DESIGNING A VTUBER CHARACTER BASED ON INDONESIAN FOLKLORE TO ENHANCE YOUTH INTEREST IN LOCAL CULTURE

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33480/pilar.v22i1.6921

Keywords:

Folklore, Generation Z, Vtuber

Abstract

Indonesian folklore contains rich cultural values, yet its relevance to Generation Z is declining due to their preference for digital content consumption. Modern media such as animations or games are no longer effective to capture their attention, creating a gap in how folklore is introduced to younger audiences but not for older audiences. This study explores the use of Virtual YouTubers (VTubers) as a medium to adapt and present folklore in ways that align with Gen Z’s digital lifestyle. Dewi Sekartaji, a character from the Panji folklore of East Java, is reimagined as a VTuber whose personality emphasizes patience and perseverance. The objective is to preserve folklore while fostering cultural pride and introducing new perspectives from side characters to Gen Z. User testing showed an average satisfaction score of 4.8/5, and the Character livestream attracted around 500 viewers, indicating that VTubers are an effective approach for bridging traditional culture with modern digital engagement.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adobe. (2023). Rigging and skeletal animation: what it is and how it works. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/animation/discover/rigging.html

Andarisma, Y. Y., Budiono, H., & Budianto, A. (2023). Analisis Nilai-Nilai Penokohan Dewi Sekartaji dalam Cerita Panji. Prosiding SEMDIKJAR (Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran), 6, 1587–1597. https://doi.org/10.29407/z2bygz76

Aranditio, S. (2024). Gen Z Lebih Suka Buku yang Relevan dan Tidak Menggurui. Retrieved December 19, 2025, from https://www.kompas.id/baca/humaniora/2024/01/26/gen-z-lebih-suka-buku-yang-relevan-dan-tidak-menggurui

Jamaluddin, A. (2021). The Effectiveness Of Vtuber As A Medium Of Information. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370779992

Michalopoulos, S., & Xue, M. M. (2021). Folklore. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 136(4), 1993–2046. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjab003

Nadanyiova, M., & Sujanska, L. (2023). The Impact of Influencer Marketing on the Decision-Making Process of Generation Z. Economics and Culture, 20(1), 68–76. https://doi.org/10.2478/jec-2023-0006

Rimbawati, G., & Putra, Y. H. (2022). Visual Representation of Indonesian Culture in Character Design HololiveID Virtual Youtuber. Proceeding of International Conference on Business, Economics, Social Sciences, and Humanities, 3, 524–535. https://doi.org/10.34010/icobest.v3i.182

Sambodo, N., & Junaedi, A. (2023). Statistik Kebudayaan 2023 - Volume 8. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.kemendikdasmen.go.id

Susanto, J. I., & Sutanto, R. P. (2022). Strategi Perancangan Digital Comic sebagai Media Edukasi Cerita Rakyat Jawa Timur bagi Remaja Usia 12-18 Tahun. Nirmana, 21(2), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.9744/nirmana.21.2.73-79

VTuber Ranking. (2025). VTuber Ranking. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://virtual-youtuber.userlocal.jp/

We Are Social. (2024). Digital 2024: Indonesia. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-indonesia

Wonderverse Indonesia. (2023). Kenali Apa Itu Vtuber dan Karakter yang Populer di YouTube. Retrieved December 19, 2024, from https://www.wonderverseindonesia.com/en/article/travel/apa-itu-vtuber-ini-informasi-lengkapnya

Yellow Busaba. (2025). Exploring Global and Demographic Screen Time Trends. Average Screen Time Statistics. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.yellowbusaba.com/post/average-screen-time-statist

Downloads

Published

2026-03-27

How to Cite

DESIGNING A VTUBER CHARACTER BASED ON INDONESIAN FOLKLORE TO ENHANCE YOUTH INTEREST IN LOCAL CULTURE. (2026). Jurnal Pilar Nusa Mandiri, 22(1), 9-17. https://doi.org/10.33480/pilar.v22i1.6921