KBRN, Hong Kong: Indonesia's film industry is entering a new golden era, gaining recognition on the global stage. This message was delivered by Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Dr. Fadli Zon, during his speech at Hong Kong FILMART 2025, Wednesday (19/3/2025).

Fadli Zon highlighted the theme "Boosting Connection: Indonesia’s BioCultural Diversity Fuels Creative Global Partnerships." He emphasized Indonesia’s growing influence in the international film industry and its potential to contribute to global creative collaborations.

At Asia’s largest film industry platform, Fadli Zon showcased the country’s cinematic achievements. These include rising audience numbers, increasing international recognition, and diverse storytelling inspired by Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

"Indonesia’s film industry has not just recovered from the pandemic—it has surged forward," said Fadli Zon.

In 2024, local films attracted over 81 million viewers, making up 67% of total cinema audiences in Indonesia, surpassing foreign films. Production numbers reflect this optimism, with more than 200 Indonesian films released in 2024. This growth demonstrates the industry’s vibrancy and the strong public interest in homegrown stories.

Indonesian films are also gaining increasing recognition abroad. In the past two years, 36 Indonesian films have been selected for major international festivals such as Venice, Berlinale, Tokyo, Rotterdam, and Busan.

Fadli Zon stressed that Indonesia aims to grow through cross-border partnerships, not in isolation. "We believe in collective progress, and collaboration with international film industries is essential for Indonesian cinema’s continued success," he said.

With a strong domestic market, talented filmmakers, and supportive policies, Indonesia is positioning itself as a key partner in the global film industry. The government is committed to fostering international co-productions, expanding distribution networks, and attracting investments.

The minister also expressed support for Indonesian filmmakers and production houses at Hong Kong FILMART 2025 through the Indonesia Pavilion. This platform provides them with an opportunity to showcase their projects, seek international collaborations, and gain global exposure.

Indonesia’s presence at the event highlights the country’s growing significance in the Asian film industry. It also opens doors for broader partnerships with global film stakeholders, reinforcing Indonesia’s role in the international cinema landscape.

"The time has come for Indonesian films to take a larger role globally," Fadli Zon concluded. "With strong government support, Indonesia is poised to become a major film hub in Asia, competing with top film-producing countries."

The future looks promising for Indonesia’s film industry as it strengthens its presence both at home and globally. By focusing on collaboration and innovation, Indonesian cinema is set to shine even brighter in the years to come.