Independent Report – The Special Capital Region of Jakarta (DKJ) Government and the Tempo Film Festival organized the Film Industry Night with the theme “Towards Jakarta as a Global City, a Cinema City” at Balai Agung, Jakarta City Hall, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This event aimed to strengthen Jakarta’s position as a film industry hub that contributes to the creative economy. Minister of Creative Economy and Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Menekraf/Kabekraf) Teuku Riefky Harsya expressed his support for turning Jakarta into a Cinema City
In his speech, Menekraf Riefky emphasized that his ministry stands ready to collaborate in transforming Jakarta into a creative economy city focused on cinema. Various creative economy activities will take place from 2025 to 2027 to celebrate Jakarta’s 500th anniversary. One concrete effort includes hosting programs that support Jakarta’s recognition as a Global City and Cinema City.
Acting Governor of DKJ, Teguh Setyabudi, stated that filmmaking is not just an art form but also a key element of the creative economy. Films can effectively portray Jakarta’s urban development and dynamics. He highlighted the film industry’s potential in driving regional and national economic growth.
Menekraf Riefky pointed out several challenges in the film industry that need urgent attention. These include improving human resource quality, easing access to financing, simplifying production permits, and expanding market access internationally. Additionally, protecting intellectual property rights is crucial, as digital piracy remains a widespread issue.
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Jakarta’s elected Deputy Governor, Rano Karno, enthusiastically welcomed this initiative. He stressed the need to improve the filmmaking ecosystem. Film production costs in Jakarta remain higher than in some other countries. For example, shooting in the Netherlands is more affordable due to favorable cash rebate policies. The same applies to Changi Airport, which offers lower production costs than Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Rano appreciated Menekraf’s move to involve the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) in addressing these issues.
Tempo Inti Media Tbk CEO and Tempo Film Festival initiator, Arif Zulkifli, highlighted the importance of establishing Jakarta as a Cinema City. He explained that films serve as cultural reflections of a city. More than 50 films have featured Jakarta as a backdrop, showcasing the city’s vibrant cinematic landscape. Arif hopes this initiative will inspire the film community to keep growing. Instead of complaining about the industry’s struggles, he urged stakeholders to take an active role in fostering positive change.
Menekraf Riefky emphasized that the film industry is not just about entertainment but also functions as an international diplomacy tool to promote Indonesia’s creative economy. Strong intellectual property protection is essential in building a thriving film industry. Film plays a fundamental role in shaping public confidence in the local creative sector. Data shows that out of approximately 82 million cinema viewers in 2024, 65 percent chose to watch Indonesian films. This figure reflects the growing public interest in national cinema.
During the Jakarta Film Industry Night, Menekraf Riefky underscored the importance of implementing the hexahelix collaboration model. This approach involves six key pillars: local government, academia, business actors or associations, communities, media, and financial institutions. The goal is to establish a solid and sustainable film industry ecosystem.
Several prominent figures attended the event, including Jakarta Governor from 1997-2007, Sutiyoso, and Acting Jakarta Governor from 2016-2017, Soni Sumarsono. Senior actor Slamet Rahardjo and young filmmakers such as Ario Bayu, Marcella Zalianty, Chelsea Islan, Sean Gelael, and Ayushita also joined the occasion. Their presence demonstrated the commitment of various stakeholders in supporting Jakarta as a thriving and globally competitive film industry hub.
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