The Quality of Animation 'MERAH PUTIH: ONE FOR ALL' Criticized, Director Endiarto: We Designed It to Be Simple

Kapanlagi.com - Since its trailer was released, the animated film MERAH PUTIH: ONE FOR ALL has received a variety of reactions from netizens, including criticism regarding its visual quality, which is considered below standard. In response to this, director Endiarto spoke up and provided an explanation regarding the artistic choices behind his film.

Endiarto did not deny that the quality of his film may not compare to top-tier animated films. However, he emphasized that the simple visual appearance was a deliberate choice from the beginning.

"I know, there are many voices out there saying, 'The quality is bad, it's not worth it.' I want to emphasize, we talked earlier, we chose this film with the segment that we determined," said Endiarto when met in the Kuningan area on Monday (11/8/2025).

According to him, the story, visuals, and audio were intentionally made simple to be easily digestible by their main target audience, which is children. This choice also aligns with the capacity and abilities of the production team that works independently.

"The story is simple, the audio-visuals are also simple, so it can be digested. Because also, this is our animation leveling segment. This is determined by our capabilities," explained Endiarto.

He is aware that producing higher quality animation requires much greater costs and time, something they do not have. Instead of leaving the moment of August 17 empty without new entertainment, they decided to keep fighting with the resources they have.

"If this has to be made high quality, of course the cost will be bigger, but there is none. But can we just leave it empty? So we struggle. Therefore, we make it at a simple level," he explained.

1. Not Disappointed

Endiarto also emphasized that there is no standard benchmark for a film, as success often depends on audience enthusiasm. He does not feel disappointed by the criticism that has come because he has been aware of the existing limitations from the start.

"Regardless of standardization, there is no standardization for films. The parameters for a film's success and effectiveness are difficult. Success and effectiveness depend on audience enthusiasm. Disappointed? Not really, because we knew from the beginning. We knew. Unless we are a big corporation then we produce something like this, that would be different," he explained.

2. The Real Contribution of Film Workers to the Nation

Despite many pros and cons, Endiarto remains steadfast in the essence and contribution they wish to provide. For him, this work is a real manifestation of the contributions of creative film workers to the nation.

"What matters is the essence. Even though there are many pros and cons, we will continue. Because this is our contribution. This is our contribution, as creative film workers," he asserted.

He takes the example of a story premise deliberately raised from village life. This was chosen because it is considered to represent the identity of the majority of Indonesian society and is relevant to the celebration of independence in the villages.

"That's why we came up with that idea with a narrative and identity of life in the village, which is the identity of the majority in Indonesia. In those villages. That's why we took the premise about the 17th independence celebration in the village," he concluded.

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(kpl/far/ums)