Minister for Culture Urges Strengthening of National Film Ecosystem and Regulation
Indonesia’s Minister for Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon received a delegation from MD Entertainment led by film producer Manoj Punjabi at the Ministry of Culture office in Jakarta. The meeting discussed strengthening the national film ecosystem, regulatory support, and strategic collaboration between government and industry to advance Indonesian culture through film.
In his opening remarks, Fadli noted that the national film industry demonstrated excellent progress and required sustained support to maintain its momentum.
“Our film industry is strong, we must protect it. We also need to continue encouraging people to go to cinemas,” Fadli stated in a written statement on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Fadli emphasised the importance of strengthening balanced regulation to ensure industry sustainability whilst maintaining a healthy film ecosystem. According to Fadli, the success of the film industry is inseparable from the roles of producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, and all creative professionals who deliver quality content.
Fadli also highlighted the need to strengthen screenwriting quality through workshops and talent management, as well as identifying various bottlenecks in the industry.
Fadli revealed that during his meetings with several Indian filmmakers at the Waves event in India last May, the strength of Indian cinema lay in solid screenwriting and advanced digitalisation support. This experience served as a reflection to continue strengthening the competitiveness of Indonesian film. Furthermore, Fadli expressed appreciation for the increasing number of Indonesian films that authentically portray the realities of everyday life.
Fadli hoped that collaboration between government and industry could produce more films that not only entertain but also carry cultural missions, reflecting music, language, literature, oral traditions, rituals, manuscripts, and cultural expressions such as dance, fashion, and cuisine.
Meanwhile, film producer Manoj Punjabi expressed appreciation for Fadli’s support for the national film industry. Manoj asserted that Indonesian films over the past two years have successfully remained dominant at home and dominated the national box office.
“Indonesian film is advancing greatly and we have a mission for Indonesian film to remain the leading force in our own country. Film reflects our culture and also influences our culture,” said Manoj.
“Therefore, we must make films that are even better, filled with positive moral and cultural values,” he added.
According to Manoj, this meeting served as an opportunity for networking and sharing information regarding developments in the national film industry. Manoj hoped that government support would continue to strengthen so that Indonesian cinema becomes more competitive and strengthens the nation’s cultural identity.
The meeting affirmed the Ministry of Culture’s effort to continue synergising with film industry stakeholders in creating a healthy, sustainable ecosystem oriented towards advancing national culture, particularly for Indonesian cinema.