Overall Verdict: Surprisingly Charismatic and Locally Endearing
While most modern audiences prefer the original English voices (especially for Steve Carell’s Gru), the Indonesian dubbing of the first Despicable Me film holds a special nostalgic charm. It successfully translates the film’s humor without losing the sarcastic, deadpan tone of the original.
Voice Casting & Performance (⭐ 4/5)
The biggest challenge was replacing Steve Carell’s iconic Gru (with his quasi–Eastern European/Russian accent). The Indonesian voice actor chose not to mimic the accent directly but instead used a deep, gravelly, slightly melodramatic tone reminiscent of classic Indonesian villain actors. Surprisingly, this works. The "despicable" arrogance feels authentic.
The Minions are the star of the show here. Indonesian dubbing famously leaves the Minions’ gibberish mostly untouched (because it's universal), but the voice actors add a layer of kekonyolan (silliness) with slightly higher-pitched Indonesian interjections like “Awas!” (Watch out!), “Cepat!” (Quick!), and “Sialan!” (Darn it!). This makes them feel more relatable to local kids.
Translation & Localization (⭐ 3.5/5)
The script avoids stiff, literal translations. Instead of saying “Saya akan mencuri bulan” (too formal), Gru says “Gue bakal nyuri bulan” (casual/slang). This fits his arrogant character.
However, some Western pop-culture jokes are lost. For example, the "Bank of Evil" (formerly Lehman Brothers) joke doesn't land as hard because the 2008 financial crisis reference is less known to Indonesian children. The dub replaces it with a generic "bank jahat" (evil bank) joke.
The emotional scenes (the dance recital, Gru reading the bedtime story) are dubbed with genuine tenderness. The voice actress for Margo, Edith, and Agnes sounds age-appropriate—not too mature, which is a common flaw in other dubs.
Weaknesses (The "TV Dub" Effect)
Final Verdict
✅ Watch this if: You have kids who don’t read English subtitles fast enough, or you want a cozy, nostalgic watch. ❌ Skip if: You are a purist who needs Steve Carell’s unique accent or the original one-liners.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) — for Indonesian local viewers.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) — for international fans comparing to original.
Where to find it: It occasionally airs on RCTI or MNCTV. The official Indonesian-dubbed DVD is rare but exists. Most streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar Indonesia) only offer the English version with subtitles.
The Indonesian dubbing of Despicable Me is particularly fascinating because it bridges a world-famous franchise with deep Indonesian roots. Here are the most interesting facts about the Indonesian version: 1. The Indonesian Connection Behind the Scenes
The biggest "hidden" fact is that the director of the original film and the primary voice of the Minions, Pierre Coffin, is of Indonesian descent. His mother is the famous Indonesian novelist Nh. Dini. This connection is even reflected in the Minions' language ("Minionese"), which includes borrowed Indonesian words like "terima kasih" (thank you) and "kemari" (come here). 2. Multiple Dubbed Versions
Unlike many films that have just one dub, Despicable Me has several distinct Indonesian versions produced for different networks:
RCTI/GTV Version: A popular version that has aired frequently on terrestrial TV. Disney Channel Version: Recorded at Eltra Studio. HBO (Asia) Version: Recorded at MCPro Studio.
