Indonesian Animated Film ‘Jumbo’ Sets Box Office Record, Prepares for Global Theatrical Release
A heartfelt tale rooted in local storytelling, Jumbo is rewriting the history of Indonesian animation . In just seven days since its March 31 debut, this animated feature has drawn over 1 million viewers, making it the highest-grossing Indonesian animated film ever - a milestone that topples the previous eight-year record held by Si Juki The Movie: Panitia Hari Akhir .
At the core of Jumbo lies a moving story about Don, a young boy striving to shine despite being constantly overlooked. His journey to perform in a school talent show, inspired by a beloved fairytale book left by his late parents, takes a twist when the book is stolen by a bully. In an unexpected turn, Don crosses paths with a mysterious child who needs help finding her parents.
“These numbers aren’t just about ticket sales. They represent love, hope, and trust from the people for our own local stories,” said Anggia Kharisma, producer of Jumbo.
This triumph is especially remarkable considering Indonesia’s cinema landscape, where horror usually dominates the domestic market. Yet Jumbo has stood tall, winning hearts with its universal themes of resilience, hope, and human connection. It has also stirred a storm on social media, with fans affectionately dubbing themselves “Jumbo’s Free Buzzers” as they flooded platforms like X and TikTok with memes and tributes, helping the film trend for days.
Directed and written by Ryan Adriandhy, Jumbo is more than just a box office hit - it’s a symbol of creative unity. Over 420 Indonesian artists came together over five years to bring this project to life, showcasing the growing prowess of the nation’s animation industry.
Riding on its domestic success, Jumbo is set to captivate audiences beyond Indonesia, with theatrical releases planned across Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei starting this June. It will also reach viewers in Asia and Europe, including regions like Russia, Ukraine, the Baltics, and Central Asia.
Backed by Visinema Studios - founded by acclaimed filmmaker Angga Dwimas Sasongko - Jumbo adds another jewel to the studio’s crown alongside beloved titles like Nussa, Mencuri Raden Saleh, and Keluarga Cemara.
With its powerful narrative and widespread emotional appeal, Jumbo is not just a film - it’s a movement. And now, the world is ready to watch.