The Dubbing of "The Secret Life of Pets" into Indonesian: A Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation
The globalization of cinema has made dubbing a critical tool for making international content accessible to local audiences. When Universal Pictures' "The Secret Life of Pets" was released in Indonesia, the dubbing process went beyond simple translation. It involved a complex process of localization to ensure that the humor, character personalities, and emotional beats resonated with the Indonesian public while maintaining the film's original charm.
The primary objective of the Indonesian dubbing for "The Secret Life of Pets" was to bridge the linguistic gap for younger viewers while preserving the comedic timing of the original voice cast. Since the film relies heavily on fast-paced dialogue and slapstick humor, the translators faced the challenge of "lip-syncing"—matching Indonesian words to the mouth movements of the animated characters. This often required creative paraphrasing, as Indonesian sentences tend to be longer than English ones.
Cultural adaptation played a significant role in the script’s success. The Indonesian version often utilized "bahasa gaul" (informal slang) to make characters like Snowball the rabbit feel more relatable to a local urban audience. By incorporating contemporary Indonesian expressions, the dubbing team managed to replicate the high-energy, irreverent tone set by Kevin Hart in the original version. This approach ensures that the jokes do not feel "translated," but rather "re-authored" for the local context.
The selection of voice talent was equally vital. In Indonesia, the industry often utilizes a mix of professional voice actors and "celebrity dubbing" to boost marketing efforts. For "The Secret Life of Pets," the focus remained on high-quality vocal performance to ensure the distinct personalities of Max, Duke, and Gidget were maintained. The actors had to convey a wide range of emotions—from Max’s neuroticism to Duke’s boisterous nature—using only their voices to match the expressive animation.
In conclusion, the Indonesian dubbing of "The Secret Life of Pets" serves as a successful case study in animation localization. By balancing technical precision with cultural nuance, the project successfully brought the secret world of Manhattan’s pets to life for an Indonesian audience. This process highlights that effective dubbing is not just about changing the language, but about translating the "spirit" of the film to create a seamless viewing experience.
Max adalah seekor anjing Terrier yang hidup nyaman di sebuah apartemen mewah di Jakarta bersama pemiliknya, Katie. Hidup Max terasa sempurna sampai suatu hari Katie membawa pulang seekor anjing raksasa berbulu lebat bernama Duke.
Persaingan berebut kasih sayang Katie membawa mereka ke petualangan tak terduga di jalanan ibu kota. Berikut adalah draf cerita untuk versi dubbing Indonesia:
Judul: Kehidupan Rahasia Para Majikan (The Secret Life of Pets) Adegan 1: Pagi di Apartemen Jakarta Max sedang duduk manis di depan pintu.
"Nggak ada yang lebih setia dibanding gue. Begitu Katie pergi kerja, tugas gue cuma satu: nungguin dia balik di depan pintu ini. Sampai kaki gue kesemutan juga nggak apa-apa." Gidget (Tetangga Max, anjing Pomeranian putih):
"Woi Max! Masih aja jaga pintu? Mending ikut gue nonton sinetron di TV sebelah, lagi seru nih!" Adegan 2: Kedatangan Duke Katie pulang membawa kejutan besar.
"Max, kenalin nih, ini Duke. Sekarang dia jadi adik kamu, ya!" Max (Panik):
"Hah? Adik? Ini mah bukan adik, ini beruang kutub! Katie, kamar kita kan sempit, masa dia mau tidur di kasur gue juga?" Duke (Suara berat):
"Santai aja, Kecil. Gue nggak butuh banyak tempat... cuma seluruh kasur lo doang." Adegan 3: Tersesat di Kota
Saat jalan-jalan di taman, Max dan Duke tertangkap petugas penangkung hewan liar setelah terlibat perkelahian dengan geng kucing jalanan.
"Duh, gara-gara lo nih! Kalau kita nggak balik sebelum jam 5, Katie bakal panik!"
"Salah gue? Lo yang narik-narik tali duluan! Sekarang gimana cara kita lepas dari mobil kerangkeng ini?" Adegan 4: Pertemuan dengan Snowball
Muncul seekor kelinci putih kecil yang terlihat imut tapi bicaranya sangat "preman".
"Heh, kalian berdua! Anjing rumahan yang bau sampo! Selamat datang di dunia bawah tanah. Gue Snowball, pemimpin para peliharaan yang terbuang. Di sini nggak ada istilah 'anak baik', yang ada cuma 'siapa yang kuat dia yang menang'!"
"Aduh, kelincinya galak banget. Dia makan wortel atau makan paku sih?" Adegan 5: Rencana Penyelamatan
Gidget menyadari Max hilang dan mengumpulkan teman-temannya (Chloe si kucing gemuk, Mel si Pug, dan Buddy si Dachshund).
