Ministry of Culture Targets Every District to Have a Cinema: Encouraging Local Film Industry and MSMEs
JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture aims for every district to have a cinema. This was stated by the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, on Monday, November 15, 2024, who officially announced that in collaboration with the private sector, Sam's Studio, they will open 51 new cinema screens in 17 districts in Indonesia. The inauguration of this cinema network is scheduled for December 5, 2024, with a special focus on screening Indonesian films.
“These cinema screens will be present in various districts in West Java, Central Java, and East Java. In each district, three cinema screens will be available,” said Fadli.
The districts that will enjoy these new cinemas include Cibadak, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Subang, Garut, Indramayu, Pemalang, Gombong, Pekalongan, Ungaran, Salatiga, Klaten, Solo, Nganjuk, Kediri, Pasuruan, and Probolinggo.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Giring Ganesha, mentioned that this step is part of the solution to address two main challenges in the Indonesian film industry: the lack of cinema screens in the regions and the limited human resources in this sector.
“We continue to engage in dialogue with filmmakers. The biggest issue we encounter is the lack of cinema screens, especially in district areas. The presence of Sam’s Studios is a very positive first step, and we hope this can inspire more investors,” Giring stated.
In addition, Minister Fadli Zon added that this program not only increases public access to films but also opens new economic opportunities. “Film is an important part of our cultural identity. With the addition of cinema screens, local filmmakers will have a broader stage to create, while the public gets a greater opportunity to enjoy these works,” he said.
Building MSME and Local Film Ecosystem
Special Presidential Envoy for Youth and Arts Workers, Raffi Ahmad, also supports this initiative. He emphasized that these cinemas will not only serve as film viewing spaces but also as centers for MSME-based economy.
“In each cinema location, there will be local MSME stalls. So, the ecosystem is not just about filmmaking, but also about driving the local economy,” Raffi said.
He is optimistic that this step will have a significant impact on the growth of the creative industry in the regions.
Looking ahead, Fadli continued, the Ministry of Culture is committed to collaborating with local governments, local communities, and the private sector to ensure the sustainability of this program. According to him, this collaboration encourages innovations such as modern drive-in screens and mobile cinemas to reach remote areas.
“With these strategic steps, Indonesian filmmaking can not only compete at the national level but also penetrate international markets,” said Fadli Zon.
The addition of 51 cinemas is not just about expanding entertainment access but also strengthening the film ecosystem as part of Indonesia's culture and economy. With the synergy of the government, industry players, and local communities, this initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable creative industry growth.[*]