Indonesian Netizens Worry About Netflix Monopoly After Buying Warner Bros Discovery

Illustration of Netflix. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - The Netflix deal to buy Warner Bros Discovery has received great attention from the world of cinema, especially for fans of Hollywood works.

As is known, with the deal worth 72 billion US, Netflix will have a Warner Bros. film and series catalog like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones as well as streaming service HBO Max.

From the spotlight on social media, pros and cons also appeared among Indonesian netizens, although the acquisition did not directly impact Indonesian cinema.

Concern arises because of Netflix's potential for monopolizing movie streaming services, considering HBO is one of their main competitors.

"GW LIKES HBO MORE ABOUT DRCAK DRPD NETFLIX IHH GILA MONOPOLI PASAR," wrote a netizen on X, Sunday, December 7.

They are also worried about rising prices for Netflix subscriptions, which they think will be very burdensome for customers.

It doesn't stop there, netizens also see the potential for weakening cinemas. The reason is, viewers will likely choose to watch Warner Bros. films produced on the Netflix platform rather than going to the cinema.

Bad dreams cinema film lovers: Netflix Warner Bros. acquisition, said one netizen.

"Now the old cinema films don't sell well if they are bought with Netflix," said another netizen.