre has also been driven by the rise of streaming services, which has allowed certain movies to reach a wider international audience. Director Ismail Basbeth noted that the emergence of streaming services has been a game-changer for the industry. “Even small production houses like Jakarta-based Avantgarde Productions are finding success in exporting films to neighbouring countries.”
The future of Indonesian horror films looks promising, with a predicted growth rate and increasing international recognition. The industry’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of local traditions, urban myths, and religious themes. The Indonesian film industry’s growth has been driven by the emergence of new directors, the rise of streaming services, and the country’s rich cultural heritage. The industry’s future looks bright, with a predicted growth rate and increasing international recognition.
Related Stories:
- Indonesian Film Industry Sees Boom in Horror Movies
- Local Traditions and Monsters Drive Indonesia’s Horror Film Industry
- Indonesia’s Unique Horror Films Gain International Recognition
Statistics
| Year | Domestic Productions | Horror Films | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 258 | 60% | 54.6 million |
| 2022 | 456 | 37 | USD136 million |
Quoted from:
“The horror film audience seeks the unknown.”
The Indonesian film industry’s growth has been driven by the emergence of new directors, the rise of streaming services, and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The industry’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of local traditions, urban myths, and religious themes.
The future of Indonesian horror films looks promising, with a predicted growth rate and increasing international recognition.
The country’s fascination with horror movies and the appetite of international viewers will continue to drive the industry’s success.
The success of Indonesian horror films is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to create unique and captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The boom also marks a significant shift in the country’s entertainment industry, with horror movies becoming a major player in the market.
The growth of the horror genre has also been driven by the rise of streaming services, which has allowed certain movies to reach a wider international audience.
Director Ismail Basbeth noted that the emergence of streaming services has been a game-changer for the industry.
“Even small production houses like Jakarta-based Avantgarde Productions are finding success in exporting films to neighbouring countries.”
The future of Indonesian horror films looks promising, with a predicted growth rate and increasing international recognition.
The Indonesian film industry’s growth has been driven by the emergence of new directors, the rise of streaming services, and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The industry’s future looks bright, with a predicted growth rate and increasing international recognition.
“Even small production houses like Jakarta-based Avantgarde Productions are finding success in exporting films to neighbouring countries.”
Definitions
A horror film is a type of film that aims to evoke fear, anxiety, and unease in the audience.
The Indonesian film industry refers to the production and distribution of films in Indonesia.
Streaming services are platforms that allow users to stream content, including films, over the internet.
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