Indonesian indie game Kejora, developed by Berangin Creative, began its development journey in 2019 as a Cuphead-inspired run-and-gun shoot-’em-up. Co-Founder and Game Director Bagaskara “Bagas” Firdaus explained that the initial concept proved difficult for the small studio.
“A run-and-gun game would be challenging to create. We’d have to design too many enemies, too many weapons, and too many stages,” Firdaus said. With only a handful of team members at the time, the developers decided to pivot to a puzzle platformer, a genre better suited to their available resources and existing character and environment assets.
The team drew artistic inspiration from Studio Ghibli, aiming for hand-crafted animation that emphasizes atmosphere and emotion over spectacle. In addition, Ubisoft’s Valiant Hearts: The Great War influenced the game’s approach to character abilities and puzzle design, showing that narrative-driven puzzles could coexist with intuitive gameplay. By the time the team pitched Kejora to publishers, it had evolved into a fully realized narrative puzzle platformer.
Exploring the World of Central Java
Kejora, which means “morning star” in Indonesian, takes place in a small village inspired by Central Java’s rural towns. The game’s environments reflect Jengki-style architecture, with a focus on creating an immersive, story-driven atmosphere. Players follow Kejora, a determined young girl, along with her companions Guntur and Jaka, as they investigate a mysterious curse affecting the villagers.
Each character has distinct abilities that are used to solve puzzles. Guntur can break obstacles and give Kejora a boost while climbing, whereas Jaka can move objects and interact with the environment using his slingshot. Puzzle sections start simple but gradually introduce more complex mechanics, requiring players to coordinate the abilities of all three characters to progress.
Integrating Indonesian Folklore
The game incorporates elements of Indonesian folklore, most notably the Genderuwo, a cryptid from Central Java. These shadowy, ape-like creatures appear in stealth sections, where players must navigate the environment using crates, tree trunks, and shrubs to avoid detection.
The Genderuwo design balances a traditional mythological presence with subtle Ghibli-inspired aesthetics, creating tension without overwhelming players. Firdaus explained that the Genderuwo was chosen both for its recognizability and for practical reasons, as it allowed the small team of four animators to maintain manageable production demands.
Development Challenges and the Indonesian Game Scene
Developing Kejora as a small indie studio in Southeast Asia presented logistical and resource challenges. Initially composed of only two or three people, Berangin Creative has since grown to 11 team members, most of whom work remotely. Firdaus noted that prioritizing cutscenes, puzzle sections, and overall game scope was crucial for keeping the project on track.
Support for game developers in Indonesia remains primarily focused on networking, exposure, and industry programs rather than direct financing. Initiatives like the Indonesia Game Developer Exchange (IGDX), a joint venture between the Ministry of Communication and Informatics and the Indonesian Game Association, provide platforms for networking and visibility.
Firdaus highlighted that the growing academic programs, local studios, and developer communities across cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali have made it easier for aspiring developers to learn from each other and enter the industry.
Themes and Player Experience
Kejora emphasizes themes of time, choice, and personal reflection. Firdaus explained that the game encourages players to consider how they spend their time and the value of meaningful experiences. Combined with narrative-driven puzzles, folklore-inspired encounters, and hand-drawn animation, Kejora aims to create a gameplay experience that resonates emotionally while remaining accessible and engaging.
Availability
Kejora is currently available on the Epic Games Store, offering players a narrative-rich puzzle platformer that blends Indonesian folklore, Ghibli-inspired art, and intuitive gameplay mechanics.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What platforms is Kejora available on?
Kejora is available on PC through the Epic Games Store.
Who developed Kejora?
The game was developed by Berangin Creative, an Indonesian indie studio based in Southeast Asia.
What genre is Kejora?
Kejora is a narrative-driven puzzle platformer that incorporates stealth elements and character-based puzzle mechanics.
Is Kejora inspired by folklore?
Yes, the game features Indonesian folklore, including the Genderuwo, a mythical cryptid from Central Java.
Does Kejora have unique character abilities?
Yes, players can switch between Kejora, Guntur, and Jaka, each of whom has unique abilities needed to solve puzzles and navigate the environment.
What art style does Kejora use?
The game uses hand-drawn animation inspired by Studio Ghibli, emphasizing atmosphere and emotional storytelling.
Is Kejora suitable for casual players?
Kejora is designed to offer intuitive puzzles that increase in complexity gradually, making it accessible for both casual and experienced players.
