DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Animated Film 'Garuda di Dadaku' to Premiere June 11, 2026, Prioritizing Local Animators

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • A new animated film, "Garuda di Dadaku," produced by KAWI Animation and BASE Entertainment, will premiere on June 11, 2026.
  • The production deliberately avoided artificial intelligence to support the national animation industry and local creators, involving nearly 500 animators over three years.
  • The film features voice acting from Indonesian national team player Rizky Ridho and highlights the challenges faced by voice actors in creating imaginative performances.

The animated film "Garuda di Dadaku," set to release on June 11, 2026, marks a significant effort by KAWI Animation and BASE Entertainment to bolster Indonesia's animation industry. Producers intentionally excluded artificial intelligence from the production process, aiming to provide a broader platform for local talent.

"We want to build the Indonesian animation industry. If Indonesia has many animation talents, why not give them space to create?" producer Shanty Harmayn stated at a press conference. This decision underscores BASE Entertainment's commitment to nurturing the national animation ecosystem.

The film's production spanned three years and involved approximately 550 crew members, including nearly 500 animators. Director Ronny Gani emphasized that all animation stages were completed without AI assistance. A key challenge was ensuring audience reception, addressed through multiple focus groups and test screenings before the final stages.

We want to build the Indonesian animation industry. If Indonesia has many animation talents, why not give them space to create?

— Shanty HarmaynProducer Shanty Harmayn explained the decision to exclude AI and support local talent during a press conference.

Harmayn clarified that the decision to create "Garuda di Dadaku" as an animation was not a trend-following move but a long-term plan. The project was conceived and developed concurrently with other animated film initiatives. Adding to its unique appeal, the film includes Indonesian national team player Rizky Ridho as a voice actor, chosen through casting for his suitability to the football theme.

Voice actors also navigated distinct challenges. Kristo Immanuel, who voices the character Gaga, described the difficulty of building an imaginative space during indoor recordings, far from a real football field. Voice actors needed to vividly imagine their characters' situations while maintaining emotional intensity and vocal power, even when simulating shouts in soundproof recording booths.

The difficulty, one of the main ones, is building an imaginative space. Because we record indoors, not on a real football field.

— Kristo ImmanuelVoice actor Kristo Immanuel described the challenges of performing for an animated film.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog