Indonesia, a vast archipelago rich in culture, has made its mark globally in many areas — from cuisine and textiles to music and dance. One area where its influence is less immediately visible but equally significant is in the global entertainment industry.
A surprising number of international celebrities, both pure-blooded and of mixed heritage, trace their lineage back to Indonesia. Whether born in the country or descended from Indonesian parents or grandparents, these celebrities carry a piece of the archipelago into the international spotlight.
Rich Brian and NIKI
Two rising stars from the Indonesian diaspora who have made waves internationally are Rich Brian and NIKI, both signed to 88rising, a label known for promoting Asian artists. Rich Brian, born Brian Imanuel in Jakarta, first gained attention through his viral song “Dat $tick,” which showcased his unique voice and lyrical skill.
Over time, he matured as an artist and has released critically acclaimed albums that show deeper introspection and musicality.
NIKI, whose full name is Nicole Zefanya, also hails from Jakarta and has become a significant figure in the R&B genre. Her debut album Moonchild showcased her poetic lyricism and smooth vocals, while also subtly reflecting her Indonesian upbringing.
Both artists maintain a connection to their homeland and have become role models for young Indonesians aspiring to global success.
Anggun
Anggun Cipta Sasmi, known mononymously as Anggun, was born in Jakarta and is of Javanese descent. She began her career in Indonesia as a rock singer before moving to Europe in the 1990s. After establishing herself in France, Anggun released her debut international album Snow on the Sahara, which was a commercial success across Europe and parts of Asia.
She later became a French citizen and has represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her Indonesian identity remains central to her public persona, and she often speaks about her cultural background in media appearances.
Joe Taslim
Joe Taslim is an Indonesian actor and martial artist known for his roles in international action films. Born in Palembang, Indonesia, he gained fame as a national judo champion before transitioning to acting. Taslim rose to global recognition with his breakout role in The Raid: Redemption (2011).
He later appeared in major Hollywood films such as Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Star Trek Beyond (2016), and portrayed Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat (2021). Renowned for his martial arts skills and screen presence, Taslim has become one of Indonesia’s most prominent actors in the global film industry.
Yoshi Sudarso
Yoshi Sudarso is an Indonesian-American actor and martial artist born on April 12, 1989, in Surabaya, Indonesia. He moved to the United States at the age of nine and later pursued a career in acting and stunts. Sudarso gained international recognition for his role as Koda, the Blue Ranger, in the television series Power Rangers Dino Charge (2015–2016) and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel (2018).
His film credits include Buffalo Boys (2018), an Indonesian Western film where he played Suwo, and Bullet Train (2022), portraying the younger version of Hiroyuki Sanada's character, "The Elder".
Michelle Branch
American singer-songwriter Michelle Branch, known for hits like “Everywhere” and “Are You Happy Now?”, has Indonesian heritage through her mother, who is of Dutch-Indonesian descent.
Though she grew up in the United States, Branch has acknowledged her mixed roots in interviews, adding to the diverse tapestry of her identity. While her music doesn’t explicitly reflect her Indonesian background, her success as a mixed-race artist adds to the representation of Indonesians in global pop culture.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Best known for his role as Zack Morris on the iconic TV show Saved by the Bell, Mark-Paul Gosselaar has Indonesian heritage through his mother, who is of Dutch-Indonesian descent. Gosselaar has spoken occasionally about his background, which includes being fluent in Dutch and having experienced a culturally rich upbringing.
Though his roles haven’t directly showcased his heritage, his success in American television adds another layer to the narrative of Indonesians making it on the global stage.
