Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Jumbo, an animated film from Indonesia, has captivated audiences across the country, crossing the two-million ticket milestone just 11 days after its theatrical debut on March 31, 2025.
The film had already made history by becoming the nation’s highest-grossing animated feature, drawing in one million viewers within its first week. Directed by comedian and filmmaker Ryan Adriandhy, Jumbo combines dazzling visuals with a heartwarming tale of family and friendship.
The story follows Don, a young boy on a mission to revive his late parents’ storybook stage show. His plans are upended when a bully steals the cherished book, just as Don encounters a mysterious child in need of help finding their own parents. The two embark on an emotional adventure filled with lessons about courage, self-belief, and the true meaning of friendship.
The film took five years to produce, even the voice actors for the main characters Prince Poetiray (Don), Quinn Salman (Meri), and M. Adhiyat (Atta), all of whom began working on the project as young children and have since grown into their teenage years.
The project also involved over 420 local creatives, from story development and character design to animation and post-production. The extensive and heartfelt creative process has drawn widespread praise, with audiences applauding the film’s sincerity and cultural resonance.
“Jumbo was our way of sharing love, bravery, and hope,” said director Ryan Adriandhy in a statement on Thursday, April 10. “What began as a dream has been brought to life by all of you. Every ticket bought, every laugh, every tear in the cinema, that’s the real magic. I hope Jumbo opens more doors for Indonesian animation in the future.”
Producer Anggia Kharisma echoed the sentiment, describing her emotional reaction to the film reaching such a significant audience. “You’re not just viewers, you are the soul of Jumbo,” she said. “From children to families, and even the child within all of us, your love has been overwhelming. This is an extraordinary collective show of support.”
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Since its release, Jumbo has received an outpouring of grassroots support, with celebrities, influencers, and fans calling themselves “Jumbo buzzers”, promoting the film voluntarily on social media. Among its vocal supporters are actors Iqbaal Ramadan, Medi Renaldy, and director Joko Anwar.
Following its domestic success, Jumbo is now poised for international release. Starting in June 2025, the film will roll out in cinemas across Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Its global reach will extend even further, with planned releases in countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Estonia, and more.
As Indonesian animation continues to evolve, Jumbo stands as a powerful example of how local storytelling with enough heart, vision, and community can resonate far beyond its borders.
(Raidi/Agung)
