Indonesia Needs More Stories That Showcase National Identity

Director, writer, and film producer Angga Dwitas Sasongko has stated that Indonesia requires many more stories and characters that represent the nation’s identity.

Speaking to ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday, the founder and CEO of Visinema Pictures noted that Indonesian children are generally more familiar with characters from foreign stories than with domestic figures. According to him, this situation presents a significant opportunity for creators to develop more local characters and stories to build intellectual property.

“Indonesia needs a vast number of stories and characters that can represent our identity as the Indonesian nation. To me, this is an opportunity because there are not yet many,” said Angga.

He encouraged young creators to devise local stories and characters and to build their own Intellectual Property (IP). “Never feel that Indonesia is merely a market; we can be creators, because we have so much inspiration and so many aspirations,” he said.

He further advised, “Never feel that a single failure defines the failure of an IP or an idea. Something great will not succeed quickly, and I do not believe in patience; this is not about patience, it is about determination.”

He added that working on large-scale projects intended to have a significant impact requires a continuous process and sustained effort. “We must strive every day. We must not be lazy, because as creators, we have no owners, no bosses, and no set targets. However, persistence, consistency, and determination are essential,” concluded Angga Dwimas Sasongko.