Veteran actor Yusuf Surya, best known for his role in the iconic Indonesian soap opera Jinny Oh Jinny, has spoken candidly about the significant changes impacting the Indonesian television industry. He revealed that current actor compensation is substantially lower than it was during his peak years in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Surya, affectionately known as Bang Jack due to his character in the long-running series, explained that he has personally witnessed this shift throughout his extensive career in entertainment, including his time starring in Jinny Oh Jinny.
“Compared to now, the pay is less than 50 percent of what it used to be,” Bang Jack said when speaking with media at Studio TransTV in South Jakarta on Friday, March 13, 2026.
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He attributes the change to a broader evolution within the entertainment industry, which has altered both the working systems and the economic value associated with soap operas. Surya noted that while the amounts may have once felt substantial, the current landscape presents a different reality.
“It used to be small, but it felt big. Now it’s different, it’s small and shrinking,” he added.
Beyond compensation, Yusuf Surya similarly highlighted a growing trend among performers. Many actors are now opting to become content creators, believing it offers a faster path to income.
He mentioned that several of his former colleagues, who previously worked as extras, are now prioritizing digital content creation over traditional acting roles.
“Now, many will ask, ‘How much will I get paid?’ if offered a role in a soap opera. They’ve realized it’s quicker to build money creating content,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, Yusuf Surya remains grateful for his career in the arts. He believes that the most important thing for an artist is to continue creating, regardless of the circumstances.
“If you want to be an artist, you have to be fully committed. If you stop creating, you die. So keep creating,” Surya advised.
(pus/pus)
