In the heart of Jakarta, a cinematic phenomenon has taken hold. Since its release during the Idul Fitri holiday in 2025, the animated film Jumbo has dominated Indonesian theaters, its soundtrack echoing through radio waves and streaming platforms, and its vibrant posters adorning the walls of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural moment that speaks to both children and adults, bridging generational divides with a story of reflection and redemption.
A Labor of Love Five Years in the Making
Directed and co-written by Ryan Adriandhy, with Anggia Kharisma as co-producer, Jumbo represents over five years of dedication by Visinema Studios. In an exclusive interview with this correspondent, the creative duo reflected on the journey that brought their vision to life. For Anggia, the film’s success feels like “an open door” — a series of small steps that have culminated in a groundbreaking achievement for Indonesian cinema. 
The film’s narrative centers on its titular character, Jumbo, who embarks on a poignant journey after encountering a spirit in need of help. Voiced by a talented ensemble including Prince Poetiray, Quinn Salman, and Yusuf Ozkan, the story unfolds with emotional depth, exploring themes of inner struggle and healing. Anggia emphasized that animation was the ideal medium for such a tale, noting that it allows audiences to “hug so many emotions in such a gentle manner.”
Connecting with Generation Alpha
In an era where children, often referred to as Generation Alpha, grow up with diverse animated content—from the blocky charm of the Lego Movie franchise to the painterly beauty of Oscar-winning films like Flow—standing out is no small feat. Yet, Jumbo has managed to carve a unique space. Ryan acknowledged the challenge of keeping animation fresh, asserting that the industry has “barely scratched the surface” of its narrative potential. He believes animation remains a stylistic choice, deeply tied to the story, characters, and world a filmmaker wishes to create.
For modern children, raised on shows like Bluey and even more mature content such as Attack on Titan, connecting with their worldview requires a shift in perspective. Anggia described this as both a challenge and an opportunity, suggesting that adults must “befriend” younger generations by entering their world and engaging with their mindset. She added, “We have our point of view, but so do they. This should propel us to have a discussion with our inner child.”
A Soundtrack That Resonates
Beyond its visual storytelling, Jumbo has made waves with its pop-oriented soundtrack, a deliberate departure from traditional showtunes. Anggia explained that the team recruited pop artists to create music that speaks to the heart rather than the head, fostering a personal connection with listeners. One standout track, “Selalu Ada di Nadimu,” performed by Prince Poetiray and Quinn Salman, has soared on streaming charts, bringing children’s music into the mainstream in a way rarely seen before.
This fusion of cinema and pop culture has amplified Jumbo’s impact, creating a symbiosis that extends its reach beyond theaters. According to Anggia, the melodies and lyrics are designed to evoke emotional urgency, allowing for diverse interpretations among audiences of all ages.
Breaking Records and Redefining Success
The film’s achievements are undeniable. Jumbo has shattered box-office records not only in Indonesia but also on the international stage, a testament to its universal appeal. However, both Ryan and Anggia are quick to caution against misinterpreting this success as a formula for instant fame. “What can embrace people is a story that matters” said Anggia, emphasizing that watching a film is a deeply personal experience. She believes Jumbo transcends mere entertainment, revealing “the heart’s deepest layer” without preaching.
Ryan echoed this sentiment, urging fellow filmmakers and potential backers to prioritize story and characters over trends. “Story and characters are still the heart” he said, adding that investors should focus on nurturing talent and trusting the creative process rather than chasing quick wins.
A Universal Story with Global Ambitions
While Jumbo was crafted with Indonesian children in mind, Visinema Studios is now poised to introduce the film to a broader international audience. Anggia is confident that the story carries “universal truths” that resonate across cultures, offering lessons about empathy and self-discovery that transcend national borders. As the studio eyes global markets, the sky seems to be the limit for what Jumbo can achieve.
For Ryan, the sweetest victory lies in the inspiration Jumbo provides to young Indonesians. Recalling his own childhood dream of becoming an animator after watching The Lion King, he sees the film as proof that such aspirations are no longer out of reach. “I made a promise to myself” he reflected, a promise that has now come full circle with Jumbo’s triumph.
As Jumbo continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a beacon of what Indonesian cinema can achieve—a heartfelt story that speaks to the child in everyone, no matter where they are in the world.