VTV/ANTV Version: A newer version recorded at KAN Production that aired as recently as April 2025. 3. Iconic Indonesian Voice Cast
The various versions feature some of Indonesia's most experienced voice actors. Depending on the version you watch, the cast includes: Indonesian Voice Actor (Sample Cast) Gru Muhamad Nur Elias Siswanto Rujani Pahlusi Vector Kamal Nasuti Jumali Jindra Irfan Setiawan Margo Lis Kurniasih Mirna Haryati Jessy Millianty Agnes Maria Cicillia Jessy Millianty Siti Balqis Dr. Nefario Arya Samaji despicable me 1 dubbing indonesia
While the first movie used professional voice actors, later spinoffs like Minions featured celebrity "star dubbing" with names like Kevin Julio , Jessica Mila , and Joe Taslim . 4. Recent Local Releases
Despicable Me 1 has become a beloved classic in Indonesia, largely thanks to its high-quality Indonesian dubbing that brings the characters to life for local audiences. While the original English version features iconic voices like Steve Carell, the Indonesian version has seen several adaptations across various platforms like RCTI, GTV, HBO, and Disney Channel. Indonesian Dubbing Cast Overview
The Indonesian dubbing for Despicable Me has involved several talented voice actors (seiyu) across different broadcast versions. Here are the primary cast members for the major versions: RCTI & GTV Version
This version is often the most familiar to Indonesian television viewers: Gru: Rujani Pahlusi Vector: Jumali Jindra Margo: Jessy Millianty Edith: Merry Siti Mariam Agnes: Siti Balqis HBO Version
The HBO version features a slightly different lineup, often noted for its professional studio quality: Gru: Elias Siswanto Vector: Jumali Jindra Margo: Lis Kurniasih Edith: Sani Oktania Agnes: Maria Cicillia Dr. Nefario: Arya Samaji The Indonesian Connection: Pierre Coffin
One of the most fascinating aspects of Despicable Me for Indonesian fans is its co-director, Pierre Coffin. Coffin is the son of famous Indonesian novelist Nh. Dini and French diplomat Yves Coffin. This heritage influenced the film significantly:
Minion Language: Coffin, who also voices the Minions, incorporated several Indonesian words into the "Minionese" dialect.
Indonesian Words: You can hear the Minions say terms like "terima kasih" (thank you), "kemari" (come here), and even food references like "nasi goreng" and "soto ayam". Dubbing Studios and Channels
The process of localising Despicable Me for Indonesia involved multiple studios and channels: The Dubbing Database Category:Studio Dubbing RCTI
The Indonesian dubbing of Despicable Me (2010) serves as a significant example of how global animated media is localized for Indonesian audiences through various television networks and translation strategies. Evolution and Accessibility Multiple Dub Versions
: The film has been localized multiple times for different Indonesian platforms, including versions for Disney Channel Indonesia Localization Studios : These dubs are often produced by local studios like Eltra Studio (Disney Channel) and KAN Production The Dubbing Database Linguistic Challenges in Translation Equivalence and Naturalness
: Academic studies on the film's localization highlight the use of dynamic equivalence
—a translation technique that prioritizes the "sense" and natural feel of the target language over a word-for-word literal translation. Slang and Informality
: The Indonesian localization frequently involves adapting slang to maintain the movie's informal and intimate tone. For example, research into Indonesian subtitles and dubbing for the film identified dozens of slang terms adapted to reflect colloquial Indonesian speech. Wordplay Adaptation
: Translating the film's wordplay (e.g., puns or character-specific jokes) is noted as one of the most difficult aspects of Indonesian dubbing, requiring creative shifts to ensure the humor resonates with local viewers. Repository UNRAM Cultural Impact
The Indonesian dubbing allows the film's central themes—such as Gru’s transformation from a supervillain to a father figure—to reach children across Indonesia without the barrier of language. This accessibility is a cornerstone of the Despicable Me franchise’s massive popularity in the region. voice actors who provided the Indonesian voices for Gru or the Minions?
Despicable Me 1 holds a special place for Indonesian fans, not just for its story, but for the unique ways Indonesian culture and talent are woven into it.
Here are a few post ideas that range from nostalgic to "did you know" facts that would make for an engaging post: Option 1: The "Nostalgia" Post
Headline: Siapa Pengisi Suara Gru Favoritmu? 🎙️Did you know that Despicable Me has multiple Indonesian dub versions? The RCTI/GTV Version: Most of us grew up with Elias Siswanto Review: Despicable Me 1 (Dubbing Indonesia) Overall Verdict:
as the voice of Gru. His deep, iconic voice perfectly captured Gru’s grumpy-but-lovable vibe.
The Disney Channel Version: In this version, Gru was voiced by Muhamad Nur .
