Indonesia’s animated film Merah Putih: One For All was released on 14 August 2025, to celebrate the country’s 80th Independence Day. Produced by Perfiki Kreasindo, the film aimed to promote nationalism and unity through the story of eight children from different regions of Indonesia working together to save a lost national flag before the Independence Day ceremony. However, instead of receiving praise, the film sparked widespread controversy. This article explores the reasons behind the backlash in simple terms.
High Budget, Low Quality
The film reportedly had a budget of Rp 6.7 billion (around USD 430,000), which is significant for an Indonesian animated project. However, many viewers and critics were disappointed with the animation quality. The trailer showed stiff character movements, outdated visuals, and a lack of detail, which some compared to old video games or school projects. Netizens questioned how such a large budget resulted in a product that looked rushed and unpolished.
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Rushed Production Time
One of the biggest criticisms was the short production timeline. Producer Toto Soegriwo admitted the film was made in less than two months to meet the Independence Day release. In contrast, high-quality animated films, like Indonesia’s successful Jumbo, often take years to produce. Experts, including director Hanung Bramantyo, said that creating a good animated film with a Rp 6.7 billion budget in such a short time is nearly impossible. The rushed process likely contributed to the film’s poor quality.
Allegations of Using Purchased Assets
Another controversy arose when netizens and content creators, like YouTuber Yono Jambul, claimed the film used pre-made 3D assets bought from online marketplaces like Daz3D. For example, some scenes reportedly used a “Street of Mumbai” background, which felt out of place for an Indonesian story. There were also concerns about originality, as characters resembled models available online. Additionally, an animator claimed on YouTube that they created some of the characters but had not been paid or credited, raising ethical questions about the production process.
Comparisons to Other Animated Films
Merah Putih: One For All was heavily compared to Jumbo, an Indonesian animated film that gained widespread praise for its quality and storytelling, reaching 10 million viewers. It was also compared to international works like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, which had a much lower budget per episode but delivered stunning visuals. These comparisons highlighted the gap between expectations and the final product, fueling public disappointment.
Strange Elements in the Story
Some scenes in the trailer confused viewers. For example, one scene showed an AK-47 rifle in a village warehouse, which seemed inappropriate for a film aimed at children. Producer Endiarto explained that the weapon was a prop for a play about Dutch colonial soldiers, not a real gun. However, this explanation did little to calm critics who found the inclusion odd and out of context.
Mixed Responses from the Industry
The film received criticism from filmmakers and experts. Hanung Bramantyo said a budget under Rp 7 billion is insufficient for high-quality animation, which typically costs Rp 30-40 billion and takes 4-5 years. Yusron Fuadi, an animation lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada, called the visuals similar to a rough draft or storyboard, suggesting possible budget mismanagement. Meanwhile, the producer defended the film, stating it was intentionally simple to educate children about nationalism, not to compete with high-budget animations.
Limited Release and Public Reaction
Due to the backlash, Merah Putih: One For All was released in limited theaters, such as in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya. Despite the criticism, some, including DPR member Lalu Hadrian Irfani, encouraged support for local filmmakers, viewing the film as a learning opportunity for the industry. However, negative comments dominated social media, with netizens mocking the visuals and questioning the budget’s transparency.
Merah Putih: One For All aimed to inspire patriotism but ended up sparking controversy due to its low-quality animation, rushed production, and questionable creative choices. The film highlights the challenges of producing high-quality animation in Indonesia under tight timelines and budgets. While the intention to promote unity and nationalism was clear, the execution fell short of public expectations. This controversy serves as a reminder for the Indonesian film industry to prioritize quality, transparency, and proper planning in future projects.
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