Gojek launches video-streaming platform GoPlay in Indonesia

Indonesian tech giant Gojek has launched a video-streaming service called GoPlay as part of its push into the country’s online content market.

Photo credit: Go-Jek

The company said it partnered with Indonesian production houses such as Base Entertainment, Kalyana Shira Films, and Wahana Kreator to produce new and platform-exclusive content it touts as GoPlay Originals.

“The launch of GoPlay marks our latest effort to better meet the needs and wants of our consumers, building on an ecosystem that has successfully evolved from ride-hailing and logistics to a multi-service technology platform for Southeast Asia,” said Gojek co-founder Kevin Aluwi in a statement.

The basic subscription plan for GoPlay is pegged at IDR89,000 (about US$6) per month, which includes unlimited access to the platform’s library and the ability to download content for offline consumption. GoPlay is also offering a bundle plan priced at IDR99,000 (roughly US$7) which additionally provides users with GoFood delivery vouchers worth IDR600,000 (around US$42).

In addition to the original content, Gojek has also secured the streaming rights to hundreds of recent Indonesian films and shows for access on its mobile-only video streaming platform, according to a Reuters report.

Though the streaming service focuses on Indonesian content, Gojek has inked partnerships with foreign production companies such as South Korean media giants CJ E&M and SM Entertainment to feature their TV shows on the platform, according to the report.

“With Indonesia’s internet and smartphone penetration rising rapidly, GoPlay aims to be the bridge between millions of mobile audiences and the country’s growing entertainment industry,” Aluwi added.

With the move, Gojek will be going up against streaming giant Netflix, regional competitor Iflix, as well as Grab with its partnership with Singapore video-on-demand streaming service Hooq.

Gojek revealed its plan to launch its own subscription-based video-streaming platform during the Asia-Pacific Video Operators’ Summit back in April of last year.

The company also previously said that it will produce original documentaries, short films, and feature-length works from local filmmakers through its in-house studio GoStudio. It also partnered with US media outlet Vice to collaborate on original content.

Earlier this month, Gojek launched GoGames, a gaming-focused service integrated into its main app in Indonesia, as well. With GoGames, users are able to top up gaming credits, read up on trends and guides for games, and consume content from influencers and professionals in the space.

Currency converted from Indonesian Rupiah to US dollar: US$1 = IDR14,136.80