Kuala Lumpur: Indonesian YouTuber Frans Sanjaya and a museum worker known as Sadan have apologised over remarks claiming the popular animated series
Upin & Ipin originated from Indonesia.
The apology was made in a
YouTube video, in which Frans and Sadan admitted their mistake after alleging that the original copyright for the Upin & Ipin characters, supposedly known as “Aripin”, had been purchased by a Malaysian production company in 2008.
“We would like to sincerely apologise to the people of Malaysia and Indonesia for the misunderstanding and confusion we have caused,” they said, as reported by
Sinar Harian on Friday.
“We take note of all the comments received and acknowledge our mistake, and we never intended to make any claims or belittle any party,” they added.
They also expressed hope that their error would be forgiven, saying Malaysia and Indonesia were neighbouring countries with close cultural ties.
The controversy arose after a viral video showed Frans visiting the Puppet Museum in Indonesia with Sadan, where they claimed that
Upin & Ipin originated from Indonesia.
Advertisement
Production company Les' Copaque, based in Shah Alam, later responded by stressing that the animated series was its original work, with Upin & Ipin first produced in 2007 before gaining popularity across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia.
