MD Entertainment Expands Global Reach, Emphasizes IP and Microdramas at APOS Conference

MD Entertainment, Indonesia’s largest film production house, announced a new strategy to broaden its international presence during the “Indonesia At Scale” session of the APOS conference on 18 June 2026. Founder and CEO Manoj Punjabi told attendees that the studio is shifting focus from a domestic‑only model to a global one that includes cross‑border intellectual‑property (IP) development, microdrama production and new distribution partnerships.

Punjabi said that while MD remains best known for its domestic film and television output, international distribution has become an increasingly important part of the company’s strategy. He highlighted the studio’s recent successes, including the 2022 horror film KKN di Desa Penari, which became the highest‑grossing Indonesian film of all time and helped secure international co‑production deals. The studio’s track record of producing several of Indonesia’s top‑grossing titles has positioned it as a key player in the country’s growing creative economy.

The CEO outlined three main pillars for MD’s global push. First, the studio will pursue IP development that can be adapted for a variety of markets, from feature films to streaming series. Second, MD plans to expand its microdrama output – short, vertical‑format series that can be distributed on mobile platforms – to tap the rising demand for bite‑sized content worldwide. Third, the company will seek new distribution agreements with international platforms and theatrical distributors to ensure its content reaches audiences beyond Indonesia.

MD Entertainment was founded in 2002 in Jakarta and has since become a publicly traded company on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The studio’s portfolio spans film, television, animation and web content. In addition to KKN di Desa Penari, MD has produced seven of Indonesia’s top‑20 highest‑grossing films and a number of popular soap operas and music projects. The company’s dual role as creator and distributor has allowed it to maintain agility while scaling its operations.

The APOS conference, which focuses on Southeast Asian media and entertainment, provided a platform for MD to showcase its ambitions. The “Indonesia At Scale” session, attended by industry executives, highlighted Indonesia’s growing influence in global media. MD’s presentation was part of a broader trend of Indonesian studios seeking to leverage the country’s tax incentives and production infrastructure to attract foreign investment.

While Punjabi did not disclose specific partnership agreements, he indicated that MD is in active discussions with several international streaming services and film distributors. The studio’s emphasis on microdramas aligns with the global popularity of short‑form content, and its IP strategy positions it to create franchises that can be adapted across different formats and languages.

MD Entertainment’s expansion plans come at a time when Jakarta has announced tax rebates and production incentives aimed at making the city a Southeast Asian film hub. The city’s partnership with Netflix and other platforms has already increased the visibility of Indonesian content abroad.

As of now, MD Entertainment has not announced any finalized deals, but the company’s strategy signals a clear intent to move beyond domestic markets. The studio’s next steps will likely involve securing distribution agreements and finalizing co‑production partnerships that can bring its IP and microdrama projects to international audiences.

In summary, MD Entertainment is positioning itself as a global content creator by focusing on IP development, microdrama expansion and international distribution. The company’s recent successes and strategic direction suggest that it will continue to play a significant role in bringing Indonesian stories to a worldwide audience.