The “Upin and Ipin” series produced by Les’ Copaque Production has been acknowledged as one of the most successful animation series in the country with immense popularity locally and abroad. The animated series has achieved many successes and it was further enhanced when “Upin and Ipin” received a very welcoming response in neighbouring country Indonesia, that it became a phenomenon there. The series is well loved and received by the children in Malaysia and Indonesia as the animated characters are easily lovable and enjoyed by the young viewers.
A YouTube channel in Indonesia has recently labelled the Malaysian popular animated series as positive propaganda from the country. In the interview video uploaded in Deddy Corbuzier’s YouTube Podcast channel, the Chairman of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission or KPI Agung Suprio has said that “Upin and Ipin” are a form of Malaysian propaganda to the outside world. Agung stated that the animation are symbols of Malaysian culture and image which is not only multi-racial but also friendly and religious.
“”Upin and Ipin” can be called propaganda, positive propaganda. Upin and Ipin can introduce Malaysia to the outside world which is multicultural, polite, friendly and religious,” he said in the interview. He remarked Malaysia has utilised “Upin and Ipin” to introduce Malaysian heritage abroad.
Suara news outlet quoted Agung who was alleged to have said that the animation is subsidised by the Malaysian government, hence it indirectly becomes a product to promote Malaysia’s image to the outside world. “So, yes, ultimately, it is a propaganda,” he said.
In his discussion with Deddy Corbuzier, Agung Suprio revealed why the Indonesian TV stations rarely broadcast their locally made cartoons. The reason he noted is due to the large production costs to make animated shows in the country.
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“If we produce Indonesian cartoons, it is very expensive. Although we also have amazing animators here in Indonesia,” said Agung. He also remarked that because the production cost is expensive, their local TV stations instead purchase cartoons from abroad, including “Upin and Ipin”.
The statement from KPI chairman Agung Suprio has been the talk of our local public and ultimately reached Les’ Copaque Production. Les’ Copaque through their official Upin and Ipin official Facebook account responded to Agung’s statement saying that the production also emphasised on the moral values portrayed in the show and insisted that there is no propaganda intended.
“It is undeniable that “Upin and Ipin” is very popular among children in Malaysia and a few countries in the region. However, at the end of the day, it is a show that carries so many moral values as well as life lessons,” the Facebook caption wrote. The post added, “It is not really a propaganda. It is just a great show with great intentions.”
For those interested, you can watch the full interview of Deddy Corbuzier’s YouTube Podcast with Agung Suprio here:
Sources: Upin & Ipin Official Facebook, Suara.com, Kosmo!, Deddy Corbuzier’s YouTube
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