National Film Day: 10 Indonesian Blockbusters That Dominated Early 2023

Today, Wednesday, March 30, 2023, is celebrated as National Film Day. This designation originates from the filming of the movie *Darah dan Doa* in 1950, directed by Usmar Ismail.

This filming marked the first film production by Indonesians and an Indonesian company. The film also strongly reflects Indonesian characteristics. Subsequently, President B.J. Habibie officially established this special day through Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 25 of 1999 concerning National Film Day.

The Indonesian film industry has grown significantly and enjoys widespread popularity, participating in international events and achieving record-breaking viewership.

So, which films were most watched by Indonesian audiences at the beginning of 2023?

Based on data compiled by Film Indonesia, *Waktu Maghrib* was the most-watched film at the beginning of 2023, with 2.33 million viewers. This horror film is the feature film directorial debut of Sidharta Tata and was released on February 9, 2023.

Second is *Jalan yang Jauh Jangan Lupa Pulang*, watched by 863,000 people. This drama film, directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, was released on February 2, 2023. It is a sequel to *Nanti Kita Cerita tentang Hari Ini*, released in 2020.

Third is *Mangkujiwo 2*, which attracted 554,000 viewers. This horror film is also a sequel to *Mangkujiwo* from 2020. *Mangkujiwo 2* was directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis.

(See also: [This is the Number of Cinemas in Jakarta, Cinema 21 Has the Most](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2023/01/02/ini-jumlah-bioskop-di-jakarta-cinema-21-terbanyak))

From the attached data, the most-watched films were in the horror genre. It seems Indonesians have a strong preference for horror films. This is reminiscent of the film *[KKN di Desa Penari](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2022/05/10/ditonton-lebih-dari-3-juta-kkn-desa-penari-jadi-film-indonesia-terlaris-di-awal-2022)*, which became the first Indonesian film to surpass 10 million viewers. This film premiered on April 30, 2022.

Here are the top 10 feature films with the most viewers at the beginning of 2023, according to Film Indonesia:

* *Waktu Maghrib*: 2,330,006 viewers
* *Jalan yang Jauh Jangan Lupa Pulang*: 863,404 viewers
* *Mangkujiwo 2*: 554,553 viewers
* *Bayi Ajaib*: 434,228 viewers
* *Perjanjian Gaib*: 342,044 viewers
* *Hidayah*: 333,982 viewers
* *Bismillah Kunikahi Suamimu*: 273,231 viewers
* *Pesugihan Bersekutu Iblis*: 248,012 viewers
* *Para Betina Pengikut Iblis*: 214,585 viewers
* *Iblis dalam Darah*: 201,016 viewers

(See also: [Top 10 Korean Dramas with the Highest Ratings at the Beginning of 2023](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2023/02/14/10-drama-korea-dengan-rating-tertinggi-awal-2023))