JAKARTA - The Indonesian film industry opened 2026 with an encouraging start. The latest horror-drama genre film, Alas Roban managed to steal the public's attention since its first day of airing on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The number of viewers recorded to penetrate more than 176 thousand people, making it a strong opener for the local cinema ecosystem.
This success seems to have erased the concerns that had emerged throughout 2025. Previously, there were concerns about declining audience interest due to a busy schedule and limited number of cinema screens.
However, the final data for 2025 actually shows a positive trend with a total audience of 80.27 million, slightly increased from 80.21 million in 2024. The presence of Alas Roban is now a new impetus that keeps the audience's enthusiasm high.
What makes Alas Roban so popular? The main strength of this film lies in the closeness of its story to the community. Featuring the legend of the "skull trail" in Central Java, this film explores psychological fears when passing through a dim area full of prohibitions.
In the story, the audience is invited to follow the journey of Sita (Michelle Ziudith), a single mother, who travels from Pekalongan to Semarang with her daughter, Gendis (Fara Shakila). Tension increases when the last bus they are on breaks down in the middle of the forest, triggering a series of mystical terrors and sacred night rituals that endanger their lives.
The success on the first day was inseparable from the thorough preparation. The production team carried out an Advance Ticket Sales strategy with a Buy 1 Get 1 promo during January 9-14, which proved to be effective in making tickets in various cities sold out. In addition, direct promotional activities are also the key.
During the gala premiere session, the lobby area of the cinema was decorated to resemble the creepy atmosphere of the Alas Roban forest. This immersive experience became a viral content on social media, triggering netizens' curiosity to experience the horror sensation in person.
With an adult film label and a strong family drama touch, Alas Roban is not just an ordinary horror film. Its presence confirms that Indonesian cinema is still strong in its own land, as well as marking that 2026 will be a colorful and exciting year for the national big screen.
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