National Film Law Overhaul Urged to Unlock Funding for Regional Festivals

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The sustainability of Indonesia’s regional film festivals is under threat as industry experts warn that the current legal framework fails to provide a solid foundation for financial security. At the heart of the issue is the existing Film Law, which advocates argue sidelines festivals into a mere regulatory footnote, effectively blocking essential budget allocations from local administration.

Speaking during a virtual dialogue titled Revision of the Film Law: Literacy and Appreciation on Friday, April 17, 2026, Jakarta Film Week Festival Director Rima Damayanti highlighted the precarious legal standing of these events. She pointed out that festival regulations are currently buried within a sub-article of Article 55 under Chapter 9, which focuses on film appreciation.

"Festivals in the Law are only written in one sub-article; they don't even constitute their own clause. This is a very weak foundation," said Rima.

She emphasized that this legislative ambiguity creates a ripple effect, making it difficult for organizers to secure consistent funding from both central and regional authorities. Without a stronger mandate, local administrations rarely prioritize film festivals in their annual budgets.

The burden currently falls heavily on the central government, which Rima noted cannot indefinitely sustain every regional event across the archipelago. She argued that a legislative upgrade is the only way to compel local leaders to step up.

"If festivals are strengthened within the Law, it will become a clear mandate for local administration to allocate budgets," she explained.

Currently, many regional administrations view film festivals as minor activities, often equating them to one-off workshops rather than vital engines for cultural and economic growth.

Rima cited Yogyakarta as a prime example of how a robust festival scene can transform a city into a major industry hub. By revising the Law, she believes other regions could follow suit.

"This needs to be understood so that other local administration support film festivals to strengthen industrial development. If these festivals are strong within the Law, then strong industries will follow," added Rima.

Acknowledging these systemic gaps, the Ministry of Culture has signaled plans to adjust the distribution of financial support for regional festivals as part of a broader push to bolster the national film ecosystem. However, officials admit that the current policy landscape remains uphill for those on the ground.

Director General of Cultural Development, Utilization, and Management at the Ministry of Culture, Ahmad Mahendra, noted that while some support exists, many regions, even major cities, are struggling to keep their cinematic traditions alive.

"The policies are still very insufficient to support regional festivals, they are already gasping for air. We have to make our own efforts, and even then, supporting films is a monumental struggle," said Rima. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)

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