Netflix Unveils “Ambitious” Indonesian Slate

Netflix has unveiled a lineup of seven original films and series from Indonesia as it looks to expand its positioning in Southeast Asia, with Malobika Banerji, director of content for the region, touting the streamer’s efforts to support and foster the local creative economy.

“Over the last several months we’ve been on an incredible journey, collaborating with the creative industry in Indonesia, trying to build a diverse, compelling and rich slate our members will love and enjoy,” Banerji said at Netflix’s Waktu Netflix Indonesia (Time for Netflix Indonesia) event in Jakarta. “We have a catalog of celebrated local films. Today we will take our efforts one step further by giving you a sneak peek into a fresh lineup of series and films that will premiere exclusively on Netflix in 2022 and throughout 2023.

“Beyond delighting our members with content that touches their hearts and sparks their imagination, we are also deeply committed to contributing to and being part of the local creative economy. We are continuously working and trying to find initiatives where we can be part of this evolving industry.”˘

In her opening address, Banerji highlighted Netflix’s efforts to support local creatives during the pandemic, pointing to $500,000 in aid to impacted crews and a collaboration with the Ministry of Education to host a scriptwriting masterclass.

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, also delivered remarks at the event. “We’re happy that Indonesia is entering a period of revival of its national film industry after almost two years of film productions being stopped due to the pandemic. [Netflix’s originals] have been part of the revival of our national film industry. We also hope these movies can bring lots of positive impacts to Indonesia’s tourism sector.”

Rusli Eddy, manager of local originals for Indonesia, then highlighted the diverse slate, which promises to deliver “authentic, unique, relevant” stories.

The lineup includes an action-comedy film from Timo Tjahjanto called The Big 4; the period drama Gadis Kretek from showrunner Shanty Harmayn in collaboration with directors Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah; and Joko Anwar’s new sci-fi thriller Nightmares and Daydreams. Other projects include Dear David, a coming-of-age story; the sitcom Klub Kecanduan Mantan (Ex-Addicts Club); Hari Ini Akan Kita Ceritakan Nanti (Today We’ll Talk About That Day), the latest installment from the Nanti Kita Cerita tentang Hari Ini (One Day We’ll Talk About Today) universe by director Angga Dwimas Sasongko; Komedi Kacau (Comedy Chaos) from writer, director and comic Raditya Dika; and a project with writer-director Ernest Prak.