20 Anime with Indonesian Elements, from Tempe to Pencak Silat!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Lily Ariani

Indonesia is one of the countries rich in culture. Indonesia has almost everything, from traditional food to traditional dances. The uniqueness of Indonesian culture itself often attracts the world's attention.

As Indonesian citizens, we can be proud because it turns out that there are many Indonesian elements hidden in anime. Although originating from Japan, many anime series actually incorporate elements from other countries, including Indonesia. Indonesian elements in anime usually come in the form of dialogue, settings, and images.

Considering the popularity of anime, the presence of Indonesian elements can also be a promotional opportunity. Indonesia can be known by more people through anime. Here are 18 Japanese anime that incorporate Indonesian elements in their stories.

1. SHOKUGEKI NO SOUMA

SHOKUGEKI NO SOUMA tells the story of Yukihira Soma, who enters a culinary school in Japan called Totsuki Academy. In Totsuki Academy, shokugeki or food wars become a tradition held when some students are involved in a problem. Soma is one of the students who often gets involved in food wars.

Because this anime has a culinary theme, it is natural that throughout the story it is filled with elements of food ingredients. Tempeh, which is an authentic Indonesian food, is mentioned in one episode of SHOKUGEKI NO SOUMA. In that episode, one character explains that tempeh is a fermented food and has existed for 400 years.

2. ONE PIECE

ONE PIECE is one of the most popular anime of all time. Simply put, ONE PIECE tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy who dreams of becoming a pirate and tries to find the treasure One Piece. To realize his goal, Luffy forms a group called Straw Hat Pirates.

Who would have thought that this pirate-themed anime also included elements of Indonesia in it. One episode of ONE PIECE features the character Enel wearing batik clothing, a typical Indonesian motif. In addition, the island of Jaya mentioned in the story of ONE PIECE is said to be inspired by Irian Jaya (Papua Province) which has abundant gold resources.

3. KAKUSHIGOTO

This anime slice of life highlights the life of Kakushi Goto, who works as a mangaka. However, Kakushi's manga turns out to be of a vulgar genre. Worried that his daughter, Hime Goto, will be disappointed, Kakushi swears to keep his profession a secret.

Aside from Kakushi and Hime, this anime also introduces other characters to complement the story. One of them is Nadila, who is portrayed as an Indonesian migrant worker (TKI) working for the main character.

4. FREEZING VIBRATION

Set in the future, FREEZING VIBRATION presents a world under the threat of aliens. To confront this threat, humans form warriors called Nova Clashes. Members of Nova Clashes are marked with a stigma that makes their physical abilities much stronger than ordinary humans.

Interestingly, an Indonesian element is also present in one of the episodes of FREEZING VIBRATION. In episode 5, this anime showcases characters on vacation in Bali. The episode also showcases the beauty of Bali with its distinctive architecture.

5. JORMUNGAND: PERFECT ORDER

It is not impossible for an anime series to take place in Indonesia, for example JORMUNGAND: PERFECT ORDER. This anime focuses on a girl who works as an illegal weapons dealer under the HCLI. During her work, she has sold illegal weapons to many countries.

Specifically, the second season of JORMUNGAND PERFECT takes place in Jakarta in one of its episodes. The audience will be treated to scenes of bajaj passing through the streets and authentic Indonesian food. In this menu scene, for example, there are many Indonesian specialty foods and drinks such as es teler, es cincau, es doger, and nasi goreng.

6. GRISAIA NO RAKUEN

The story of GRISAIA NO RAKUEN begins when Kazami Yuuji is arrested on charges of terrorism. With video evidence, Yuuji is detained by Ichigaya. Actually, Ichigaya knows that Yuuji is not involved in terrorism. However, Ichigaya has his own plans.

Just like the previous anime list, GRISAIA NO RAKUEN also includes Indonesian elements in one of its episodes. In this anime, the character Michiru Matshushima mentions that she once bought a property in Indonesia.

7. CHUUNIBYOU DEMO KOI GA SHITAI

In the story of CHUUNIBYOU DEMO KOI GA SHITAI, Yuuta Togashi is a teenager who suffers from delusional disorder. As a result, Yuuta is ostracized by his friends in middle school. When he enters high school, Yuuta meets Rikka Takanashi, who has a high level of delusion. Rikka becomes interested in Yuuta and they become close.

Yuuta's father works in Indonesia, specifically in Jakarta. Yuuta himself often mentions the name of the city that used to be the capital of Indonesia. In addition, one scene in the anime CHUUNIBYOU DEMO KOI GA SHITAI also shows the traffic congestion in Jakarta and a taxi that resembles Blue Bird.

8. HAJIME NO IPPO: RISING

HAJIME NO IPPO tells the story of Makunouchi Ippo, who becomes a victim of bullying. Ippo then resolves to become a strong person. After learning boxing, Ippo participates in various championships thanks to his brilliant talent.

In addition to Ippo as a boxer, the final series of this anime titled HAJIME NO IPPO: RISING also introduces the character Papaya Daichu. Papaya Daichu is a boxer from Indonesia. His appearance is in episode 120, where Papaya Daichu fights against Aoki Masaru.

9. NICHIJOU

Anime genre slice of life and comedy that highlights the lives of the residents of Tokisadame city. There are six characters that become the focus of the story, ranging from high school students to a talking black cat. NICHIJOU is filled with silly and funny moments that can tickle your funny bone.

