Indonesia sees geopolitics boosting animation industry

“It’s a major opportunity because geopolitical conditions naturally increase costs,” Harsya told reporters after launching the Indonesia Animation Report 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to Harsya, domestic animation studios can capitalize on the situation by meeting local demand with Indonesian-made works and characters.

Besides strengthening the domestic market, the government is also encouraging the development of local intellectual property so Indonesian animation products can compete globally.

“We are encouraging local IP, characters and animation products to penetrate international markets,” he said, adding that current geopolitical and geo-economic conditions create wider opportunities for local creators.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Animation Industry Association Chairman Daryl Wilson said global political tensions have reduced the number of foreign animation projects entering Indonesia.

“The global political situation has significantly affected overseas projects in our service sector. The number is declining,” Wilson said.

He added that Indonesia’s animation industry must intensify development of local projects to reduce dependence on overseas work.

The Indonesia Animation Report 2026 was launched as a comprehensive study mapping the condition, opportunities and challenges facing the national animation industry.

During the launch, Harsya said Indonesia’s animation industry expanded from around Rp240 billion (US$13.5 million) in 2015 to Rp800 billion (US$45.2 million) in 2025, reflecting average annual growth of 13 percent over the past decade.

Related news: Gov’t preparing policies to support national game industry

Related news: Minister backs Kendari’s rise as Asia-Pacific creative economy hub

Translator: Farika Nur, Raka Adji