Cinema Schedule Controversy: Producer Accuses Monopoly, Expert Claims System is Open

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Producer and owner of 786 Production, Nicki R.V, raised concerns over alleged cinema scheduling monopolies during a hearing with the House of Representatives’ Commission VII on Wednesday (20 May 2026). In the forum, Nicky accused major production houses of monopolising and dominating national cinema screening quotas.

He stated that large production companies like MD Entertainment release 8-9 films annually in cinemas, while Starvision releases up to 11. He deemed this highly unfair.

“The big production houses dominate cinema scheduling, creating a very unhealthy ecosystem. Companies like MD Entertainment release 8-9 films a year, Starvision 11, and others,” Nicki said, quoted from TV Parlemen’s YouTube channel.

He also revealed that 786 Production and dozens of smaller production houses feel disadvantaged by current monopolistic practices, with their films often receiving limited release dates, sparse scheduling, or no screening quotas at all.

“Today, 60 people actually wanted to come here, sir. Many small production houses feel wronged; they’re being pushed to the margins. Even when they get screening slots, it’s usually on dead dates,” Nicki said.

Nicki has been in Indonesia’s film industry for nearly 45 years, primarily in Makassar, comparing the current situation to the era of conventional cinemas before modern chains like Cinema XXI emerged.