As Jakarta gears up to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2027, notable figures in the film industry are setting ambitious goals for the capital. Jakarta Vice Governor and respected actor Rano Karno is spearheading efforts to transform the city into a filmmaking powerhouse. During a panel at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, Karno shared his vision of establishing Jakarta as a global hub for cinema, emphasizing the potential of “Jakarta: City of Cinema.” This initiative aims to boost Jakarta’s cultural and economic stature by making it a film-friendly city and positioning it on the international stage.
Anniversary Aspirations
Rano Karno highlighted the upcoming 500th anniversary of Jakarta as a pivotal moment to reframe the city’s identity. Speaking at the panel alongside industry leaders such as producer Andi Boediman and APROFI chair Edwin Nazir, Karno discussed how Jakarta’s cinematic landscape could be integral to its global image. Drawing parallels with Amsterdam’s extensive anniversary preparations, he advocated for a similar drive in Jakarta to transform it into a “City of Cinema.”
Cultivating a Film-Friendly Environment
Karno outlined a collaborative approach to achieve these ambitions. Engaging with international film festivals and forming strategic alliances with global entities like the Motion Pictures Association Asia-Pacific are part of the plan. Jakarta already hosts significant events such as Jakarta Film Week and Jakarta World Cinema, indicating a promising foundation for further development. By capitalizing on its status as the nation’s economic epicenter, Karno envisions a city where film production thrives.
Industry Insights and Challenges
Producer Andi Boediman provided insights into the Indonesian film industry’s evolving landscape. Highlighting a significant increase in local film market share—from 45% in 2019 to 65% recently—he stressed the importance of adapting policies to support this growth. Boediman also noted past policy changes, such as the 2016 Negative Investment List, which opened doors to foreign investment, as critical to expanding the industry’s reach.
The conversation also touched upon the fragmented nature of Indonesian film institutions. Boediman argued for a centralized local film commission to coordinate efforts, ensure continuity, and bolster the city’s reputation as a filmmaking hub. Such an infrastructure would align with Jakarta’s proposed film committee, aimed at enhancing regional production support.
A Vision for Jakarta’s Cinematic Future
Rano Karno’s vision for Jakarta as a “City of Cinema” represents a strategic push to intertwine film and culture into the fabric of everyday life. By building a robust film ecosystem, Jakarta can elevate its cultural profile and attract international filmmaking opportunities. This proactive approach, driven by industry collaboration and policy innovation, seeks to make Jakarta not only a celebration of its rich history but also a beacon for its future aspirations in the world of cinema.
