Indonesia’s box office is navigating a challenging phase of volatility as the industry seeks pathways to sustainable growth. During the JAFF Market panel, “Expert Witnesses: Indonesia’s Box Office Transformation as Seen From Home and Abroad,” experts explored the fluctuating box office numbers and their implications for the future of Indonesia’s cinema landscape. This analysis sheds light on the efforts to balance domestic successes with broader industry challenges, pushing towards innovative strategies.
Big Wins Amid Market Fluctuations
In 2025, Indonesia’s cinema market has witnessed significant volatility, according to insights shared at the JAFF Market panel. Industry leaders noted that while certain films like the animated feature “Jumbo” achieved groundbreaking success with nearly 11 million admissions, other periods experienced drops, with monthly ticket sales falling below 3 million. Angga Dwimas Sasongko, founder and group CEO of Visinema, highlighted “Jumbo” as a result of a strategic shift aimed at sustainable growth beyond domestic sales.
Strategic Shifts and Industry Restructuring
Against the backdrop of this fluctuating landscape, Sasongko emphasized the importance of standing out. “We always succeed when we try to be different,” he remarked, pointing to the effectiveness of Visinema’s counter-programming strategy. However, Sasongko also proposed industry restructuring, suggesting a maximum of 160 films per year to tackle market oversaturation and ensure Indonesia’s box office sustainability.
Exhibition Challenges and International Prospects
Producer Todd Brown addressed ongoing challenges in Indonesia’s exhibition space. Despite the growth from one major cinema chain to three, the country still faces under-screening issues. The low average ticket price of under $3, compared to over $8 in Thailand, hinders large-scale infrastructure development. Brown, with his experience at XYZ Films, pointed out the stagnancy in discovering new international breakthrough talent, identifying the need for enhanced knowledge-sharing among filmmakers.
Unique Distribution Dynamics
The Indonesian market’s ban on dubbing foreign films and the 50-50 revenue-sharing with exhibitors have fostered a direct producer-to-cinema distribution model. This setup reduces the role of traditional distributors and creates a distinct ecosystem, providing a fresh approach to navigating box office volatility and fostering sustainable industry growth.
As the Indonesian box office experiences these fluctuations, the potential for sustainable growth remains strong, supported by creative strategies and industry collaboration. The path forward will require balancing breakthrough successes with strategic industry adjustments to secure a thriving future for Indonesian cinema.
