Indonesia’s folklore, ethnic diversity, and cultural traditions are being viewed as valuable assets for webtoon creators seeking international audiences. Korean industry figures believe the strongest advantage may lie in stories that make readers feel connected to local characters and settings.
The opportunity was highlighted at Indonesia K-Culture Youth Global Frontier: Webtoon Road in Indonesia, held in Jakarta on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The program brought together Indonesian and South Korean creators through training, exhibitions, and cultural introduction activities.
Local stories beyond visual appeal
Park Se Hyun, chairman of the Korean Webtoon Critics and Association, said illustration is not the only factor behind a successful webtoon. He emphasized the importance of stories that create a sense of closeness between readers, characters, and the culture being portrayed.
Park said Indonesia has an exceptional diversity of material that can be developed into stories for readers in different countries. Its local narratives can provide a distinct creative identity rather than simply following established formulas from other markets.
Indonesia’s horror genre also drew attention from Lee Chul Ho, editor of E-Jong News. He said local horror has a distinctive character because it is supported by numerous folktales and legends that can be adapted for webtoon formats.
| Party | Role | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| SMB Holdings | Digital ecosystem developer | International payment platform for content industries |
| Park Se Hyun | Chairman of the Korean Webtoon Critics and Association | Local stories and reader connection |
| Lee Chul Ho | Editor of E-Jong News | Market potential and Indonesian horror |
A market built for mobile reading
Lee Buyong, president director of SMB HUB Prospera, described the transition from printed comics to mobile phones as a major opening for the creative generation. The widespread habit of reading stories on smartphones points to promising prospects for the Indonesian Webtoon industry.
Park said the webtoon industry expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people turned to digital devices for entertainment. He also said that 700 Korean creators are active in exchanges with creators from various countries.
Building a webtoon for a broad market requires more than a compelling premise. Park said investment for one webtoon title can reach 500 million won, making story development an important stage before production and distribution.
Digital payments and content ecosystems
SMB Holdings is developing an international digital payment platform to support the growth of content industries in several countries, including Indonesia. The system is expected to connect creators, platforms, and consumers across markets.
SMB Holdings director Park Gun Yong said national strength is no longer based only on technology or manufacturing. He argued that content must connect with other industries in order to create greater economic value.
The company is also running social programs for orphans and developing a stevia-based industry as part of its sustainability commitment. It sees digital ecosystem development in Indonesia and South Korea as a stepping stone for the creative industries of both countries.
Cultural research as creative preparation
Suara.com reported that Korean creators spent eight days visiting several areas of Indonesia to better understand everyday life in the country. Their visits included villages, museums, and mosques, which were intended to provide material for future stories.
The exchange was not limited to drawing techniques, as collaborative exhibitions were also positioned as an early step toward internationally competitive webtoons. Tessa Yadawaputri, CEO of Kisai, said learning from Korean professionals was an important experience for students and young creators.
South Korea is regarded as one of the global standards for the industry, but the collaboration places Indonesian creators as owners of stories with international potential. The combination of local narratives, digital platforms, and global payment systems could widen the path for Indonesian Creators to reach readers abroad.
