The Indonesian animated film Jumbo has become the highest-grossing animated movie in Indonesia, surpassing Disney’s Frozen 2 and marking a significant milestone for the country’s fledgling animation industry. Since its release on March 31, Jumbo has attracted over 9.6 million viewers domestically and generated box office revenue exceeding $20 million, making it the most successful animated film in Indonesian cinema history.
Produced by Visinema Pictures, Jumbo tells the story of Don, a lively orphan boy from a rural village who faces bullying but pursues his dream of performing in a talent show. The film also holds the distinction of being the most-watched animated movie in Southeast Asia, according to entertainment news outlet Deadline.com.
“This is an incredible milestone,” said Angga Dwimas Sasongko, founder of the award-winning Visinema Pictures. “Surpassing Frozen 2 is not just about numbers; it demonstrates Indonesian audiences’ pride and love for local stories.”
The success of Jumbo draws comparisons to China’s Ne Zha: Reborn sequel, which topped global box office charts earlier this year. Historically, Indonesian producers have favored live-action films, especially horror, due to lower production demands and guaranteed audience interest. Animation, by contrast, has been seen as an uncertain investment.
Daryl Wilson, chairman of the Indonesian Animation Industry Association, noted that animated films have long been a gamble for investors. However, Jumbo’s success is helping to change perceptions. The film is scheduled for release in 17 countries in June, reflecting growing international interest in Indonesian animation talent and content.
Writer-director Ryan Adriandhy shared that the five-year production involved a crew of 420 animators and engineers. He attributed the film’s success to its strategic release during the Eid school holidays and its broad appeal to audiences of all ages. “I realized this could open the eyes of producers and creators to the demand for content that everyone can enjoy,” he said.
Cinema XXI, Indonesia’s leading cinema operator, recorded a record 14 million moviegoers in April, attributing part of this surge to the diverse range of local films, including Jumbo, screening during the holidays. Indah Tri Wahyuni, the company’s corporate secretary, highlighted this as a key factor in their highest attendance figures to date.
The Asia-Pacific animation market is expanding rapidly, driven by streaming giants like Netflix commissioning more content and the rise of digital platforms. A recent report by Research and Markets projects a compound annual growth rate of 6.88% for the industry between 2025 and 2030. While Japan, South Korea, and China remain dominant players, global studios increasingly outsource animation and visual effects work to the region due to the availability of skilled talent at relatively lower costs.
Despite the industry’s growth potential, Indonesia still trails other Asian animation hubs. Currently, most revenue in Indonesia’s screen industry comes from service roles such as concept art and graphic design rather than developing high-value intellectual property (IP) with original stories and characters. Visinema Pictures is working to change that by investing $10 million in animation projects, including two additional feature films.
Film critic Eric Sasono praised Jumbo’s storytelling, emphasizing how the protagonist’s journey overcoming self-doubt resonated with audiences. “Jumbo fulfills the demand for authentic local stories,” he said.
Visinema Pictures is now planning future projects featuring Don and his friends, although it remains undecided whether these will be sequels or a musical adaptation. Director Adriandhy hopes the film will leave a lasting impression on young viewers. “I want children to remember or recognize Jumbo for years to come,” he stated.
Jumbo’s remarkable success not only highlights the potential of Indonesian animation but also inspires confidence that the industry can grow into a significant creative and economic force both domestically and internationally.
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