DPR's Commission VII backs film as a new economic instrument

Jakarta — Deputy Speaker Lamhot Sinaga of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives emphasised the need for government involvement in reviving the national film industry by making film a new economic instrument. ‘We in Commission VII are now committed to making film this new economic instrument. Imagine if film could be used as a new economic instrument, perhaps our APBN would be helped,’ he said in Jakarta on Saturday. He explained that Commission VII — which oversees industry, micro, small and medium enterprises, the creative economy, tourism, and publicity facilities — has formed the Working Committee (Panja) on Creativity and Distribution of National Film to formulate steps to revive the national cinema. This effort is expected to turn film production into a new economic sector that contributes to the APBN while also creating broad employment, not only for actors but also for support staff across fields. Lamhot added that film could become an indirect vehicle for promoting tourism. He cited the film Antara Mama, Cinta, dan Surga which shot on location around Lake Toba. ‘This also raises the potential of international as well as national destinations. For the diaspora, watching this film could move them emotionally to return home and contribute to tourism development,’ he said. However, Lamhot highlighted the imbalance in national film distribution. About 70 percent of cinemas are concentrated on Java, while communities in eastern Indonesia still struggle to access national films. ‘This is what we will push going forward to achieve parity. Regulations will be improved and simplified so producers are encouraged to make films,’ he said. Regarding the idea of a state cinema built by the National Film Production (PFN), Lamhot expressed support but stressed the importance of the concept ‘big screen for the people.’ Local government buildings, he said, can be used as screening venues so public access to national films becomes easier. ‘If regulatory and implementation synergies operate, film will become a new instrument for our economy and help the APBN,’ he concluded.