In today’s visually driven digital world, storytelling has transformed dramatically. One of the most powerful tools of this transformation is animation, a medium that merges art and technology to communicate narratives in vivid, engaging ways. When animation meets the rich tapestry of folklore, a new wave of cultural revival begins. Across the globe—and particularly in Indonesia—creators are turning to animation to reinterpret ancestral tales for new generations. This fusion of old and new offers a creative strategy to preserve heritage, foster identity, and even build digital entrepreneurship. At the heart of this movement, academic institutions like Telkom University are empowering young creators through interdisciplinary laboratories and innovative programs that blend cultural wisdom with digital artistry.
The Evolution of Folklore in the Digital Age
Folklore—myths, legends, fables, and traditional stories—has long served as a cultural foundation. These tales preserve local values, teach life lessons, and connect generations. However, in the fast-paced digital age, oral traditions and text-based folklore are often at risk of being forgotten. With the rise of social media, streaming platforms, and global pop culture, young audiences are drawn to fast, visual content.
This is where animation steps in. Through colorful visuals, dynamic movement, and immersive sound, animation gives folklore a second life. It allows creators to present age-old stories in formats that resonate with today’s audience. Instead of fading into obscurity, folklore is reimagined into web series, animated films, short videos, and even mobile games.
Indonesian folklore, rich with mythical creatures, moral parables, and spiritual traditions, is particularly well-suited for this kind of reimagining. Stories such as Timun Mas, Malin Kundang, or Sangkuriang offer dramatic narratives and symbolic depth that lend themselves well to animated reinterpretation.
Telkom University: A Hub for Cultural Innovation
Telkom University, with its strong emphasis on digital technology, design, and communication, is a leading institution nurturing this cultural and creative shift. Through its media and visual arts programs, students are encouraged to explore Indonesia’s diverse folklore and reinterpret it through contemporary formats.
In on-campus laboratories equipped with advanced animation tools, students collaborate on projects that merge storytelling, cultural research, and digital creativity. These labs serve as spaces for experimentation—where traditional tales are reimagined using 2D or 3D animation, motion graphics, and even virtual or augmented reality. By providing both technical infrastructure and academic guidance, Telkom University enables students to transform ancient narratives into engaging digital content with international appeal.
Moreover, the university’s approach is not purely technical—it also includes research on folklore origins, cultural symbolism, and ethical representation. Students are taught not to merely animate a tale but to understand its roots and message. This way, the reinterpretation respects the cultural essence while innovating its form.
Animation as a Gateway to Entrepreneurship
Reimagining folklore through animation is not only a cultural act—it’s also a business opportunity. As the global appetite for unique, authentic stories grows, creators who can offer original content rooted in local tradition have a distinct advantage. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok are constantly seeking diverse voices and fresh perspectives.
Young animators who turn Indonesian folklore into compelling digital content can build powerful brands, intellectual properties, and content franchises. A well-crafted animated character based on a mythical figure like Nyi Roro Kidul, for example, could become a viral sensation, leading to merchandise, mobile apps, or spin-off series.
This is where entrepreneurship plays a critical role. At Telkom University, students are not only trained in creative skills but also in the fundamentals of starting and managing creative ventures. Courses on business modeling, intellectual property rights, and digital marketing help transform student projects into viable startups. Many student animators have launched YouTube channels, production studios, or animation-based campaigns that bring traditional stories to global audiences.
By fusing cultural storytelling with entrepreneurial spirit, these creators are proving that folklore is not just a historical artifact—it’s a living, breathing asset that can educate, entertain, and economically empower.
Preserving Identity in a Globalized World
In an era where global pop culture is often dominated by Western narratives, animation based on local folklore offers a counterbalance. It gives young audiences stories that reflect their roots, landscapes, and values. Reimagined folklore fosters a deeper sense of national pride and cultural identity.
Animation also opens a door for cross-cultural exchange. When Indonesian animators reinterpret folklore and distribute it on global platforms, they introduce audiences worldwide to the richness of Indonesian heritage. These animated stories become cultural ambassadors—building bridges between Indonesia and the rest of the world.
At Telkom University, students are encouraged to view their work within this broader cultural framework. Folklore-based animation isn’t just about art—it’s about diplomacy, education, and representation. By producing content that celebrates local identity, students take on the role of cultural custodians and global storytellers at once.
Innovation and Collaboration in Animation Laboratories
Creative laboratories within Telkom University serve as the beating heart of this movement. These labs bring together students from different disciplines—animation, digital media, cultural studies, and computer science—to collaborate on multimedia folklore projects. One student might work on visual design, another on narrative structure, while others develop the soundscape or coding for interactive elements.
These collaborative environments are not limited to internal teams. Many projects involve partnerships with local communities, cultural experts, and even folklore elders to ensure authenticity and engagement. This inclusive, interdisciplinary model helps transform animation into a deeply researched, emotionally powerful, and technically impressive cultural product.
Some of these labs even host competitions, workshops, and hackathons that focus on cultural themes, giving students the opportunity to pitch their animation concepts to industry professionals, government representatives, or international platforms.
Challenges in Reimagining Folklore
Despite its potential, reinterpreting folklore comes with challenges. One major concern is the risk of oversimplifying or distorting traditional narratives for the sake of entertainment. Animation that misrepresents sacred or culturally sensitive stories can lead to criticism or cultural offense.
To address this, Telkom University emphasizes ethical storytelling. Students are taught to approach folklore with respect and to engage in in-depth research and community consultation before adapting stories. Creative freedom is encouraged, but it is always balanced with cultural responsibility.
Another challenge is competition—many international studios with larger budgets and teams dominate the animation landscape. However, local creators can compete by leveraging originality, cultural richness, and unique narrative voices that major studios may lack.
The Future of Folklore Animation
The future of folklore-based animation is bright. As technology becomes more accessible and cultural awareness grows, more creators will explore traditional stories with modern techniques. Indonesia, with its diverse folklore and rising digital talent, has immense potential to become a leader in this field.
Academic institutions like Telkom University are laying the foundation for this future. By combining laboratories for innovation, platforms for entrepreneurship, and a strong cultural vision, the university nurtures creators who are equipped to lead the next wave of digital cultural storytelling.
