Sleman Regency strengthens film industry ecosystem as creative economy pillar

The Sleman Regency Government in the Special Region of Yogyakarta has affirmed its commitment to strengthening the film, animation, and video industry ecosystem as a primary pillar of creative economy development based on inclusivity and global competitiveness. The commitment aligns with Sleman Regency’s success in passing the initial national selection to become part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the film category. Sleman Regent Harda Kiswaya said Sleman has a very strong foundation and expressed optimism that the film, animation, and video industry will not only produce works but also provide tangible benefits for driving the economy and reducing educated unemployment. Harda noted that the open unemployment rate in Sleman Regency, currently around five per cent, is one of the challenges being targeted through optimisation of the creative economy sector. As a concrete step to build an inclusive ecosystem, the Sleman Regency Government has allocated a budget of more than Rp13 billion through the Sleman Pintar programme for the 2022-2025 period. The programme targets nearly 500 high school and vocational school graduates, particularly from underprivileged families, to receive training and education in film, animation, and video. Supporting infrastructure is also being strengthened through optimisation of Studio Alam Gamplong, Sleman Creative Space at Taman Kuliner Caturtunggal, Taman Budaya Sleman, as well as plans to establish a Regional Film Commission to facilitate investment and production. The Sleman area has also become a regular filming location for various national feature films, such as Bumi Manusia, Ada Apa dengan Cinta? 2, and KKN di Desa Penari, and hosts the international Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival. Head of the Sleman Tourism Office Edy Winarya said Sleman has been designated as a Creative Regency/City in the film, animation, and video subsector since 2023 based on a decree from the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. Sleman Regional Secretary Abu Bakar added that Sleman’s physical and non-physical potential is recorded as very massive to support the cinema production climate. Sleman currently has 16 film communities, more than nine registered animation studios, 24 film production locations, five cinemas, and three local television stations. Beyond the registered data, there are many freelance creative workers in animation and video in education centre areas such as Depok and Condongcatur.