August 17, 2025 | 07:45 am
Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon responded to the controversy surrounding the animated film Merah Putih One for All , saying, "I haven't watched the film yet, but we have to look at its intention to advance Indonesian films," as quoted from Antara on Friday, August 15, 2025.
According to him, Indonesian films are increasingly being appreciated. "So we have to make good films, now 67 percent of Indonesian people are watching Indonesian films," he said. "So, it's the best works that should be shown, but for now, I can't judge because I haven't watched it."
Cancelled Screening at Cinepolis
The animated film Merah Putih One For All was under scrutiny after the poster and teaser were cancelled to be screened across Cinepolis Indonesia cinema networks. This news was announced through Cinepolis' Instagram on Thursday, August 14, 2025. "Film #MerahPutih One For All, which was previously scheduled to be screened to welcome the moment of independence, is officially not going to be screened across the entire Cinpolis Indonesia network. Thank you for your understanding," Cinepolis stated.
Merah Putih One For All was screened at Cinema 21 or XXI on August 14, 2025, at 10 cinemas, namely Puri, Kelapa Gading, and Kemang Village in Jakarta, Ciwalk in Bandung, Metmall Cileungsi and Depok in Bogor, Alam Sutera in Tangerang, Mega Bekasi in Bekasi, DP Mall in Semarang, and Ciputra World in Surabaya. In addition to XXI, the film was also screened at MoviesDays.ID and Sams Studios, as announced on Merah Putih One for All's Instagram.
Clarification about Government Funding
The animated film produced by Perfiki Kreasindo and produced by Toto Soegriwo with the support of the Usmar Ismail Film Center Foundation has been under scrutiny since the film's poster was launched. The issue of production costs of Rp 6.7 billion has also sparked numerous comments.
Toto Soegriwo clarified the information that has become a topic of discussion among netizens on social media through a post on the @totosoegriwo account, stating that the information about the production costs received from the government is untrue. "We have never received a single rupiah of funding from the government," written statement by Toto, seen on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar also commented. Irene explained that the ministry's involvement was limited to receiving an audience with the animation film production team. "I myself received an audience with the film production team some time ago, where I conveyed some input,," said Irene through her Instagram @irene.umar, on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Irene stated that the Ministry of Creative Economy did not provide any assistance, including budget for the production of the animated film Merah Putih One for All. "We did not provide financial assistance and did not provide promotional facilities," she said.
Criticism of Merah Putih One For All
Director Hanung Bramantyo expressed surprise at how Merah Putih One For All was able to secure a theatrical release date. Meanwhile, hundreds of other Indonesian films still have to queue for the same opportunity. "How can it get a release date amidst 200 Indonesian film titles waiting in line?" he said.
Hanung considered that Merah Putih One For All has not yet met the industry's quality standards, as seen from the film teaser, which is considered simple and of low quality. "If it is screened, certainly the audience will resist," Hanung said through his Instagram account @hanungbramantyo on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
Intan Wahyuningtyas contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: The Controversy Surrounding the Animated Film Merah Putih One For All
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