"Dengerin semuanya! Max hilang, dan gue nggak bakal biarin rambut putih gue kotor sia-sia kalau nggak buat nyelametin dia. Siapa yang ikut gue?" Chloe (Malas):
"Gue ikut... tapi setelah gue abisin ayam goreng di meja makan ini ya." The Secret Life Of Pets Dubbing Indonesia
Cerita berakhir dengan Max dan Duke yang akhirnya bekerja sama untuk mengalahkan Snowball dan kembali ke rumah tepat waktu sebelum Katie menyadari mereka sempat hilang. Mereka belajar bahwa berteman jauh lebih baik daripada bermusuhan di tengah kerasnya kota Jakarta. Mau saya buatkan naskah dialog yang lebih spesifik untuk salah satu karakter favoritmu?
The Indonesian dubbed version of The Secret Life of Pets (known locally as Kehidupan Rahasia Hewan Peliharaan) premiered on HBO and HBO HD on 25 June 2017, coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This special local version featured a "celebrity dub" approach, casting well-known Indonesian actors and presenters to voice the beloved animated characters. Indonesian Voice Cast (HBO Dub)
The Indonesian cast replaced the original Hollywood stars, such as Louis C.K. and Kevin Hart, with local talent:
Max: Voiced by Rio Dewanto (originally Louis C.K.). This was Dewanto's first major dubbing role.
Duke: Voiced by Ferry Salim (originally Eric Stonestreet). Salim noted that the experience was challenging but enriched his artistic skills. Snowball: Voiced by Ichsan Akbar (originally Kevin Hart). Gidget: Voiced by Nycta Gina (originally Jenny Slate). Chloe: Voiced by Aimee Saras (originally Lake Bell). Katie: Voiced by Nina Tamam (originally Ellie Kemper). Tiberius: Voiced by Bayu Oktara (originally Albert Brooks). Pops: Voiced by Ki Daus (originally Dana Carvey). Secondary Cast and Roles Additional roles in the Indonesian version included: Buddy: Mohammad Romli Mel: Bima Sakti Norman: Ika Swastika Ozone: Agus Nurhasan Dubbing for The Secret Life of Pets 2
While the first film featured a high-profile celebrity cast for its HBO premiere, the Indonesian dub for The Secret Life of Pets 2 utilized a different set of professional voice actors for various platforms: Max: Triyuh Hendra Snowball: Sumardi Duke: Indrayana Chloe: Miftahul Jannah Release and Availability
The Indonesian dubbed version was produced specifically to make the film more accessible to local families and children. Following its 2017 television debut on HBO, the movie has occasionally been broadcast on local television stations like RCTI with Indonesian audio.
The Indonesian dubbing for The Secret Life of Pets (2016) premiered on HBO Asia on June 25, 2017, specifically timed for the Eid al-Fitr (Idulfitri) holiday . Unlike many standard dubs, this version featured a celebrity cast rather than just traditional voice actors . Indonesian Voice Cast (HBO Version)
The main characters were voiced by prominent Indonesian actors and media personalities: Indonesian Voice Actor Rio Dewanto Ferry Salim Ichsan Akbar Nycta Gina Aimee Saras Nina Tamam Bayu Oktara Ki Daus Indonesian Cast for The Secret Life of Pets 2
The sequel features a different set of voice actors, primarily utilizing professional dubbers: : Triyuh Hendra : : : Miftahul Jannah : Kamal Nasuti Where to Watch
The Indonesian-dubbed versions have been distributed across several platforms: Television: Originally broadcast on HBO Asia and HBO HDÂ .
Streaming Services: Available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, though language availability (Bahasa Indonesia) depends on your specific region .
Community Platforms: Clips and full versions can often be found on community-sharing sites like Bilibili and TikTok .
Watch the behind-the-scenes process and celebrity interviews for the Indonesian dubbing of the film:
Title: localization and Laughter: An Analysis of the Indonesian Dubbing of The Secret Life of Pets
Abstract This paper examines the Indonesian dubbed version of Illumination Entertainment’s The Secret Life of Pets (2016). It explores the localization strategies employed by the dubbing studio to bridge the cultural gap between the original American context and the Indonesian audience. By analyzing the translation of humor, the adaptation of cultural references, and the casting of local celebrity voice actors, this paper argues that the Indonesian dubbing prioritizes "domestication" to create a familiar and accessible experience for local viewers, often at the expense of the original source text's nuances.
For an Indonesian viewer, The Secret Life of Pets is not just an American movie about New York animals. Thanks to the extraordinary dubbing work, it feels like a story about stray dogs in Kemang, cats in Pondok Indah, and delinquent rabbits in Tanah Abang.
