Doraemon Exits RCTI After Over 30 Years on Air

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

For countless Indonesian audiences, Sunday mornings were synonymous with the escapades of a blue robot cat. That era has unexpectedly concluded. The beloved Japanese anime, Doraemon, has officially left Indonesian television channel Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI) following an impressive 30-year run.

This anime chronicles the adventures of a futuristic robotic cat aiding the hapless schoolboy, Nobita Nobi. Since late December 2025, it has vanished from RCTI’s lineup, leaving its devoted fan base in shock and seeking answers.

Currently, RCTI has not provided any formal comment on why Doraemon was removed from its programming schedule. Since January 4, 2026, RCTI's social media has been inundated with messages from disheartened fans. Many expressed that Doraemon was the primary reason they tuned into RCTI each week.

On platforms like Instagram, fans have actively sought to restore the anime to the channel. One wrote, "Please bring back Doraemon on RCTI." Another lamented, "RCTI has become dull since Doraemon stopped airing." These sentiments reveal the emotional bond viewers have with the series.

A verified Instagram account, Catatan Film, contributed to the dialogue by sharing broadcast data confirming Doraemon's absence from RCTI’s schedule from December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, according to the RCTI+ platform. The post also highlighted the infrequent airing of Doraemon movies lately.

Doraemon debuted on Indonesian television in the early 1990s, swiftly becoming a cultural staple. For families, Sunday at 8:00 am became a tradition of enjoying Doraemon and Nobita’s stories, often filled with lessons on friendship, accountability, and tenacity.

Its disappearance has ignited discussions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). The @indoPopBase account confirmed that Doraemon's lengthy run on RCTI has officially ended, resonating with the profound sense of loss experienced by long-term fans.

Initially launched in Japan on TV Asahi in 1979, Doraemon has featured numerous adaptations over the decades. Its blend of science fiction, humor, and valuable real-life lessons allowed it to reach audiences of all ages, making it much more than a simple children’s show in Indonesia.