Doraemon Exits RCTI After 30 Years of Airing

For many Indonesian households, Sundays meant tuning in to the escapades of a blue robot cat. Unfortunately, that cherished ritual has unexpectedly concluded. The beloved anime series Doraemon is no longer available on Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI), ending its run of over three decades.

The series follows a futuristic cat who assists the hapless Nobita Nobi, and it has been absent from RCTI's broadcasts since late December 2025. Its sudden removal has left fans stunned and disheartened, prompting many to seek answers.

At this time, RCTI has yet to issue a public comment on the decision to eliminate Doraemon from its programming. Following the cessation of airing, the channel's social media has been inundated with feedback from upset viewers, with many stating that Doraemon was the primary draw for them to watch RCTI each week.

On platforms like Instagram, numerous fans have voiced their desire for the show's return. One user wrote, "We need Doraemon back on RCTI!" while another lamented, "Without Doraemon, RCTI feels dull." Such remarks highlight the profound emotional bond the show fostered with its audience.

Additionally, Catatan Film, a verified account on Instagram, shared statistics indicating that Doraemon was absent from RCTI’s schedule between December 29, 2025, and January 4, 2026, as per the RCTI+ website, and noted that the airings of Doraemon films had also been scarce in recent times.

Since its debut in the early '90s, Doraemon swiftly rose to cultural prominence in Indonesia. Many families designated Sunday mornings at 8:00 am for watching the adventures of Doraemon and Nobita, which typically conveyed lessons about perseverance, friendship, and accountability.

The cancellation has stirred considerable dialogue on X (formerly known as Twitter), with the account @indoPopBase confirming that Doraemon's long-standing presence on RCTI has officially concluded, resonating with the sense of loss among dedicated fans.

Originally launched in Japan in 1979 on TV Asahi, Doraemon has undergone several adaptations but remains a beloved series—offering a unique blend of science fiction, humor, and daily life principles that appeals to viewers of all ages, establishing itself as more than a mere children’s program in Indonesia.