If you have only seen the English version, you have not truly seen the film. The The Secret Life of Pets dubbing Indonesia transforms a simple kids' movie into a masterclass of cross-cultural comedy. Whether you are a language learner, a dubbing enthusiast, or just looking for a good laugh, find the Indonesian dub. You’ll never listen to Snowball the same way again.
Have you watched the Indonesian dubbed version of The Secret Life of Pets? Share your favorite Snowball quote in the comments below!
Review: The Secret Life of Pets – Indonesian Dubbing (Alih Suara Bahasa Indonesia)
The Indonesian dubbing (alih suara) of Illumination Entertainment’s The Secret Life of Pets (2016) presents a fascinating case study in localization. While the original English version relies heavily on the star power and manic comedic timing of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart, the Indonesian version faces the unique challenge of transplanting that specific brand of New York-centric, rapid-fire humor into a cultural context that values different forms of wit and vocal expression.
Voice Casting and Character Interpretation The Dubbing of "The Secret Life of Pets"
The most significant departure—and arguably the film’s greatest strength—lies in the interpretation of the lead duo.
Translation and Localization (Terjemahan dan Lokalisasi)
The scriptwriters for the dubbing made intelligent choices. Direct translations of English puns are largely avoided. Instead, the dialogue employs standard Indonesian slang (e.g., using "Asu!" as an exclamation rather than a direct curse, or "Gila lo!" to convey shock) that feels authentic to urban Indonesian speech.
However, some jokes are inevitably lost. A significant portion of the original film’s humor relies on specific knowledge of New York City stereotypes (the hawk, the bus driver, the sewer alligators). These moments are either played straight without the cultural subtext or are delivered with such speed that the nuance evaporates. For a local audience unfamiliar with NYC tropes, these scenes become merely visual gags rather than layered jokes.
Lip-Sync and Technical Quality
Technically, the dubbing is competent. The audio mixing places the voices comfortably within the film’s jazzy, bustling soundscape without sounding detached. Lip-sync for Max and Snowball is generally tight, though longer sentences occasionally feel rushed to match the characters’ mouth flaps. The supporting cast—particularly the elderly dog Pops and the feline Chloe—receive excellent treatment; Chloe’s deadpan, lazy delivery translates beautifully into Indonesian cynicism ("Dasar males").
Final Verdict
For Indonesian-speaking children (and adults who prefer not to read subtitles), this dubbing is highly recommended. It does not surpass the original English track, as the unique fingerprints of Louis C.K. and Kevin Hart are irreplaceable. However, judged on its own merits as a standalone performance, the Indonesian Secret Life of Pets is a spirited, faithful, and genuinely funny localization.
Score: 7.5/10
Pros:
Cons:
Recommendation: Watch in English for the original comedic performances. Watch in Indonesian for a cleverly adapted, family-friendly experience that proves a good dub is a re-interpretation, not a translation.
Menonton film animasi favorit dengan bahasa sendiri selalu memberikan kehangatan tersendiri, bukan? Salah satu yang paling berkesan adalah versi dubbing Indonesia dari film populer The Secret Life of Pets.
Berikut adalah ulasan singkat mengenai keseruan di balik suara-suara lucu para peliharaan kesayangan kita. Mengenal Karakter dan Pengisi Suara
Film ini membawa kita ke dalam pikiran para hewan saat pemiliknya meninggalkan rumah. Di versi bahasa Indonesia, karakter-karakter utamanya dihidupkan oleh talenta lokal yang luar biasa:
Max: Anjing terrier setia yang suaranya terdengar penuh semangat.
Duke: Anjing besar berbulu lebat dengan nada suara yang dalam namun lembut.
Snowball: Kelinci putih kecil yang pemberontak dengan gaya bicara yang cepat dan jenaka.
Gidget: Pomeranian putih yang cantik namun punya sisi tangguh saat melindungi Max. Mengapa Dubbing Indonesia Menarik?
Proses dubbing bukan sekadar menerjemahkan kata demi kata, melainkan menyesuaikan rasa dan konteks budaya:
Lelucon Lokal: Banyak istilah atau candaan yang disesuaikan agar lebih relevan dengan penonton di Indonesia.
Emosi yang Pas: Para pengisi suara berhasil menyampaikan rasa takut, senang, dan haru dengan intonasi yang natural. Title: localization and Laughter: An Analysis of the
Aksesibilitas: Memudahkan anak-anak untuk menikmati jalan cerita tanpa harus terpaku membaca takarir (subtitle). Daya Tarik Snowball
Salah satu bintang utama dalam versi dubbing ini pastinya adalah Snowball. Kontras antara wajahnya yang imut dengan suaranya yang garang dan dialognya yang lucu seringkali menjadi bagian paling menghibur bagi penonton lokal.
