KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia is intensifying efforts to promote locally rooted animation in the global market, with the puppet animation Aniwayang by Cucumber Village (Desa Timun) emerging as a flagship project. The initiative focuses on strengthening intellectual property (IP) rights and expanding their reach across creative industry sectors.

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said the ministry is creating opportunities to expand local IP by offering activities that support IP development and collaboration. “The Ministry of Creative Economy will promote future plans that allow for further collaborations to expand IP into new markets, develop more unique content, and seek strategic partnerships,” Irene stated in a press release on Thursday, December 18, 2025, as reported by Antara.

Managed by Intermedia Prima Vision (IPV), Aniwayang has already achieved international recognition, including appearances at the World Expo 2025 Osaka and educational programs at institutions such as the Goethe Institute and IFI Bandung. These efforts aim to strengthen Indonesia’s creative ecosystem.

As part of concrete support for domestic products, the Creative Economy version of Wayang in a Box has been updated and registered in the government’s e-catalog system. 

Irene emphasized that the long-term plan is for local IP to become scalable solutions rather than mere content. “Aniwayang must be able to produce, distribute, and develop a licensing strategy to maintain its presence in international markets while increasing national recognition,” she said.

IPV, known for its licensing management expertise, has partnered with Aniwayang Studio and E-Motion Entertainment to help local IPs compete globally. “We are confident in our ability to grow Indonesian IP both domestically and internationally. Aniwayang is unique, with a clear vision and mission, and it is difficult to replicate because it is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture,” said Anastassia Florine Limasnax, Director of PT Intermedia Prima Vision.

Daud Nugraha, founder and creative director of Aniwayang Studio, echoed this optimism. He noted that the Ministry of Creative Economy strongly supported the achievements of Desa Timun last year and will continue to do so in 2026 under the STRONGER concept: “Let’s March Together.”

One of the most memorable activations was the introduction of Desa Timun characters Cila, Cili, and Cilo as stickers during the 80th Indonesian Independence Carnival. The characters symbolized the creative identity of Indonesia’s cultural IP community and reflected the spirit of innovation across generations.

“In 2025, we proved that Desa Timun successfully repackaged traditions, making them enjoyable not only for education but also for entertainment. Under IPV’s licensing, which covers events, music, and merchandise, we will continue to expand Desa Timun's presence nationally and internationally,” Daud said. 

Desa Timun, or Cucumber Village in English, is the first and cutest shadow puppet animation, telling the story of three little mousedeers: Cila, Cili, and Cilo, who always want to play without limit with their family and fellow villagers.

The Cucumber Village combined real Indonesian traditional shadow puppet (wayang kulit) and digital animation. It has been screened at multiple international children's film festivals and won awards in 12 countries, including the San Diego International Children's Film Festival and the Kineko International Children's Film Festival in Japan. ***