In the heart of Jakarta's historic Kota Tua complex, the cobblestone streets and colonial-era architecture—usually alive with tourists and street vendors—transformed into a buzzing epicenter of global K-pop fandom in early 2026. BLACKPINK's Lisa (Lalisa Manobal) stepped onto the set of Netflix's upcoming action film Extraction: Tygo (also stylized as TYGO), a spin-off in the Extraction franchise, alongside Korean action star Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) and Lee Jin-wook. The production's choice of Indonesia's capital for key scenes sparked what locals and fans alike have dubbed the "Lisa Effect": an unprecedented wave of excitement, crowds, and cultural crossover that highlighted the superstar's magnetic pull beyond music.
Kota Tua, Jakarta's Old Town, with its iconic Dutch colonial buildings and canals, provided a striking backdrop for the film's intense action sequences. Roads like Jalan Kunir and Jalan Cengkeh faced temporary closures from late January through early February 2026, with traffic reroutes managed by local authorities to accommodate filming. While the production reportedly dressed parts of the location to stand in for Myanmar—complete with signage and set modifications—this did little to dampen the enthusiasm surrounding Lisa's involvement. The area, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site, gained fresh international spotlight as cameras rolled.
The "Lisa Effect" manifested vividly through massive fandom turnout. BLINKs (BLACKPINK fans) flocked to the vicinity, creating vibrant scenes of support—some holding signs, others capturing glimpses from afar despite production requests to respect privacy and avoid spoilers. Social media overflowed with behind-the-scenes buzz, from fan accounts sharing atmospheric shots of the historic district to discussions about Lisa's debut in a high-stakes action role as the character Ria. The phenomenon echoed Lisa's broader global influence, seen in everything from her recent red-carpet appearances to her acting breakout in HBO's The White Lotus.
This surge wasn't just fan-driven; it underscored Indonesia's rising status in international filmmaking. Local authorities facilitated the shoot seamlessly, aligning with Jakarta's "Cinema City" push to attract foreign productions. The collaboration between a K-pop icon and Korean action heavyweights like Ma Dong-seok—known for his powerhouse roles in Train to Busan and The Roundup—brought Hollywood-level energy to the streets, with reports of road diversions and set builds turning everyday Jakarta into a cinematic playground.
Yet the event sparked mixed reactions. Some netizens expressed frustration over the Myanmar stand-in, feeling it overlooked Indonesia's identity despite benefiting from local support. Others celebrated the exposure, viewing it as a win for tourism and soft power. Regardless, the "Lisa Effect" proved undeniable: one artist's presence turned a historic site into a global moment, blending K-pop fervor with cinematic ambition.
As Extraction: Tygo gears up for its Netflix release later in 2026, Jakarta's Kota Tua shoot will be remembered not just for the action on screen, but for the real-world electricity Lisa brought to Indonesia's streets—proving her star power transcends borders and mediums.
(Images sourced from public web searches; all used under fair use considerations for editorial purposes on kpopecho.com.)
