DPR Supports Growth of National Film Industry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the DPR RI, Lamhot Sinaga, voiced support for the growth of the national film industry by attending the screening of the family film Antara Mama, Cinta dan Surga in Jakarta. Lamhot said films with themes of family values and spirituality are important for the development of Indonesia’s creative industry. A strong cinematic work in terms of storytelling that also upholds cultural values has great potential to attract broad public attention. ‘Film is not merely entertainment, but also a medium for cultural and moral education,’ Lamhot said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. The Chair of the Working Committee (Panja) on Film of Commission VII of the DPR RI assessed that the national film industry currently has great potential to grow. Appropriate policy support can strengthen the upstream-to-downstream creative ecosystem. ‘We need more film works capable of conveying messages of life in a way that touches and is relevant to society,’ he said. He noted that Commission VII of the DPR RI plays a strategic role in promoting policies that favour the development of the creative industry, including film. This is also related to the DPR’s working partnership with the Ministry of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, which is tasked with strengthening the national creative economy sector. He mentioned films that highlight the cultural wealth and natural beauty of Nusantara have added value for Indonesia. In addition to reinforcing cultural identity, film can also be an effective tourism promotion medium. According to him, there are many examples in various countries where a film can spur a surge in tourist visits to locations that serve as the backdrop of the story. A similar thing is believed to be possible in Indonesia if filmmakers increasingly highlight local potential in their works. ‘When a film showcases landscapes, culture, and the lives of local communities in an engaging way, it can spark public curiosity to visit the area directly,’ he said. The economic impact of this phenomenon, continued Lamhot, does not end at the tourism sector alone. The presence of tourists will also drive various sectors of the community’s economy, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). From the culinary sector, handicrafts, to local tourism services, there is potential for growth. In the long term, the multiplier effects of this film industry are seen as capable of strengthening regional economies. He added that support for national cinema must be carried out comprehensively. In addition to government policy, collaboration between filmmakers, industry players, investors, and the public as spectators is also required. According to him, the improvement in Indonesian film production quality in recent years deserves appreciation. Many young filmmakers are increasingly daring to explore social, cultural, and even spiritual themes with a more mature cinematic approach. The Antara Mama, Cinta, dan Surga film itself is viewed by Lamhot as an example of a work that places family values at the heart of the story. The theme is considered close to the realities of Indonesian life, which still uphold family ties and respect for parents. Lamhot hopes films with such strong storytelling approaches can continue to develop and gain public support. The success of national cinema, he said, ultimately depends on the public’s enthusiasm to watch it in cinemas. ‘The film industry is an important part of our creative economy. If supported together, not only will the filmmakers develop, but also the regional economy and Indonesia’s cultural identity will be elevated,’ he said. He also urged the public to be increasingly proud of national film works and to make them part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s creative ecosystem.