Menbud Fadli Zon Appreciates Timun Mas In Wonderland! To Preserve Indonesian Fairy Tales

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon shows his support for works that raise Indonesian culture. He was present to open the Magical Casting Bootcamp for making the musical film Timun Mas in Wonderland! at the Liberta Hotel Kemang, South Jakarta, Thursday, September 18.

The story of the Indonesian people such as Timun Mas has a historical depth and value that is no less than a world story such as Romeo and Juliet. This cultural wealth must continue to be revived through the medium of film," said Minister ofbud Fadli Zon in a written broadcast.

According to him, the potential for children's films with mature stories and technical executions will bring great potential. This has been proven by the animated film Jumbo which won 11 million viewers.

"Hopefully Timun Mas in Wonderland! achieve similar, even more appreciation. We need a child film that is relevant, entertaining, as well as introducing Indonesian culture," he hoped.

This Bootcamp was attended by 40 selected children from various regions. During September 18, 2025, they participated in intensive auditions for acting, dancing, and singing with industry players such as Darius Sinathrya, Surya Saputra, Irgi Faherezi, Karisma Bestari, Agung Sentusa, and Andrei Aksana. Curriculum includes the basics of acting, appreciation of roles, body and vocals, to shooting and casting practices.

This musical film is adapted from the novel Timun Mas in Wonderland: Maura & 7 Sahabat Travel Mission by Karisma Bestari which is inspired by the folklore of Central Java. Karisma wants the story of Timun Mas to be present in various modern media to the international arena.

Menbud Fadli assessed that musical dramas combine the art of acting, dance, music, and language so that talent is needed to dare to appear on the national and global stage.

"This Bootcamp is an important step to give birth to young actors who are able to penetrate the international stage," he said.

The number of viewers of national films recorded by more than 59 million people is a positive signal. 70 percent of cinemagoers chose Indonesian films.

"Our film has become the host in our own country. Hopefully, Timun Mas in Wonderland will strengthen that position even more," concluded Menbud Fadli Zon.

The Ministry of Culture supports cultural-based creative works as a means of education and diplomacy, through programs such as Kita Cinta Lagu Anak Indonesia (KILA) and National Talent Management of Cultural Arts (MTN) which opens up space for the development of young talents and expands film literacy and infrastructure.