Netflix expands Indonesian focus, unveils slate of seven shows and films

Waktu Netflix Indonesia (Time for Netflix Indonesia) photocall

Netflix has greenlit seven Indonesian titles as it continues to expand its commissioning presence in the country.

Spanning sci-fi, comedy and period drama, the projects were unveiled at an event in Jakarta on Friday called Waktu Netflix Indonesia (Time for Netflix Indonesia).

Period drama Gadis Kretek, set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s cigarette industry in the 1960s, comes from showrunner Shanty Harmayn. Directed by Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah, it is the first period drama commissioned by Netflix in Indonesia, which has long been viewed as a key market due to its population of around 275 million people.

Netflix also commissioned action-comedy film The Big 4, about a by-the-book female detective who teams up with a group of assassins to investigate her father’s murder. The project comes from director, producer and screenwriter Timo Tjahjanto, who has signed a multi-project deal with Netflix. The Big 4 will premiere towards the end of the year.

Netflix, which launched in the Indonesian market in 2016, said the upcoming slate “reflects [its] commitment to help the industry build compelling content from the country, and taking these stories to the world.” Previously released originals from Indonesia include comedy-drama feature Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens and mystery film Photocopier.

Other newly commissioned local titles include the sci-fi thriller series Nightmares and Daydreams from director Joko Anwar. The series has multiple intersecting storylines and centres on ordinary people encountering strange phenomena.

Netflix also greenlit quirky sitcom Klub Kecanduan Mantan (Ex-Addicts Club) from Salman Aristo; Komedi Kacau (Comedy Chaos) from writer, director and comic Raditya Dika, which gives a glimpse into the world of comedy; coming-of-age story Dear David, created by Muhammad Zaidy and directed by Lucky Kuswandi; Hari Ini Akan Kita Ceritakan Nanti (Today We’ll Talk About That Day), which is the latest instalment from the Nanti Kita Cerita tentang Hari Ini (One Day We’ll Talk About Today) universe by director Angga Dwimas Sasongko; and a new project with writer-director Ernest Prakasa.

“The Indonesian film industry has evolved rapidly in recent years. More and more creators and stories from Indonesia are now being seen and appreciated by audiences and critics around the world,” said Rusli Eddy, Netflix’s Indonesian content lead.

“Our forthcoming slate from Indonesia gives you authentic and unique stories, a representation of our country that is rich with stories and cultures, and brings you high-calibre talent whose significant works have shaped the film industry.”