Facts About the Animated Film 'MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL', Made with Contributions - Criticized by Renowned Directors

Kapanlagi.com - As we approach the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the entertainment industry in the country is marked by the emergence of a nationalism-themed animated film titled MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL. This film is scheduled to be released on August 14, 2025, and has a series of facts. What are they?

1. Produced by Perfiki Kreasindo

This film is produced by Perfiki Kreasindo, a foundation for the development of national filmmaking that operates independently and is not part of a state-owned enterprise (BUMN). This fact also debunks the rumors that circulated on social media that this project is directly funded by the government.

Perfiki Kreasindo is under the Yayasan Pusat Perfilman H. Usmar Ismail, an institution that has played a role in advancing local filmmaking. Although its name is not as well-known to the public compared to major production houses, this foundation has a vision to provide space for the creative works of the nation's children on the big screen.

The film is led by names that are not very familiar in the mainstream film industry, such as Toto Soegriwo (main producer), Sonny Pudjisasono (executive producer), and Endiarto and Bintang Takari who sit in the director's chair.

2. Allegedly Incurred Costs of Rp6.7 Billion

MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL (Credit: Youtube/Historika Film)

One of the biggest highlights comes from the funding side. The production cost of this film is said to reach Rp6.7 billion and uses state funds. This figure, according to many parties, is not proportional to the results reflected in the trailer.

Toto Soegriwo even felt personally pressured by the accusations of using government funds, describing the allegations as a vile slander that affected his family.

The accusations were ultimately denied by Endiarto as the executive producer. Endiarto firmly stated that if he had funds of that magnitude, the fate of his film would certainly be very different, especially in terms of the number of screens in theaters. He provided a stark contrast between the circulating issues and the bitter reality he faces.

3. Crowdfunding Results

MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL (Credit: Youtube/Historika Film)

"If there is (funding of Rp6.7 billion), I won't, today it can be screened on 400 screens," explained Endiarto when met in the Kuningan area, South Jakarta, Tuesday (12/8/2025).

In an interview with detik.com, Endiarto mentioned that the production costs were covered through contributions.

"This is our contribution, the costs are also shared. So everyone, including the dubbers and crew, we don't use top people. If we use people who already have a name, how can we give them appreciation? We contribute together with those who have the intention, but the cooperation should not be mistaken. We are not cooperating in the form of money, but in effort," he revealed.

4. Allegedly, the Animation Assets Were Not Created by Them

MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL (Credit: Youtube/Historika Film)

Not stopping there, this film is also colored by allegations of using animation assets that were purchased at a low price. Several observers claim to have found visual assets that resemble international templates. This speculation further heats up discussions in the online world, especially when compared to public expectations for the independence commemoration film.

Despite receiving criticism, the production team continues to carry out massive promotions. From monitoring Toto Soegriwo's Facebook account, a series of activities such as talk shows, media visits, and a gala premiere have been held before the release.

5. Short Production Process

MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL (Credit: Youtube/Historika Film)

What astonished the public was the production process, which was remarkably short, starting in June 2025 and officially airing on August 14, 2025. In the animation industry, work usually takes years to maintain visual quality and storyline.

Not only that, MERAH PUTIH ONE FOR ALL also easily secured a screening schedule on August 14, 2025. Meanwhile, other local films have to wait a long time to get a screening schedule.

6. Criticism from Hanung Bramantyo

RED WHITE ONE FOR ALL (Credit: Youtube/Historika Film)

A wave of criticism came pouring in from professionals, including renowned director Hanung Bramantyo. Through social media, Hanung stated that the budget of Rp6.7 billion, especially after a 13% tax cut, would not be able to produce an animated film of decent quality for the big screen.

According to him, a competitive animated film requires a minimum budget of Rp 30–40 billion excluding promotional costs, and a production time of four to five years. Hanung even wrote firmly, “A budget of 7M for an animated film, after a 13% tax cut is around 6M, even if not corrupted, the result will still be BAD!!!”

7. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Speaks Out

RED WHITE ONE FOR ALL (Credit: Youtube/Historika Film)

In the midst of the pro and contra, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar clarified the developing issue. She stated, “We are only providing technical input. There is no funding, no promotion from the government. Everything is purely from the producers.”

This statement also emphasizes that the RED WHITE ONE FOR ALL project is entirely an independent initiative. Ultimately, RED WHITE ONE FOR ALL continues to screen in theaters across the country as one of the animated films themed around nationalism during the month of independence.

However, its footprint in the Indonesian entertainment world leaves an important note: that in the era of information openness, the public is increasingly critical in assessing production transparency, work quality, and the proportionality of costs to the results presented on the big screen.

(kpl/tdr)