Happy Eyes Filming Highlights Indonesia’s Push for Global Film Investment

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia continues to expand its role in the global film industry, with international productions increasingly seen as opening economic opportunities and strengthening the capabilities of local creative workers.

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya visited the set of the international film Happy Eyes at Taman Safari Indonesia in Cisarua, Bogor. The film is a collaboration between Moana Films of France and Indonesian production house Jungle Run Productions.

Filming for Happy Eyes took place entirely in Indonesia over about 40 days, with production centered at Taman Safari Bogor and Tanjung Lesung, Banten. The project involved around 40 foreign crew members and 180 Indonesian crew members.

“Indonesia wants to become increasingly open to film productions from various countries. Today we are witnessing a production team from France supported by the management of Taman Safari Indonesia, which has also been very supportive,” Minister Riefky said in a statement published on the ministry’s official website on Saturday, August 10, 2026.

He noted that Indonesia possesses strong assets for attracting global film productions, including natural resources, biodiversity, cultural diversity, and skilled local talent. International collaboration, he added, also facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology to the national film industry.

“Through collaboration, we not only promote Indonesia but also facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technology, and many other elements to support the Indonesian film industry as part of our diplomacy on the international stage,” he said.

The ministry believes international film production generates a multiplier effect for both regional and national economies, driving sectors such as lodging, hospitality, culinary services, MSMEs, transportation, logistics, and tourism.

Beyond production-related spending, international films can also introduce Indonesian destinations to global audiences, potentially increasing tourist arrivals after release.

The government views foreign film production as an opportunity to boost foreign direct investment in the film subsector. Support is provided through interagency coordination and facilitation of visas, permits, and the mobilization of production equipment.

“This is the government’s responsibility so that investment in the Indonesian film industry can continue to grow,” Minister Riefky said.

Happy Eyes Executive Producer Joe Yaggi said more than 200 crew members were involved in the production, with about 70 percent coming from Indonesia. He noted that the French team highly appreciated the skills of the local crew.

“I greatly appreciate the assistance from the Ministry of Creative Economy and all the ministries that helped us in making this film. The crew from France really enjoyed working with our crew and were very impressed with their work,” Joe said.

Taman Safari Indonesia CEO Aswin Sumampau added that the film’s production reinforces the institution’s conservation message. He said filmmaking can serve as a storytelling tool to promote conservation while supporting the growth of Indonesia’s creative economy. ***