Indonesian Cinema Gains Ground, Eyes Global Recognition

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s film industry is strengthening its position at home while expanding its presence on the international stage, as local productions continue to attract a growing share of domestic audiences. The trend reflects the increasing competitiveness of Indonesian cinema and the country's efforts to elevate its cultural influence globally.

Speaking at the press conference for the Festival Film Indonesia 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Culture Minister Fadli Zon, said Indonesian films have increasingly become the preferred choice among local audiences. He noted that the industry has achieved a significant milestone after years of competing with foreign productions in the domestic market.

“Today, Indonesians prefer watching Indonesian films. Their market share in cinemas has reached around 67 percent,” Fadli said. He described the figure as a major achievement for the national film industry and a sign of growing public confidence in local productions.

Despite the progress, he acknowledged that access to cinemas remains uneven across the country. He said expanding cinema infrastructure would be crucial to ensuring more Indonesians can enjoy domestic films.

“Many regions still do not have cinema screens. This remains one of our challenges, and we need greater investment in cinemas so that more people can watch Indonesian films,” he said.

The Minister said the 2026 Festival Film Indonesia marks an important moment to celebrate the growth of Indonesian cinema and strengthen the country’s film ecosystem. He added that films serve not only as entertainment but also as a medium for preserving collective memory, understanding the past, and imagining the future.

This year’s festival carries the theme “Askala: Indonesian Cinematic Works” and the tagline “The Light That Remembers.” According to him, the theme highlights light as a symbol of knowledge, hope, and memory that connects generations through storytelling.

He said visual storytelling has long been embedded in Indonesia’s cultural traditions, even before the arrival of modern filmmaking technology. Traditional shadow puppet performances, or wayang, for example, used the light of a blencongoil lamp to bring stories and moral lessons to life.

According to the minister, modern cinema continues that legacy by using film as a tool to capture social realities and celebrate Indonesia’s cultural diversity. He said cinema plays a strategic role in strengthening national identity while introducing Indonesia’s rich heritage to global audiences.

Fadli also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Indonesian filmmakers in international competitions and festivals. The initiative is part of broader efforts to increase the visibility of Indonesian films worldwide.

“Indonesian films must become more visible internationally. That is why we support filmmakers in participating and competing in major international film festivals,” he said.

He cited events such as the Cannes Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Busan International Film Festival, and Shanghai International Film Festival as important platforms for showcasing Indonesian cinema. He added that collaboration among government institutions, film communities, industry players, and private stakeholders will be essential to strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global film industry.