: The most trusted tech reviewer in the country, where audiences often wait for his "David here" intro before purchasing new devices. Ria Ricis
Indonesia is home to a rich cultural heritage, with traditional arts like wayang (shadow puppetry), batik, and traditional dance still widely practiced and performed today. These traditional arts have been incorporated into modern entertainment, with many Indonesian artists and performers drawing inspiration from their cultural roots. : The most trusted tech reviewer in the
Tonight, Ibu Ratih's warung kopi is quiet. The old TV is off, covered in a dusty cloth. Her teenage grandson, Dimas, is sitting in the corner, earbuds in, watching a compilation of a Javanese wayang (puppet) show that has been remixed with techno beats on his phone. He laughs and shows her the screen. Ibu Ratih squints, sees a familiar puppet character, and smiles. The medium has changed—the story is faster, louder, and sponsored by a delivery app—but the essence remains. It's still drama, it's still music, it's still shared. Only now, the entire archipelago is the stage, and everyone has a camera. Tonight, Ibu Ratih's warung kopi is quiet
Short-form video remains the primary discovery engine for entertainment in Indonesia. With over 100 million active TikTok users, Indonesia is a critical market for the platform. He laughs and shows her the screen
Moreover, social media has played a significant role in social movements and activism. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been used to raise awareness about social issues, mobilize people, and bring about change. For instance, the #MeToo movement, which aimed to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault, gained momentum on social media, with millions of people sharing their stories and supporting the cause.
Unlike Western YouTube, where gaming or commentary dominates, Indonesia runs on family channels. Channels like Rans Entertainment (owned by celebrity couple Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina) or Ricis Official function as reality TV on steroids. Their "popular videos" often feature daily routines, unboxings, and pranks. The algorithm loves them because they generate massive watch time across all age demographics, from toddlers watching toy reviews to grandparents watching cooking segments.