Jakarta, February 4, 2025 – Film is not just a form of entertainment; it can also serve as a tool for diplomacy. The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency continues to provide attention and support to Indonesia’s film industry.
During the Malam Insan Film event, themed "Towards Jakarta as a Global Cinema City", held at Balai Agung, Jakarta City Hall, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Minister of Creative Economy / Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, reaffirmed his support. Minister of Creative Economy Riefky is committed to strengthening the film industry ecosystem.
"The creative economy, particularly the film industry, has become one of the key pillars in building cultural identity, creating quality job opportunities, and enhancing the nation's global competitiveness," said Minister of Creative Economy Riefky.
"We must continue to strengthen the film industry ecosystem by facilitating access to financing, expanding market access, simplifying production permits, and improving human resources, production quality, and film distribution in global markets," added Minister of Creative Economy Riefky, who was accompanied by the Deputy for Media Creativity at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Agustini Rahayu.
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky emphasized that the film industry is not just about entertainment; it is also a form of international diplomacy that can introduce Indonesia’s creative economy products to the world. Intellectual property protection for film works remains a significant challenge in making the creative economy a new engine for national economic growth.
"Films serve as a foundation that strengthens public confidence. In 2024, out of approximately 82 million moviegoers, 65 percent watched Indonesian films. The Malam Insan Film Jakarta event, which can be held regularly, underscores the importance of applying the hexahelix collaboration model—engaging six key pillars: government (regional government), academia, business players or associations, communities, media, and financial institutions," said Minister of Creative Economy Riefky.
The Malam Insan Film event was initiated to highlight Jakarta’s ongoing support for the national film ecosystem, reinforcing its ambition to become a cinema city as it approaches its 500th anniversary. The film industry is not just an art form; it is also a crucial pillar of the creative economy, allowing filmmakers to portray Jakarta’s life and urban development dynamics.
Also present at the event were Acting Governor of Jakarta, Teguh Setyabudi; Jakarta Governor from 1997-2007, Sutiyoso; Acting Governor of Jakarta from 2016-2017, Soni Sumarsono; Jakarta’s elected Deputy Governor for 2025-2030, Rano Karno; Head of the Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Creative Economy Office, Andika Permata; Chairman of the Indonesian Film Festival, Ario Bayu; senior actor, Slamet Rahardjo; and several representatives from Indonesia’s film industry.
"A Cinema City is important because through cinema, we can measure cultural development. Around 50 films have been set in Jakarta, showcasing its dynamic cinematic richness. This should serve as an inspiration for Jakarta to become a distinguished Cinema City. Hopefully, this is our collective effort—not to curse the darkness but to light a candle instead," said Arif Zulkifli, CEO of Tempo Media Group, which will also host the Tempo Film Festival.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
