Few Indonesians are interested in showbiz
Few Indonesians are interested in showbiz
JAKARTA (JP): A prominent businessman urged the government to
recognize the potential of the entertainment business and to
create a conducive climate to encourage the growth of this
industry.
Speaking at a one-day seminar on how to manage the
entertainment industry in Indonesia, Jaya Suprana mentioned that
few local businessmen are willing to invest in "show business"
because of the high risks involved.
The government can help local promoters and impresarios by
simplifying the licensing procedures and providing
adequate facilities including well-equipped convention halls, he
said.
The entertainment field was previously opened for every
individual or company that could obtain permission from the Bakin
internal security agency. But beginning in l990, the Directorate
General of Tourism took over Bakin's job of issuing the permits
and registering entertainment organizers.
Until last year, Indonesia only had 12 registered convention
organizers and show promoters.
Suprana, who is also a well-known musician, pointed out that
the government's efforts are not enough to boost the industry.
Local businessmen must improve their expertise and management
skills and should be more professional in their endeavors.
Indonesia, he said, has many talented musicians, singers and
entertainers. Yet, they have no professional managers to take
care of their businesses, including promotion and dealing with
financial contracts.
"We should admit that we are not yet professional in
entertainment compared to our counterparts in the United States
and other western countries. Don't hesitate to learn positive
things from them," Suprana told the seminar's participants.
The seminar, jointly organized by PT HM Sampoerna and the
Indonesian Business Development Foundation (YPBI), was aimed at
providing a forum for local and international entertainment
businessmen, the government and mass media to exchange their
views, Ditta Amahorseya of PT HM Sampoerna said.
The seminar was held yesterday at the World Trade Center
Atrium, Jakarta.
Second-class
Sharing his own experience as one of Malaysia's noted
impresarios, Mike Chin said that show business in Asia is still
regarded as a second-class industry.
"It was very hard to convince the Malaysian government of the
importance of this business in creating the country's image and
in opening a wide opportunity to absorb the work force," Chin
said.
Sofyan Ali, president of AIRO Promotion, commented that in
Indonesia, show business is considered a "prestigious project."
Many entertainment companies have suffered great financial
losses by organizing events with international musicians, but
they have been proud that they could invite stars, including
Sting, Natalie Cole and Deep Purple, to Indonesia.
The companies usually compensated their losses with income
from sponsors or from other resources.
Individuals or companies successfully bringing superstars here
will gain a reputation of being "bona fide" entertainment
organizers, Ali explained.
"Once you are regarded as a credible organizer, every world
agency will trust you, and you'll get big projects. In
entertainment, a good name is more significant than financial
profits," Ali maintained. (raw)