Culture Ministry Launches 2026 Indonesian Heroic Narrative Film Programme
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Culture has initiated the Indonesian Heroism Narrative Film Production Programme for 2026 as an effort to encourage cinematic works depicting the struggle to defend Indonesia’s independence during the 1945-1950 period.
“The aim is to educate, especially the younger generation, about history, about heroism, and the struggles of the nation’s figures, whether central figures or figures in other fields who fought physically or through diplomacy,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.
The programme, carrying the theme “Weaving Memory, Nurturing Nationhood: Reviving the Historical Events of 1945-1950 in Contemporary Cinema”, was launched as part of a competition expected to attract many filmmakers, involving historians who will serve as consultants or resource persons, as well as experienced jurors.
For the feature film category, participants are given the freedom to explore various figures, events, and social dynamics of the independence struggle era through various genres.
Meanwhile, the short film category focuses on a number of historical events designated as starting points for story development, such as the Rengasdengklok Affair, the Proclamation of Independence, the Battle of Surabaya on 10 November, the Dutch Military Aggressions, General Soedirman’s Guerrilla Campaign, the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI), and the diplomatic and economic struggles of the early republic.
Beyond funding support, the programme will also accompany participants from the script refinement stage, consultations with historians and cultural figures, through to production assistance from film industry professionals.
“This programme is designed not only as a film production facility, but also as a space for collaboration between film industry practitioners and historians, academics, archivists, screenwriters, producers, directors, and film practitioners,” said Irini Dewi Wanti, Director of Film, Music and Arts at the Directorate General of Development, Utilisation and Guidance of the Ministry of Culture.
Through this collaboration, it is hoped that each work will possess good artistic quality while also having a strong historical foundation. Irini also ensured that all stages would be carried out openly, professionally, and with a focus on the quality of the works.
The programme launch will take place on 9 July 2026, followed by the opening of the competition from 10 July to 10 August 2026 via the official website filmkepahlawanan.id. Selected proposals will be announced in August 2026, followed by a development stage from August to September 2026, before entering the production process until the end of 2026.