Jakarta, 6 November 2025 — The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency revealed that digital piracy has caused an estimated loss of Rp 25–30 trillion annually for the national film industry. This significant challenge has reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening film distribution and the overall film ecosystem, including efforts to expand equitable access to cinema screens across Indonesia.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, bersama Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, dan jajaran Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif menghadiri Rapat Kerja (RAKER) bersama Komisi VII DPR RI dan insan asosiasi perfilman, Jakarta, Kamis (6/11/2025).
“The Ministry of Creative Economy is committed to strengthening the national film ecosystem through improving distribution access, copyright protection, capacity building for industry players, and fostering synergistic partnerships between film industries, digital platforms, and stakeholders to create an inclusive and competitive ecosystem,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya during a Working Meeting with Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and film association representatives at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (6/11).
Indonesia currently has 496 cinemas with 2,375 screens across 37 provinces. This number continues to grow each year toward the ideal national requirement. Indonesia’s ratio of cinema screens per 100,000 people stands at 0.76—still far behind Thailand (1.7), Malaysia (3.6), and Singapore (4.6).
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry reported that economic contributions from the cinema sector reach Rp 14 trillion in investment value, creating more than 30,000 jobs annually. Meanwhile, the film production sector contributes around Rp 1.5 trillion per year and plays a substantial role in strengthening the creative economy value chain.
The film ecosystem is divided into two major components: the development ecosystem and the creative ecosystem. The development ecosystem focuses on strengthening capacity-building and knowledge, including appreciation, education, and archiving. The creative ecosystem emphasizes the creation and value enhancement of intellectual property, covering production, distribution, and exhibition.
“This creative ecosystem aligns with the Ministry’s core mission—to facilitate the commercialization of creative works. Our main priority is converting creative content into economic value by supporting and enabling the commercialization of films as high-value intellectual property,” the Minister added.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
During the meeting, various stakeholders urged concrete measures to curb digital piracy through stronger regulations and law enforcement. Secretary General of the Indonesian Film Board (BPI), Judith J. Dipodiputro, highlighted that the film sector is a strategic industry requiring greater support from both the government and Parliament.
She noted that limited cinema screens in non-urban regions remain a major challenge, calling for policies to ease the establishment of new cinema networks in underserved areas. Judith also advocated for the creation of a dedicated film piracy task force under the Indonesian National Police.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“For example, the wildlife crime task force has been successful in protecting endangered species. A similar approach could be adopted to address copyright violations in the film industry. We need full support from Parliament and the government to ensure decisive enforcement against piracy,” she said.
Chair of the session and Deputy Chair of Commission VII DPR RI, Lamhot Sinaga, emphasized that the Commission urges the Minister to follow up on all recommendations presented by lawmakers. He stressed the importance of synergy between the government and national film stakeholders in producing works rooted in Indonesia’s cultural and local identities.
“Our goals and vision are aligned: to ensure Indonesian cinema grows stronger, healthier, and becomes a source of national pride. Most importantly, films must support government programs while remaining appealing to audiences,” Lamhot stated.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The national film industry continues to face major challenges, particularly from widespread digital piracy that results in substantial economic losses. According to data from the Indonesian Video Streaming Association (AVISI) and Pelita Harapan University (UPH), losses from online piracy of films and digital videos are estimated at Rp 25–30 trillion annually. This trend not only harms producers and creators but also hinders the overall growth of the industry.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The meeting was attended by the Chair of Commission VII DPR RI Saleh Partaonan Daulay, members of Parliament, and representatives of film associations. The Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Deputy Minister Irene Umar, Secretary to the Minister/Secretary General Dessy Ruhati, and echelon I and II officials of the Ministry.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
