A Giant Leap for Southeast Asian Animation
In the ever-evolving world of animation, few films manage to capture not only commercial success but also cultural relevance. Jumbo, a groundbreaking animated feature from Indonesia, has done both—and more. Produced by Visinema Studios, the film has shattered box office records, captivated millions of viewers, and ignited new hope for the local animation industry. With a story deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, a stellar local voice cast, and high-quality production, Jumbo is more than just a movie—it’s a cultural movement and a symbol of national pride.
The Birth of a Visionary Film
A Dream Born in Indonesia
The concept for Jumbo began to take shape in early 2020, at the height of the pandemic. It was a period marked by uncertainty, but also reflection—about identity, resilience, and the power of stories. For director Ryan Adriandhy and co-writer Widya Arifianti, this was the perfect time to create something meaningful. They envisioned a film that could both entertain and inspire, especially young audiences who often grow up consuming foreign narratives that don’t always reflect their lived realities.
Visinema Studios: Building Local Excellence
Visinema Studios, the creative force behind the film, is known for its commitment to producing content with strong local roots. Under the leadership of Angga Dwimas Sasongko, the studio has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries. With Jumbo, they aimed to set a new standard for Indonesian animation—one that could compete globally without losing its cultural soul.
More than 420 Indonesian animators, designers, and storytellers worked tirelessly over five years to bring the project to life. From detailed storyboarding to the intricacies of character design and 3D animation, every frame was infused with care, love, and cultural authenticity.
Storytelling That Resonates
The Plot: Big Heart, Big Dreams
Jumbo tells the story of Don, a young orphan who is often bullied for his size and called “Jumbo” in a derogatory way. But Don is not defined by the way others see him. He finds solace in a magical storybook left behind by his parents—a book filled with fantastical stories and beautiful illustrations. When this book is stolen, Don’s journey to retrieve it leads him to an unexpected friendship with Meri, a fairy on a quest to find her own family.
Together, they embark on a whimsical yet emotional adventure that explores themes of identity, self-worth, family, and friendship. The story unfolds with humor and heart, blending traditional Indonesian folklore with universal life lessons that transcend borders.
A Voice Cast That Brings Characters to Life
What makes Jumbo even more captivating is its dynamic voice cast, featuring some of Indonesia’s most beloved public figures. Ariel, the iconic lead singer of NOAH, voices Don’s father. Actress and singer Bunga Citra Lestari voices Don’s mother. Meanwhile, up-and-coming stars like Prince Poetiray, Graciella Abigail, and Muhammad Adhiyat lend freshness and authenticity to the younger characters.
This strategic mix of established stars and emerging talent not only brings depth to the film but also bridges generations of Indonesian audiences.
Box Office Milestones and Audience Reception
A Record-Breaking Debut
Released on March 31, 2025, to coincide with Eid al-Fitr—a time when families come together—Jumbo quickly proved its mass appeal. Within two weeks, the film had sold over 3.2 million tickets, raking in more than $8 million in domestic revenue. This surpassed the previous record held by Malaysia’s Mechamato Movie ($7.68 million), making Jumbo the highest-grossing Southeast Asian animation of all time.
The momentum continued to build over the April 12–13 weekend, when the film recorded nearly one million admissions. It even overtook Disney’s Moana 2 in admissions to become the second-most watched animated film in Indonesian history—trailing only Frozen 2.
Audience Connection and Social Buzz
Viewers from across the country flooded social media with emotional reactions, praising the film’s relatability, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Parents appreciated the family-friendly themes, while children were enchanted by the colorful visuals and endearing characters. Educators even began recommending the film as a tool for discussions around bullying, self-esteem, and cultural identity.
Cultural Impact and Global Aspirations
Local Stories, Global Appeal
According to Visinema founder Angga Dwimas Sasongko, Jumbo is more than a film—it’s a personal mission. “Jumbo is my personal calling—a labor of love for my child, and for all Indonesian children who deserve to have their own choices at the cinema’s ticket box,” Angga said. “They have the right to see their own stories on screen, told in their own language, and to feel proud of who they are.”
The film’s success is already opening doors internationally. Distribution rights are currently being negotiated for North America, Mainland China, Western Europe, and Australia. Releases have already been confirmed in 17 countries, including Russia, Singapore, Brunei, Ukraine, and the Baltic States. This global rollout aims to showcase not only the quality of Indonesian animation but also the richness of Southeast Asian storytelling.
Government Support and Industry Growth
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has thrown its support behind Jumbo, recognizing its role in advancing Indonesia’s creative industry. Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya called it a “milestone in national cultural diplomacy,” while Deputy Minister Irene Umar highlighted the importance of cultivating local intellectual property to fuel long-term economic development.
Technical Brilliance and Production Challenges
A Five-Year Creative Marathon
Producing an animated film of this scale was no small feat. Visinema’s team had to navigate everything from budget constraints to the complexities of building an animation pipeline that could meet international standards. Their solution? Collaborate, upskill, and remain laser-focused on quality.
Every detail—from the shimmering textures of Meri’s wings to the emotionally resonant musical score—was meticulously crafted. Animation experts consulted globally, but all work was done in-house in Indonesia, showcasing the incredible talent that exists locally.
The Music of Jumbo
The soundtrack plays a vital role in amplifying the emotional beats of the story. One standout is “Kumpul Bocah” by Maliq & D’Essentials, a nostalgic anthem that evokes the magic of childhood. Other featured artists, including Prince Poetiray and Bunga Citra Lestari, contribute original songs that highlight key moments of the film’s narrative arc.
The Future of Indonesian Animation
What Jumbo Means for the Industry
Jumbo has demonstrated that locally produced animated films can not only thrive domestically but also have strong international potential. This success is expected to pave the way for more investment, more educational programs in animation, and more creative collaborations across Southeast Asia.
Studios in neighboring countries are already expressing interest in co-productions, and several animation schools in Indonesia have reported a spike in enrollment inquiries since the film’s release.
Inspiring a New Generation of Storytellers
Perhaps the greatest legacy of Jumbo lies in its ability to inspire. Young artists now have a homegrown role model. They can point to Jumbo and say, “This was made here. By people like us. For people like us—and beyond.” The ripple effect could reshape not only Indonesia’s entertainment industry but also its global cultural influence.
A Cultural Phenomenon, Not Just a Movie
Jumbo is a reminder that animation is more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful storytelling medium capable of shaping identity, influencing young minds, and crossing cultural boundaries. In redefining what’s possible for Southeast Asian animation, Jumbo has earned its place in cinematic history.