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)