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Bringing Local Identity to the Global Stage: Stories from the Cast and Creators of Abadi Nan Jaya

Netflix held a press conference and gala premiere for Abadi Nan Jaya with the film’s cast and creators in Jakarta on October 22, 2025. The latest Netflix Indonesia original film, directed by Kimo Stamboel, will premiere globally on October 23, 2025.

Starring Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Donny Damara, Dimas Anggara, Marthino Lio, Ardit Erwandha, Claresta Taufan, Varen Arianda Calief, and Kiki Narendra, Abadi Nan Jaya is set in a remote village near Yogyakarta, home to a family that runs a famous herbal medicine (jamu) business. The patriarch’s obsession with maintaining his power—and his desire to stay eternally youthful—unleashes both familial conflict and an unexpected zombie outbreak. The screenplay was written by director Kimo Stamboel alongside Agasyah Karim and Khalid Kashogi, with Edwin Nazir serving as producer.

photo by NETFLIX

During the press conference, Kimo shared his vision for the story, which began with the idea of exploring family dynamics while staying rooted in Indonesian culture.“From the start, we wanted this film to feel deeply Indonesian,” he said. “Because it’s being released on a global platform, I wanted to highlight elements rarely seen before and introduce aspects of our local culture to the world. For example, the virus spreads through jamu, the story takes place in a rural area, there’s a circumcision celebration, dangdut music, the call to prayer, fireworks—all these small but authentic local details. I hope audiences will see it as something unique and engaging.”

Boby Ari Setiawan, who served as the movement choreographer, explained that he spent six months researching and developing the various zombie movements to fit Kimo Stamboel’s vision.“From that research, I translated ideas and techniques to hundreds of zombie performers, each with their own distinct movement style. My job was to make sure they remained consistent, since every bite—whether on the hand, neck, or leg—affects body gestures differently,” Boby said.

“There were also specific vocal and body vibration techniques that each performer had to master through rigorous training.”

The cast members shared their experiences through the reading sessions, workshops, and filming process.“Thank you to Mas Kimo and Netflix for providing a safe shooting environment,” said Mikha Tambayong. “Despite all the challenges, the team was incredibly solid—every department did their part wonderfully. Since the shoot followed the story’s chronology, it was easier to experience the emotional journey naturally—from a whole yet dysfunctional family, to encountering zombies, and finally reaching the desperate survival phase.”

As one of the actors who transforms into a zombie, Donny Damara shared that the process was far from easy.“We worked hard to master the proper movements through an exhausting workshop process. We gave it our sweat and full spirit—I truly hope it shows in the result,” he said.

Eva Celia added that Kimo Stamboel had warned the cast from the very beginning that the project would be physically, emotionally, and psychologically demanding.“Netflix gave us the luxury of time—about six months of workshops and filming. I also want to express my deep appreciation to the zombie performers who had to run under the scorching sun while wearing prosthetics. This film wouldn’t have been possible without them,” she said.

As one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year, Abadi Nan Jaya plunges viewers into nonstop tension, blending rich local cultural elements—such as jamu, uniquely Indonesian zombies, and relatable family dynamics.

Don’t miss Abadi Nan Jaya, premiering globally on October 23, 2025—only on Netflix.

About Abadi Nan Jaya

  • Production Service Company: Mowin Pictures

  • Director: Kimo Stamboel

  • Producer: Edwin Nazir

  • Screenwriters: Kimo Stamboel, Agasyah Karim, Khalid Kashogi

  • Cast: Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Donny Damara, Dimas Anggara, Marthino Lio, Kiki Narendra, Varen Arianda Calief

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