Ramadan Effect! Cinema Occupancy Falls 50%, New Film Releases Delayed

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The holy month of Ramadan again brings a seasonal pattern to Indonesia’s cinema industry. Seat occupancy has fallen compared with ordinary months, particularly in the hours leading up to iftar or ngabuburit.

GPBSI’s General Chairman Suprayitno said this phenomenon is not new and always occurs every year when Ramadan arrives.

“Actually, as usual, during Ramadan occupancy tends to fall. It’s already become an annual pattern,” Suprayitno told CNBC Indonesia, quoted on Thursday (4 March 2026).

The decline is even significant compared with regular months. He said the gap can reach half of normal attendance.

“It can be 50% lower than in normal months,” he said.

It’s not only factors of society focusing on religious observance; film distributor strategies also influence. Many film owners choose to postpone the release of major titles until after Ramadan to avoid the risk of weak audiences.

According to him, the lack of marquee films during this period also reduces cinema appeal from daytime to afternoon.

Nevertheless, evening screening times remain the prime draw. This pattern occurs both during Ramadan and outside Ramadan.

“Overall, the afternoon and evening times are busier, whether it’s Ramadan or not. Because the early hours are for work and school,” he explained.

During Ramadan, the surge in viewers is seen after breaking fast until tarawih prayers are finished. Conversely, ngabuburit hours tend to be quiet because they coincide with office and school activities.

He added that some cinema operators even adjust operations by reducing the number of studios open at midday as a cost-saving measure.

“In addition to efficiency, audiences are also fewer. So operators adjust the number of screens in operation,” he said.

Nevertheless, Suprayitno emphasised that cinemas remain a relatively safe and affordable entertainment option for the public during Ramadan.

“During Ramadan, cinema is the safest form of entertainment. People still come to watch, especially if the film is interesting,” he concluded.