đź’ˇ Tips Menonton: Pastikan Anda memilih opsi audio "Bahasa Indonesia" di platform streaming legal favorit Anda untuk merasakan pengalaman yang berbeda!
Apakah Anda punya karakter favorit di film ini, atau mungkin Anda ingin tahu siapa saja aktor di balik suaranya? Beri tahu saya ya!
The Indonesian dubbing of The Secret Life of Pets (2016) premiered on
in Indonesia on June 25, 2017. To celebrate the Eid al-Fitr (Idulfitri) holiday, the release featured a star-studded cast of Indonesian celebrities and actors. Indonesian Voice Cast
The Indonesian version of the film brought together well-known local talent to voice the main characters: Rio Dewanto : The protagonist terrier originally voiced by Louis C.K.. Ferry Salim : The shaggy mongrel who becomes Max's "adoptive brother". Nycta Gina : The feisty white Pomeranian with a crush on Max. Ichsan Akbar : The rebellious white rabbit who leads the "Flushed Pets". Aimee Saras : The apathetic grey tabby cat. Nina Tamam : Max and Duke's kind owner. Bayu Oktara : The lonely red-tailed hawk. Production Details Recording Studio : The dubbing was handled by Crossfade Audio Post in Indonesia. Release Context
: The dub was aired simultaneously with the original English version and a Malay-language dub on HBO channels. Second Film : A sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2
, also received an Indonesian dub with a different professional cast including Triyuh Hendra Are you interested in a detailed breakdown of the voice actors for the
The Indonesian dub of The Secret Life of Pets premiered on June 25, 2017 HBO Indonesia . It was strategically released to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr (Idulfitri) Production & Distribution Recording Studio : The dubbing process was handled by Crossfade Audio Post Broadcasting Channels
: In addition to HBO, the film has also been dubbed for local Indonesian television networks, including RCTI and Trans7 , as well as various Video on Demand (VOD) platforms. Availability
: The dub is available across major streaming services in Indonesia, including , Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. Cast Overview
Following a common practice for major animated releases in Southeast Asia, the Indonesian version features a mix of professional voice actors and local celebrities to enhance its appeal. Original Voice Actor Dubbing Feature Louis C.K. / Patton Oswalt Professional Indonesian Dubber Kevin Hart Indonesian Celebrity/Professional Voice Professional Indonesian Dubber Dana Carvey Professional Indonesian Dubber
: Specific celebrity names for the HBO Indonesian dub are often part of limited promotional campaigns; while the Malay HBO dub
explicitly features Nabil Ahmad as Snowball, the Indonesian celebrity cast typically follows a similar high-profile marketing structure. The Dubbing Database celebrity names used for the Indonesian theatrical or TV release?
"The Secret Life of Pets" is a 2016 computer-animated comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures. The movie revolves around the lives of pets when their owners are away. The film features the voices of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Steve Coogan, and Ellie Kemper, among others.
For the Indonesian dubbing, the film was localized to reach a wider audience in Indonesia. Dubbing is a common practice to make movies more accessible and enjoyable for viewers who prefer to watch films in their native language.
If you're looking for specific details about the Indonesian dubbing of "The Secret Life of Pets," such as the voice actors or release information, I recommend checking:
Movie Databases: Websites like IMDb or film-specific databases in Indonesia might have detailed information about the dubbing, including the voice cast.
Official Movie Channels or Studios: Sometimes, the movie studios themselves or their local branches provide information about dubbed versions of their films.
Streaming Platforms: Many streaming services now offer dubbed versions of movies. Checking platforms available in Indonesia might provide access to the dubbed version and its details.
When Illumination Entertainment released The Secret Life of Pets in 2016, it wasn't just another animated film about cute animals. It was a comedic heist movie wrapped in fur, exploring the hilarious paranoia of what our four-legged friends actually do when we leave for work. For Indonesian audiences, however, the film became a cultural phenomenon for a different reason: the The Secret Life of Pets dubbing Indonesia project.
While many Hollywood films are simply subtitled in Indonesia, The Secret Life of Pets received a full Indonesian-language dubbing (pengalihan suara) that was so sharp, so locally relevant, and so comedically timed that it arguably surpassed the original English version in popularity. This article dives deep into how that dub was made, who voiced the iconic characters, and why it remains a gold standard for animated dubbing in Southeast Asia.
The biggest hurdle for the localization team at Iyuno (formerly Burbah) was translating the puns. English animal jokes do not always land in Bahasa Indonesia.