Feature: Broadwayworld Indonesia Writers' Top Picks 2025

Lists by Nabila 'Hana' Hananti, Rakaputra Paputungan, and Zahira. Editing by Rakaputra Paputungan.

Happy new year from the Broadwayworld Indonesia team!

2025 was another year full of theatrical performances, and our writers are back with their Top 3 list – and additional “Just for Fun” Awards!

Thank you to everyone who kept the theatre going this year – from showrunners, cast members, to the theatregoers and beyond.

Top Three Lists

Hana’s Top Three

#3 - Kapan Nikah (Salihara Ver.) by Jaksical

A simple but incredibly touching play delivered with a strong execution. Made very good use of the blackbox venue, creating an interesting spectacle with its artistic choices.

* Hana was involved in the show as a crew member

#2 - Musikal Tuli Jemari by Fantasi Tuli

A quiet, honest, and thoughtful show; meticulously crafted by its two directors. Incredibly quiet; had a sense of emptiness that feels deliberate. Lastly: incredibly heartfelt.

#1 - Ritus Negeri Celeng by Dimar Dance Theatre

Incredible showmanship. Surreal. Captured me for its entire runtime. A strange but spectacular show.

***

Raka’s Top Three

#3 - Kapan Nikah by Jaksical (FMI Ver.)

A beautifully poignant work that took the right lessons from its previous runs. The emotions are deeper and more nuanced. By focusing on the main couple’s story, it makes the story’s  themes hit even harder.

#2 - Kaneko Mama & The Jolly Folks by Shindora

A show that is joyful and full of warmth. Its strong and unique direction make it stand out from other theatrical offerings this year. Even with a substantially big cast, the characters are memorable and full of character.

#1 - Musikal Tuli Jemari by Fantasi Tuli

An astonishingly well-crafted work. The show utilizes quiet moments effectively, creating moments of reflection and human connection. The complex and multidimensional characters make us think about the deaf community’s struggles without being heavy-handed.

***

Zahira’s Top Three

#3 - Lutung Kasarung by EKI Dance Company

The most joyful and personal comedy experience; every joke lands effortlessly, feeling sharp and fresh, and delivers nonstop laughter unlike any other show I’ve ever watched.

#2 - Bunga Penutup Abad by Titimangsa

Titimangsa’s actors are profoundly compelling and deeply realistic; what first feels slow grows into a haunting experience that lingers in the mind long after the curtain falls.

#1 - Mar by ArtSwara 

A breathtaking musical in every sense. Powerful music, stunning visuals, and exceptional performances. Song choices fit the story incredibly well. Ismail Marzuki’s works are reimagined with soul, clarity, and remarkable emotional impact. 

***

Honorable Mentions

Hana’s Honorable Mentions

• Mar by ArtSwara: Gorgeous instrumentation brought by an equally beautiful directing. It certainly left an impression!
• Mati Berdiri by Sena Didi Mime: Unique, occasionally disturbing, but wholly fun. I have no idea what I was watching but I enjoyed every second of it.
• Lika Liku Belakang Panggung by Pranalika Production: Simply relatable. 

Raka’s Honorable Mentions

• Lika Liku Belakang Panggung by Pranalika Production: A show full of creativity and care. It utilizes the short runtime and small space quite effectively.
• Yakuza by Indonesian Musical Company: Packed with action and loving tribute to the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series. Very fun.
• Dreamgirls by Glitz Production: Gorgeous lighting and costume design, strong vocal performances, and an interesting new venue. 

* Raka was involved in the show as a crew member

***

"Just For Fun" Awards

Hana’s “Just For Fun” Awards

• Most Punchable Character: Ravi Pestrani as Darma (Lika Liku Belakang Panggung, Pranalika Production)
• Most Angelic Character: Aisya Fadhila as Bawang Putih (Bawang Merah & Bawang Putih, Adpro)
• Most Chokable Character : Reza Rahadian as Minke (Bunga Penutup Abad, Titimangsa)
   

Raka’s "Just For Fun" Awards

• Catchiest New Song: Almost Idol from Lika Liku Belakang Panggung
• Most Promising New Venue: Glitz Inclusive
• “The Wild Party” Award for Works Based on the Same Source: Lutung Kasarung (EKI Dance Company) and Global Sevilla’s Lutung Kasarung (Global Sevilla Pulomas)
   

Zahira’s "Just For Fun" Awards

• Best Energy: Censtacom's Sister Act (close call: Dreamgirls)
• Best Vocal Direction: Glitz Production's Dreamgirls
• Best Stage Blocking: Kelas Titimangsa's Pemberontak 
• Best Lighting: IMC's Dracula  
• Best Property: Teater Katak's The Maestro Chocolate Dream