One of the moments that invites laughter in the anime NICHIJOU is when one of the characters speaks in Indonesian. Aioi Yokko greets her friends and says "good morning." However, Aioi's friends respond by saying "good evening."

10. DRAGON BALL

This legendary anime will not be left behind. Dedicated fans of DRAGON BALL are surely familiar with the many Indonesian elements in the series that tells the story of Goku. In one scene, the tournament building in this anime is filled with Indonesian vocabulary. There are words like "Bali," "cold ice," and "Singaraja."

DRAGON BALL itself focuses on Goku's quest to gather seven crystal balls that can grant any wish. Throughout his journey, Goku must overcome various obstacles and fight against enemies.

11. HETALIA: WORLD STARS

Created based on Hidekaz's comic, HETALIA: WORLD STARS introduces various characters that personify countries around the world. This anime discusses various political and historical events between countries.

Indonesia is also included in the list of countries personified in HETALIA: WORLD STARS. In this anime, Indonesia appears as a friendly figure. The Indonesian character also appears in a distinctive police uniform, complete with the greeting 'where are you going?'. In more detail, Indonesia is depicted as a spooky place because of the many ghosts.

12. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

Who doesn't know the anime NARUTO SHIPPUDEN? This anime highlights Naruto, who possesses the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox. As a result of this power, Naruto is desired by the Akatsuki group, who have ambitions to conquer the world.

This popular anime apparently also included elements of Indonesia in its story. The presence of Indonesia can be seen when the Gedo statue transforms into a divine tree. During the refinement process, the statue transforms into a flower that resembles the Rafflesia Arnoldi.

13. DETECTIVE CONAN

DETECTIVE CONAN presents the story of a young detective investigating various criminal cases. One day, he is forced to swallow a poison by the Black Organization. The young detective then shrinks and transforms into a child named Edogawa Conan as a disguise.

Each episode, DETECTIVE CONAN presents a different case. In episode 184, Detective Conan has to investigate a case in a house that contains a collection of masks from various worlds. One of the masks in the collection is the Barong mask.

14. CAPTAIN TSUBASA

Next, there is CAPTAIN TSUBASA. This anime tells the story of Tsubasa's struggle to achieve his dream in the world of soccer. Throughout his journey to achieve his dream, Tsubasa meets many new friends who add to the excitement of the story.

One time, it is mentioned that the Japan U-19 National Team is competing in the Asian Cup held in Indonesia. Specifically, the Asian Cup is held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK). There is also a character who mentions Jakarta in one of the dialogues.

15. GINTAMA

In the Edo period, Japan was conquered by foreign creatures called Amanto. Amanto successfully overthrew the samurai's power and made samurai a low caste. As a former samurai, Gintoki Sakata lives simply and works as a freelancer in his inn.

This popular anime also once mentioned Indonesia in its story. In one dialogue, a character mentioned sending their comrade to Indonesia. However, the comrade denied it by saying, “Your stupid organization doesn't exist in Indonesia!”

16. KENICHI: THE MIGHTIEST DISCIPLE

KENICHI: THE MIGHTIEST DISCIPLE tells the story of Kenichi Shirahama, who is nicknamed Weak Legs. When he joins the karate club in his school, Kenichi is challenged by one of the strongest students. Kenichi then trains and becomes a disciple of Ryozanpaku.

In this anime, there are two characters who practice Indonesian martial arts called Pencak Silat. These two characters are named Radin and Silcardo Jenazad. The characters in KENICHI: THE MIGHTIEST DISCIPLE also practice Pencak Silat moves and use Indonesian phrases.

17. OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB

Ouran High School is an elite school filled with rich kids. Fujioka Haruhi is one of the students accepted into this school through a scholarship. One day, Fujioka accidentally breaks a vase worth billions of yen. To make up for the mistake, Fujioka has to join the Host Club at her school.

Bali, which is a world-class destination, is mentioned in this anime. The Indonesian element is seen when Fujioka enters a room filled with Balinese ornaments.

18. NANA MARU SAN BATSU

NANA MARU SAN BATSU tells the story of high school students participating in a quiz competition. The main character, Koshiyama, is a book lover who joins the quiz club at his school. After trying it out, Koshiyama becomes more and more interested in the quizzes.

On one occasion, another character named Shiki is participating in a quiz with his friends. One of the questions is about the traditional Indonesian dance, Tari Kecak. Tari Kecak itself is a traditional dance originating from Bali.

19. BLUE EXORCIST

Rin Okimura and his younger brother, Yukio Okimura, were raised by their father. One day, Rin and Yukio discover the fact that they are the children of demons. Refusing the orders of the demon king, Rin decides to become an exorcist. He enrolls in True Cross Academy and meets Yukio, who turns out to be a veteran exorcist.

Rin and Yukio's adventures become more exciting with the presence of other characters in BLUE EXORCIST, one of them being Lena. It turns out that Lena is an exorcist from Jakarta. She appears as a guard who secures the progress of the festival.

20. JOUKAMACHI NO DANDELION

Lastly, there is JOUKAMACHI NO DANDELION. This anime tells the daily lives of nine royal children. Because the king is an overprotective figure, he installs CCTV cameras in every corner of the city to monitor his children. The footage from these CCTV cameras is then turned into a reality show about the royal family.

This anime briefly mentions Indonesia. One scene shows Sakurada Haruka talking about someone she admires. That person is Gajah Mada, a military commander during the Majapahit kingdom.

(kpl/lly)