Entertainment
15 January 2026Indonesia is home to some of the region’s most inventive storytellers in film and television — directors, producers, and writers unafraid to experiment across form, style, and emotion. Over the past decade, Netflix has grown alongside Indonesia’s creative spirit, becoming a space where Indonesian stories can take new shapes and explore new possibilities. This connection is reflected in how audiences engage with Indonesian storytelling today: more than 90% of Netflix members in Indonesia watched local content in 2025, and 35 Indonesian titles have charted on the Global Top 10 to date — a clear signal of strong local appeal and growing global resonance. As our Indonesian audience continues to grow, so too do their tastes and preferences for what they want to watch. In 2026, we’re ready to deliver a greater variety of local content. Beyond the darker, high-stakes genres we are known for, this year’s slate is set to explore romance, action, heartfelt drama, and coming-of-age stories rooted in what Indonesians enjoy most: narratives that are emotionally sincere, rooted in family dynamics, socially driven and infused with heart — stories that feel close to everyday life while still offering hope, humor or catharsis. Supported by Netflix’s production resources and collaborative development process, our titles this year reflect our commitment to storytelling crafted with care, ambition and creative excellence. Last year reinforced the power of our expanding creative range. The Most Beautiful Girl in the World reminded us all of the joy of a classic rom-com, while The Elixir showed that a distinctly Indonesian take on a zombie outbreak can stand tall on a global stage and still feel close to home. We’re also seeing exciting expansion into new formats. The resounding audience love for Ipar Adalah Maut proved how sinetron stories can thrive on Netflix, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum with our partners across the industry. “We’re honored to work with filmmakers at every stage of their journey. This includes established creators, rising talents, and newcomers finding a space to tell bold, personal stories. Their range of voices leads to a wide variety of genres for our members to enjoy. We want Netflix to be a creative sandbox where different ideas can thrive, and where Indonesian stories are told with both heart and ambition,” says Malobika Banerji, Senior Director, Content - SEA at Netflix. A More Diverse Indonesian Slate
Our 2026 lineup showcases the widest range of Indonesian stories we’ve ever brought together — balancing established filmmakers making their Netflix debuts, bold new voices getting a global platform, and respected directors returning with fresh vision. From Sukabumi to Seoul, these stories capture the many faces of Indonesia — so wherever you’re from, something on screen feels familiar. In the warm and uplifting A Letter to My Youth (Surat untuk Masa Mudaku) by director Sim F., the unlikely bond between a rebellious orphan and a quiet caretaker offers a story about hope, community, and the universal desire to belong. Its sincerity marks a shift toward heartfelt drama — something Indonesian audiences have long embraced but rarely see executed at this scale. Directed by the acclaimed Teddy Soeria Atmadja, Made With Love (Luka, Makan, Cinta) blends food and romance in a story centered on an ambitious chef, played by Mawar Eva de Jongh, who works at her family restaurant. When her mother hires a new head chef (Deva Mahenra), tensions rise as the two clash while navigating the pressure to save the business. Set against Bali’s iconic landscape, the series brings a distinctly Indonesian take to a feel-good genre and stands as one of our must-watch titles for 2026. Indonesia’s penchant for bold storytelling takes center stage in Night Shift for Cuties, a playful adventure that dives into the fantastical world of K-pop fandom. Representing the longform debut of new creative voice Monica Vanesa Tedja and produced by Soda Machine Films, the series follows two minimart colleagues (Shenina Cinnamon, Nadya Syarifa) whose friendship is tested when they compete for the chance of a lifetime to meet their K-pop idols. The slate also makes room for quirky, intimate storytelling through Me Before Me (Aku Sebelum Aku), a funny, tender coming-of-age story that marks Gina S. Noer’s Netflix debut. Featuring standout performances from Ringgo Agus Rahman and teen actor Bima S Sena, the film follows a high-achieving teenager whose school project on family history forces him to confront his complicated relationship with his father, bringing humor and depth to an often-overlooked genre. In Secrets, award-winning director Ravi Bharwani returns with a sharply crafted drama-thriller. The film stars Sha Ine Febriyanti as Parni, a single mother determined to build a better life for herself and her daughter — only to find her efforts threatened by a violent past that refuses to stay buried, including the return of her husband (Abimana Aryasatya). The result is a culmination of Netflix Indonesia’s ongoing effort to raise the bar for this genre through strong storytelling and world-class production value. Rounding out the slate is Never Surrender (Serangan Balik), a highly anticipated new entry in Indonesia’s action landscape. Produced by Kimo Stamboel and Edwin Nazir, and directed by rising filmmaker Sidharta Tata, the story follows an ex-soldier and his grandchildren, who are forced to confront their deepest fears and past regrets when a group of ruthless criminals descends on their secluded village. Balancing high-octane choreography with an emotional core, the film delivers a true cinematic spectacle. Championing Indonesian Talent, On and Off the Screen
We’re proud to be a platform where both established auteurs and first-time filmmakers can experiment, take risks, and realize creative ideas that once felt too ambitious for traditional formats. And we’re committed to continuing these opportunities by expanding talent programs, like our Screenwriting Fellowship and Reel Life Camp, both of which are now in their second season. Established last December, our two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesian Producers Association (APROFI) will enable us to promote healthier and more transparent production practices across the industry, beginning with the co-launch of a national guidebook on production safety. As Netflix deepens its collaborations with Indonesian producers and creators, our commitment remains steady: to support the industry, offer a global platform for beautifully crafted Indonesian stories, and champion the diverse voices shaping Indonesia’s future. For more information, download the Next on Netflix Indonesia 2026 slate appendix.
Mira Febri Mellya
Manager, Publicity - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore
mmell@netflix.com