The Indonesian film industry, known as " perfilman," has a long history, dating back to the 1920s. Classic films like "Darah dan Doa" (The Long March, 1958) and "Penumpasan Pengkhianatan G30SPKI" (The 30 September Movement/LPKI, 1984) are considered some of the best Indonesian films of all time.

Music is currently Indonesia's most dynamic export. The "Indonesian Wave" is no longer just a vision; it is a reality driven by a mix of viral digital talent and state-backed cultural diplomacy.

In recent years, Indonesian cinema has experienced a resurgence, with films like "Laskar Pelangi" (Rainbow Troop, 2008), "The Raid: Redemption" (2011), and "Gundala" (2019) gaining international recognition. Indonesian television, too, has become increasingly popular, with soap operas, known as "sinetron," and reality TV shows entertaining millions of viewers.

Before The Raid (2011), international audiences viewed Indonesia as a tourist destination, not a fight hub. Gareth Evans’ The Raid: Redemption changed the trajectory of global action cinema forever, introducing the world to Pencak Silat —a fluid, aggressive martial art. Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim became household names, starring alongside DC and Marvel properties.