When podcast and radio streaming app Noice launched in 2019, Indonesia’s audio world was already booming, but the ecosystem wasn’t set up for the kind of non-music listening the platform wanted to champion. “Indonesia’s audio landscape was still heavily dominated by music, and the non-music audio industry, especially podcasts, was nascent and fragmented,” says Rado Ardian, CEO of Noice. “At that time, on-demand audio content beyond music was quite hard to discover.”
That gap became the reason Noice exists in the first place. Here, we speak to Ardian about the space that he has created for sharing and discovering Indonesian voices, and some of his favourite audios to stream in the app.
Curating local voices
Today, Noice has been downloaded five million times, with listeners spending an average of 110 minutes a day on the app. But what makes the platform distinctly Indonesian isn’t scale or genre – it’s how close the stories feel.
Indonesian stories on Noice are represented through content that is deeply rooted in local culture, communities and everyday experiences. Our creators actively amplify hyperlocal stories, social conversations and current news trends, bringing perspectives that feel close and relevant to Indonesian listeners.Rado Ardian, CEO of Noice
Not sure where to start listening? These are the voices Ardian returns to – whether for long journeys, quiet nights or moments in between.
Trio Kurnia
If there’s one thing Indonesians look for after a long day of fasting, it’s something that feels relatable. Trio Kurnia delivers exactly that. While fronted by well-known entertainment figures Vincent Rompies, Deddy Mahendra Desta and Andre Taulany, the show blends chaotic humour, inside jokes and everyday observations into conversations that feel less like a podcast, and more like hanging out with friends.
“Their appeal lies not just in who they are, but in what they talk about: daily life, social circles, current trends, and personal stories that listeners won’t hear elsewhere,” says Ardian.
Why it’s perfect for Lebaran: “Because Lebaran needs laughs as much as opor ayam and awkward family questions.’
Best time to listen: “While chilling after work or school — or when you’re stuck in traffic.”
The feeling it leaves you with: “Happy and entertained.”
Films by Adsfort
While audio remains at Noice’s core, storytelling on the platform doesn’t stop there. Adsfort represents a newer wave of Indonesian creators: filmmakers using digital spaces to tell stories that feel deeply familiar.
Their breakout title, Keluarga Suami Adalah Hama, struck a chord precisely because of its honesty. “The film explores familiar family dynamics and couples’ relationships that many Indonesians experience in their daily lives,” says Ardian. And around Lebaran, those themes land even closer to home.
Why it’s perfect for Lebaran: “Because Lebaran is when family stories feel closest to home.”
Best time to watch: “In the evening, after family gatherings or quiet time at home.”
The feeling it leaves you with: Reflective, emotional and deeply connected.
Podcast Bahlul
For moments that call for pure levity, Podcast Bahlul leans into unfiltered, joyful chaos. Hosted by known radio personalities Sahil Mulachela and Kamal Rasyid, the show adopts the playful persona of Arabic perfume shop sellers, welcoming public figures and artists into unscripted, absurd conversations.
“Podcast Bahlul stands out because of its spontaneity and authenticity,” Rado says. “The conversations are unscripted, honest and genuinely fun.” It’s the kind of content that fits seamlessly into Lebaran’s in-between moments – while travelling, resting or sitting around with family when laughter fills the room.
Why it’s perfect for Lebaran: “Because it fits naturally into family moments and brings easy laughter into the room.”
Best time to listen: “While travelling, relaxing at home, or hanging out with family and friends.”
The feeling it leaves you with: “Light, relaxed and entertained.”
Scary Things
In the mood for stories that'll keep you up? Scary Things taps into Indonesia’s long-standing tradition of sharing ghost stories together, now reimagined through audio.
“Scary Things recreates that communal experience for local myths in a modern way,” says Ardian. During Ramadan nights, that immersion feels heightened. “The silence, the stillness and the extended nighttime hours heighten the experience.”
Why it’s perfect for Lebaran: “Because long holiday moments create the perfect atmosphere for stories to feel more immersive.”
Best time to listen: “Late at night, in a quiet room.”
The feeling it leaves you with: “Chills, goosebumps and curiosity.”