Who would have thought that the internet would erupt after Anies Baswedan announced his official account on Letterboxd – a popular platform for film lovers to log movies they’ve watched, rate them, write reviews, and even create personal watchlists.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Anies casually wrote that he is “not a true cinephile, just a casual viewer who watches films in his spare time.” That statement immediately sparked curiosity among netizens.
What’s Anies Baswedan’s goal on Letterboxd?
Through his new account, Anies made it clear that his purpose is simple:
- Just to archive the films he’s watched.
- Not to become a critic or write lengthy reviews.
Ironically, this simplicity is exactly what made people even more curious:
What films will make it onto the watchlist of a public figure like Anies Baswedan?
It didn’t take long before the Letterboxd link he shared was immediately “flooded” by curious users eager to peek at the former Jakarta governor’s taste in films.
Memenuhi banyak sekali permintaan, ini akun Letterboxd saya ya https://t.co/IAGqsB7IH6. 😅
Penafian: saya bukan sinefil tapi penikmat kasual saja, termasuk jarang nonton, apalagi bikin ulasan. Jadi akunnya buat arsip aja kalau sesekali sempat menulis soal pengalaman menonton…
— Anies Rasyid Baswedan (@aniesbaswedan) July 28, 2025
Letterboxd: From movie log to youth trend
This phenomenon also highlights how Letterboxd is becoming increasingly popular in Indonesia, especially among young people.
The platform works like a digital film diary where users can:
- Log movies they’ve watched.
- Give ratings.
- Write short comments or in-depth reviews.
- Create favorite lists or film recommendations.
Anies himself posted a disclaimer, admitting that he rarely watches films and rarely writes reviews. But he added that if he does write one, it would only be for films that leave a truly memorable impression.
Politicians and social media: A new trend?
This moment is more than just about a new account. It’s proof of how social media can serve as a bridge between leaders and the public in a more casual, relatable way.
If politicians used to appear only in formal forums or serious debates, now they can show up on niche platforms like Letterboxd to share their personal side – from film preferences, books, to everyday hobbies.
The big question now is: Will Anies’s move inspire other politicians? Will we soon see Letterboxd accounts from other public officials, parliament members, or even presidential candidates?
Read more: Legislative candidate website
Conclusion
Anies Baswedan’s presence on Letterboxd might seem lighthearted, but it signals a major shift in how public figures interact with society. From a simple movie log, he has sparked lively conversations and a fresh wave of curiosity.
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