Jakarta, June 24, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, received representatives of Mahakarya Studio to discuss the development of Astral Bond, an Indonesian culture-based intellectual property (IP) that has been introduced through a webtoon series and is currently being developed into a mobile game. The Deputy Minister noted that Astral Bond has significant potential to grow into a strong local IP.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar receives representatives of Mahakarya Studio to discuss the development of Astral Bond at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Wednesday (June 24, 2026).
Astral Bond is an IP brand inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. The project currently exists as a webtoon series, while a role-playing game (RPG) for mobile platforms is being prepared as its flagship product. Through its characters and storytelling, the project aims to present Indonesian culture in a format that resonates with younger generations and the digital market.
According to Irene Umar, the diversity of characters featured in Astral Bond is a valuable asset in creating added value for a creative work. However, she emphasized that entering the gaming industry comes with its own challenges, ranging from community building and talent development to marketing strategies.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“The Astral Bond webtoon provides a strong foundation for adaptation. It can be adapted into films, games, and other formats. That is why collaboration with other sectors is important, so creators do not have to build everything on their own and can more effectively overcome challenges,” said Irene Umar during the meeting at the Ministry of Creative Economy’s office in Jakarta on Wednesday (June 24).
As part of its ecosystem development, Astral Bond has launched a webtoon series titled Astral Bond: Klub Warisan Nusantara (Astral Bond: Nusantara Heritage Club). Mahakarya Studio has also collaborated with the Ministry of Creative Economy and the Voice Institute Indonesia (VII) to identify and develop voice acting talent for the upcoming game.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Rachmat Lianda, CEO and Creative Director of Mahakarya Studio, explained that Astral Bond is designed as a cross-platform IP. The decision to focus on a mobile game was made because it offers the broadest reach to the public. He believes Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, visual identity, and storytelling traditions provide a strong foundation for globally competitive creative products.
“We see games as a form of entertainment with social impact. By bringing this project to mobile platforms, we can reach more people. We want to become leaders in our own market because Indonesia offers immense opportunities through its culture, visuals, and creative resources,” said Rachmat.
The meeting was also attended by Putri Amanda, Lead Writer of Astral Bond, and Fajrin Rasyid, Business Advisor. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Doni Setiawan, Director of Film, Animation, and Video.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
