Despite the growth of modern entertainment, traditional forms of entertainment like (shadow puppetry) and gamelan (traditional music) continue to thrive in Indonesia. These art forms are an integral part of Indonesian culture and are often performed during traditional ceremonies and celebrations.

Indonesian traditional arts and cultural heritage have played a significant role in shaping the country's entertainment scene. Traditional music, such as gamelan, and dance, like ballet and wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), have been an integral part of Indonesian culture for centuries. These art forms have been passed down through generations, with many still performed and appreciated today. The traditional Indonesian martial art, Pencak Silat, is also a popular form of entertainment, with its dynamic movements and acrobatic techniques.

Anwar, dubbed the "Master of Horror," single-handedly rebooted the industry with Satan’s Slaves (2017) and Impetigore (2019). Indonesian horror is unique because the monster is rarely a generic ghost. The horror is social: the sins of the parents falling on the children, the resentment of a village community, or the haunting guilt of breaking adat (traditional law).

Today, the industry is split between gripping horror films—rooted in deep local folklore and superstitions—and "teenlit" romances. The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and local giants like Vidio has revolutionized production. Content creators are no longer bound by the strict censorship of theatrical releases, allowing for darker, more mature themes in series like the critically acclaimed KIKI or the Western-inspired Big Mouth .

A single "meme" or catchy song (like Lathi by Weird Genius) can go from a local village to a global challenge in days.