Jakarta Sets Sights on Becoming a Global Film Hub by 2027
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Jakarta is embarking on an enterprising plan to transform itself into a leading global filmmaking destination, aiming to capitalize on its 500th anniversary in 2027.The initiative, unveiled at a recent panel discussion during the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, signals a coordinated effort to attract investment and foster a thriving film ecosystem within the Indonesian capital.
A Vision for “Jakarta: City of Cinema”
The push for Jakarta’s cinematic future is spearheaded by Vice Governor and veteran actor Rano Karno, who passionately articulated the need for proactive planning. “Jakarta will be turning 500 years old in 2027. So what can we create in celebration of this?” Karno posed, highlighting the urgency of the moment. He contrasted Jakarta’s current lack of preparation with Amsterdam’s three-year planning horizon for its 750th anniversary, emphasizing a “political duty to establish Jakarta as [a] city of cinema.” This vision, dubbed “Jakarta: City of Cinema,” centers on developing the city’s identity through compelling cinematic experiences.
Building an Ecosystem for Filmmakers
The plan involves a multi-faceted approach, beginning with leveraging Jakarta’s growing presence on the international film circuit.The city already hosts prominent events like Jakarta Film Week and Jakarta World Cinema, and has forged strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Motion Pictures Association Asia-Pacific, alongside participation in festivals like Cannes and Busan.These existing platforms will be expanded to further promote Jakarta as a film-amiable location.
According to a senior official,the program aims to revitalize various locations within the city,making them attractive and accessible for film shoots,and to actively promote Jakarta as a worthwhile investment for film productions.
Indonesia’s Film Industry on the Rise
The timing of this initiative coincides with a period of meaningful growth for the Indonesian film industry. Andi Boediman, CEO of Ideosource Entertainment, presented research indicating a surge in the local film market share, reaching 65% last year compared to 45% in 2019. This places indonesia among the top 10 countries globally in terms of local film market share.
Boediman attributed this growth, in part, to the 2016 Negative Investment List, which opened the door to foreign investment in the sector, leading to a substantial increase in viewership. While the pandemic presented challenges, the industry has demonstrated a robust post-crisis recovery.
Addressing institutional Fragmentation
Despite the positive trajectory, Boediman also pointed to a critical challenge: the fragmented nature of Indonesian film institutions. He described a system characterized by “overlapping mandates, informal coordinations, and politically driven restructuring,” resulting in temporary programs and inconsistent long-term policy.
To address this, Boediman advocates for a centralized local film commission to coordinate the regional film ecosystem. This model aligns with the Jakarta government’s proposal for a dedicated film committee, designed to provide on-the-ground support and facilitate film productions. Both initiatives share the common goal of integrating film and culture more deeply into the daily lives of indonesians and fostering sustainable growth within the creative industry.
The success of Jakarta’s ambition will