The Celebrity Edition (DM2): While DM1 primarily featured professional dubbers, Despicable Me 2 brought in stars like Daniel Mananta as Gru and Nycta Gina as Agnes for the HBO version.
Engagement Question: "Kalian lebih suka versi pengisi suara profesional atau versi artis nih? Tulis di kolom komentar ya!" Option 2: The "Proud Indonesian" Post
Headline: Ada Darah Indonesia di Balik Suara Minion! 🇮🇩🍌If you ever thought you heard the Minions say "Terima Kasih" or "Nasi Goreng," you weren't imagining it! The Creator: The director of Despicable Me, Pierre Coffin
, is of Indonesian descent. He is the son of the legendary Indonesian novelist NH Dini. The Voices: Pierre Coffin
personally voices many of the Minions. Because of his roots, he slipped several Indonesian words into the "Minionese" language, including "kemari" (come here) and "terima kasih" (thank you).
Caption Tip: Use a clip of the Minions speaking and see if your followers can spot the Indonesian words. Option 3: The "Cast Spotlight" Post
Headline: Kenalan sama Dubber Agnes & Margo Versi Indonesia! ✨The three sisters are the heart of the movie. Here is who brought them to life in the Indonesian television version (RCTI/GTV): Agnes: Voiced by Siti Balqis
, whose high-pitched energy matched Agnes’s "It's so fluffy!" moments perfectly. Margo: Voiced by Jessy Millianty . Edith: Voiced by Merry Siti Mariam .
If you want, I can also write a short simulated article in the style of a local Indonesian entertainment blog (with headings, quotes, and fun facts). Just let me know!
Sometimes, a simple movie night can turn into a small lesson in world cultures. If you’re looking for a helpful story about the Indonesian connection to Despicable Me , it actually starts with a single word: "Terima Kasih." The Story of the Indonesian "Easter Egg" In the very first Despicable Me
(2010), audiences in Indonesia were surprised and delighted to hear a familiar sound. During a scene where Gru is given a gift by his Minions, one of them clearly says, "Terima Kasih" —the Indonesian phrase for "Thank you"
This wasn't an accident or a random dubbing choice. The film's co-director, Pierre Coffin
, is of Indonesian descent (his mother is the famous Indonesian novelist NH Dini). He is the voice of the Minions, and he intentionally sprinkled Indonesian words like "terima kasih" (come here) into their signature "Minionese" language Why This is "Helpful" A Lesson in Inclusivity:
For Indonesian kids (and adults!), hearing their language in a massive Hollywood blockbuster was a moment of immense pride. It showed that even a "gibberish" language could be a beautiful bridge between different cultures How the Dubbing Works:
While the Minions' voices stay the same globally (relying on Coffin’s original recordings), the rest of the film is often professionally dubbed into Indonesian for local television (like RCTI or Global TV) to help younger children follow Gru’s emotional journey from villain to father Language Learning:
For those learning Indonesian, the Minions actually provide a fun, low-pressure way to recognize basic vocabulary!
If you're watching the Indonesian-dubbed version on a streaming service, try keeping the Indonesian subtitles on. It's a great way to see how "Minionese" blends real Indonesian words with French, Spanish, and Italian to create its unique charm other Indonesian words appear in the Minions' language throughout the sequels? Lip-sync issues: The Indonesian dialogue is often shorter
The Indonesian dub of Despicable Me (2010) represents a significant moment in the localization of global animation, demonstrating how language and cultural adaptation can breathe new life into a story. When the film was brought to Indonesian audiences, particularly through television networks like RCTI and HBO Asia, the challenge was to maintain the unique charm of the protagonist, Gru, while making his journey from villain to father figure relatable to a local audience.
The success of the Indonesian dubbing lies in its ability to translate humor and emotion without losing the essence of the original performances. In the Indonesian version, Gru’s thick, ambiguous European accent—originally voiced by Steve Carell—is often replaced with a deep, authoritative, yet slightly eccentric tone that fits the Indonesian archetype of a "grumpy but soft-hearted" figure. The Minions, who speak a "polyglot" language of gibberish, remained largely untouched, which allowed the universal physical comedy of the film to bridge any linguistic gaps.
