Yogyakarta, 2 December 2025 — Netflix’s global talent development program, Creative Asia, was held for the first time outside its home country, choosing Indonesia as its inaugural host. The event, presented as part of the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), was attended by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, who described the moment as a recognition of Indonesia’s rising position within the Southeast Asian film ecosystem and a strategic opportunity to expand young filmmakers’ collaboration networks.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menghadiri program pengembangan talenta global Netflix, Creative Asia, yang merupakan rangkaian Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), Yogyakarta, Selasa (2/12/2025).
“The presence of Creative Asia is proof that Indonesia’s film ecosystem is increasingly recognized at the Asian level. It creates a space where our talents can meet the best creators in the region—an important momentum to expand networks and open new collaboration opportunities,” said the Deputy Minister at Creative Asia held at the Ballroom of Hotel Tentrem, Yogyakarta, on 2 December 2025.
The Deputy Minister welcomed the partnerships formed through the program and emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the national film industry through skills development, standardized professional practices, and expanded access to international collaboration. “Indonesia continues to build its position as a creativity hub in Southeast Asia. With the presence of training programs, regional forums, and increasingly intensive global partnerships, we are shaping an ecosystem that is more competitive, adaptive, and ready to enter the global market,” she added.
The Deputy Minister also expressed her appreciation for the trust placed in Indonesia as the debut location for Creative Asia in Southeast Asia.
JAFF Festival Director Ifa Isfansyah highlighted that choosing Yogyakarta as the host reflected confidence in the city’s creative energy and JAFF’s role as a key nexus in the development of the Asian film ecosystem. He hopes that Creative Asia will encourage stronger collaboration between Indonesian talents and regional creative networks.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
Netflix Senior Director of Content for Southeast Asia, Malobika Banerji, reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to continue partnering with Southeast Asian creators and bringing their works to global audiences. She noted that global viewers’ interest in Southeast Asian storytelling continues to rise, with nearly a 50% increase in global watch hours from 2023 to 2024 and more than 100 Southeast Asian titles entering the global Top 10 since the data was first released.
At JAFF, Netflix presented a wide range of talent development initiatives, from the Reel Life Film Camp for emerging creators to the still photography workshop unit, held for the first time at the festival. Several prominent filmmakers—including Kimo Stamboel, Joko Anwar, Erik Matti, Carlo Ledesma, Kulap Kaljareuk, Jeab Indageha, Chartchai Ketnust (Nat), and Astrid Sambudiono—shared their insights on creative processes and production practices from works such as Abadi Nan Jaya, Outside, and Ziam.
The presence of Creative Asia in Yogyakarta further cements JAFF’s position as a community-based film festival that has grown into a major meeting point for the Asian film ecosystem. The government, through the Ministry of Creative Economy, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting collaborative spaces such as this as part of ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, competitive, and globally oriented Indonesian film industry.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied at the event by Director of Film, Animation, and Video at the Ministry of Creative Economy Doni Setiawan and Special Advisor for Creative Economy Ecosystem Development Jago Anggara.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
