Post by : Badri Ariffin

For countless Indonesian viewers, Sunday mornings were synonymous with the whimsical adventures of a blue robotic cat. Tragically, this tradition has met an unforeseen conclusion. The beloved Japanese anime Doraemon has been taken off the air by Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI) after a remarkable 30-year run.

The series chronicles the journey of a robotic feline from the future who assists the hapless schoolboy Nobita Nobi. Since the end of December 2025, RCTI’s schedule no longer features the show, leaving its dedicated fans in disbelief and searching for answers.

Currently, RCTI has not made any formal announcement regarding its choice to remove Doraemon from its programming. Following this development on January 4, 2026, the channel has been inundated with responses from heartbroken viewers on social media. Many express that Doraemon was the primary reason they tuned into RCTI every week.

Fans have taken to Instagram to vocally express their wishes for the anime’s return. One viewer stated, "We want Doraemon back on RCTI," while another lamented, "Without Doraemon, RCTI feels dull." Such sentiments echo very real connections many have with the show.

Adding fuel to the fire, a verified account, Catatan Film, circulated broadcast data confirming that Doraemon has not been a part of RCTI’s schedule since late December 2025, according to RCTI+ statistics, noting that the airing of Doraemon movies had also dramatically reduced in recent months.

Having first graced Indonesian television in the early 1990s, Doraemon quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM were reserved for watching the exploits of Doraemon and Nobita, often infused with themes of friendship, responsibility, and resilience.

The show's abrupt exit has spurred lively discussions on X (formerly Twitter). The account @indoPopBase announced that the long-lasting run of Doraemon on RCTI had come to an official end, encapsulating the sense of grief felt by its loyal fans.

Originally debuting in Japan on TV Asahi in 1979, Doraemon has undergone numerous adaptations. Its unique blend of science fiction, humor, and relatable life lessons allowed it to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it far more than just a children’s cartoon in Indonesia.

#Global News #Entertainment News