Home | Alone Dubbing Indonesia

Abstract This paper examines the Indonesian-dubbed version of the 1990 American comedy film Home Alone as a case study in audiovisual translation (AVT) for the Southeast Asian market. Focusing on pragmatic adaptation, humor transfer, and cultural localization, the study analyzes how the Indonesian dub modifies verbal jokes, idiomatic expressions, and culturally specific references (e.g., Christmas traditions, suburban American life) to resonate with Indonesian audiences. Using a comparative framework between the original English script and the Indonesian dub (as broadcast on RCTI and HBO Asia), the paper identifies three key strategies: substitution of Western cultural items with local equivalents, exaggeration of vocal performance to retain slapstick humor, and reduction of religious references to maintain broad appeal. Findings suggest that the Indonesian dub prioritizes comedic effect and familial relatability over lexical fidelity, creating a hybrid text that is both foreign and familiar. The paper concludes with implications for dubbing norms in Indonesia and the global circulation of Hollywood family films.