Furthermore, the dubbing of the three orphan girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—was crucial. Their voices needed to carry the innocence and persistence that eventually melts Gru's icy exterior. By using talented local voice actors who could emulate the specific cadence of children’s speech in Indonesia, the emotional stakes of the "bedtime story" and "pinky promise" scenes were heightened, making the film a staple for Indonesian families during holiday broadcasts.
Ultimately, the Indonesian dub of Despicable Me is more than just a translation; it is a cultural bridge. It allowed a story about unconventional family structures and redemption to resonate in a country where family values are paramount. Through careful vocal casting and script adaptation, the Indonesian version ensured that Gru’s transition from a world-class villain to a loving father felt just as sincere in Jakarta as it did in Hollywood. If you'd like to dive deeper into this, let me know:
Introduction
Despicable Me, released in 2010, is a popular animated comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment. The movie follows the story of Gru, a supervillain who adopts three girls to help him with his latest scheme. The Indonesian dubbing of Despicable Me 1 was released in 2010, shortly after the original film's release.
Dubbing Quality
The Indonesian dubbing of Despicable Me 1 was produced by Sony Pictures Indonesia, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment. The dubbing was directed by M. Taufik and features a talented voice cast, including:
The dubbing quality is generally good, with the voice actors delivering convincing performances that match the original characters' personalities. The translation is accurate, and the dialogue is well-synced with the animation.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Conclusion
The Indonesian dubbing of Despicable Me 1 is a well-produced and faithful adaptation of the original film. While there are some minor inconsistencies and limitations in cultural adaptation, the dubbing quality is generally good, and the voice cast delivers strong performances. Fans of the franchise and Indonesian audiences will enjoy this dubbed version.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: If you're a fan of Despicable Me or enjoy animated films, the Indonesian dubbing is a great way to experience the movie in your native language. However, if you're particular about cultural adaptations or prefer a more precise translation, you might want to consider watching the original English version.
Siapa yang tidak kenal Gru? Pria berkumis tebal, berhidung mancung, dan berkacamata itu telah mencuri hati penonton Indonesia sejak pertama kali film Despicable Me tayang di bioskop pada tahun 2010.
Meskipun sudah lebih dari satu dekade berlalu, pesona film pertama dari franchise ini tidak pernah pudar. Bagi banyak orang Indonesia, menonton Despicable Me 1 dengan dubbing Bahasa Indonesia adalah pengalaman yang tak terlupakan. Bukan hanya karena karakter Minions yang lucu, tapi juga karena kualitas sulih suara yang sangat mengena di hati.
Yuk, kita flashback serunya Despicable Me 1 versi dubbing Indonesia!
Dalam versi aslinya, suara Gru diperankan oleh Steve Carell yang sangat khas dengan aksen palsu Eropa Timurnya. Tantangan besar bagi pengisi suara Indonesia adalah bagaimana menangkap esensi "kebapakan" namun jahat yang konyol ini.
Di versi dubbing Indonesia (biasanya yang tayang di RCTI, GTV, atau HBO Asia), suara Gru digarap dengan sangat apik. Pengisi suaranya berhasil menangkap nada rendah dan aksen "aneh" Gru, membuat karakter ini terasa dekat dengan penonton Indonesia. Terkadang, ada sentuhan humor lokal atau intonasi yang sangat relate dengan budaya populer kita, membuat Gro terdengar seperti "Om Galak" yang sebenarnya berhati lembut.
The Indonesian dub starred TV personalities, not just professional voice actors. Ayu Dewi as Miss Hattie (the orphanage owner) used an exaggerated "Jakarta snob" accent, while Ungu (a popular band’s vocalist) voiced Vector with teenage surfer slang, making him sound like a local anak gaul (cool kid). This star power drew non-animation fans to theaters.