Subtitling English Documentaries into Indonesian: Trends, Challenges, and Audience Impact (A Systematic Review)

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines subtitling strategies employed in the translation of documentary videos from English into Indonesian. Based on an analysis of scholarly articles published from 2020 to 2025, this review synthesizes findings on the primary translation strategies, the reasoning behind their application, and their resulting impact on the target audience. The data sources for the reviewed studies include documentaries from TV programs, feature films, and streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix. The findings indicate a prevalence of strategies aiming for equivalence and cultural adaptation, driven by the need to bridge linguistic gaps and ensure viewer comprehension while navigating the technical constraints of subtitling. The impact of these strategies generally points towards enhanced accessibility and understanding, although challenges in translating cultural nuances remain.