Stand-Up Comedy in Indonesia Then and Now, from Enjoyed in Small Cafés to Istora Senayan - Ticket Prices Reach Millions of Rupiah

Kapanlagi.com - Stand-up comedy in Indonesia has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. In the past, this solo comedy genre was only known among a limited audience and often looked down upon. Now, stand-up comedy has become one of the most popular and prestigious forms of entertainment in the country.

In its early days around 2011, stand-up comedy shows were often held in small cafés with a limited number of spectators. It was not uncommon for the audience to enjoy performances by comedians for free. The Stand Up Indo community became the driving force behind the spread of this genre to various cities in Indonesia.

1. Millions of Rupiah Tickets

Now, the situation has changed drastically. Audiences are willing to pay hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiah to watch their favorite comedians. Solo shows like KOMOIDOMONOI by Pandji Pragiwaksono have even successfully been held at Istora Senayan with thousands of spectators.

This shows how the market value of a comedian has increased along with the development of the entertainment industry that supports them.

At its inception, stand-up comedy was often seen as a rival to sketch comedy, which was more popular on television first. However, over time, the relationship between the two has become more synergistic. Many comedians now appear in television comedy programs such as LAPOR PAK! and MAIN HAKIM SENDIRI.

2. Wider Spectrum

Indonesian Stand-Up Comedy © KapanLagi.com

In the past, stand-up comedy was referred to as 'the comedy of smart people' because it was rich in social, political, and cultural critiques delivered humorously yet sharply. Pandji, Ernest Prakasa, and Cak Lontong are examples of comedians known for their intelligent and meaningful style.

Now, the spectrum of comedy is broader. There are Tretan Muslim and Coki Pardede who bring dark comedy. There are also Indra Frimawan, Fico Fachriza, and Kemal Palevi who successfully invite laughter through their absurd material.

3. Now Spread Across Various Entertainment Lines

Indonesian Stand-Up Comedy © KapanLagi.com

The role of comedians has also expanded into various lines of the entertainment industry. The film COMIC 8 (2014) became a significant point when comedians began to be trusted as main actors in feature films.

The success of this film opened doors for many comedians like Ernest Prakasa, Arie Kriting, and Dodit Mulyanto to dive into the film world, both as actors and directors. In fact, Ernest is now known as one of the most successful comedy directors in Indonesia.

From small performances in café corners to appearing on grand stages, from sketch comedy rivals to collaborators, from a medium of social critique to various comedic styles, Indonesian stand-up comedy has proven that it is not just a temporary trend, but a new pillar in the world of Nusantara entertainment.

(kpl/tdr)