Alongside dangdut, Indonesian pop music thrives. Bands like Sheila on 7 , Peterpan (now Noah ), and Dewa 19 shaped the rock-pop sound of the 2000s. Today, soloists such as Raisa (Indonesia’s "Queen of Pop"), Isyana Sarasvati , and Tulus bring sophisticated vocal jazz and pop into the mainstream. The rise of Indonesian indie music—bands like Hindia , .Feast , and Lomba Sihir —has also gained a loyal following, with lyrics that are poetic, politically conscious, and deeply relatable.
The Indonesian film industry, known as , has seen remarkable growth, producing films that resonate with both local and international audiences. Movies like "The Raid: Redemption" and "Laskar Pelangi" showcase the industry's ability to produce high-quality, engaging content that explores themes of action, drama, and social issues. Indonesian television series, or "sinetron," are also highly popular, often airing on local networks and streaming platforms, and frequently addressing social and cultural topics relevant to the Indonesian audience.
's entertainment and popular culture in 2025–2026 is characterized by a surge in "local pride," driven by record-breaking cinema admissions, viral social media trends, and a music scene that increasingly exports domestic talent abroad.
The Indonesian music scene is a vibrant landscape where traditional rhythms meet international genres. : Artists like ,
Badminton is the only sport in which Indonesia has consistently won Olympic gold medals. Players like Ricky Subagja, Rexy Mainaky, and recent champions like Gregoria Mariska Tunjung or Apriyani Rahayu are treated like rock stars. Major tournaments like the shut down the country as people gather around screens to watch.