Why Allegations of Cinema Screen Monopoly Must Be Taken Seriously

Producer and screenwriter Hikmat Darmawan has responded to allegations of cinema screen monopoly in Indonesia raised by 786 Production’s Nicki RV. According to Hikmat, these allegations must be taken seriously to foster a healthier and fairer film industry.

He stated that monopolistic or dominant group control over cinema screen quotas would perpetuate a single market. In his view, Indonesia’s film industry requires a diverse market to become stronger and more equitable.

“The monopoly allegations must be taken seriously because we want things to improve. We need to engage with those severely harmed by this system and listen more. Creating sustainability and fairness requires a diverse market. The current practices allow dominance to persist,” Hikmat said when contacted by Republika on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Hikmat revealed that Nicki RV has long criticised the film release and screening system. He noted that several years ago, 786 Production sued XXI over limited screen time for the film “Uang Panai 2”.

“Pak Nicky has been raising this issue for a long time. There were multiple lawsuits against XXI regarding the limited screen allocation for ‘Uang Panai 2’. It seems concessions were made only after persistent complaints,” he said.

Hikmat stressed that Indonesia’s film industry, from market to infrastructure, is currently far from healthy. Therefore, critical voices like Nicki RV’s should not be dismissed.

“In an unhealthy industry like this, strong critical voices are necessary. Don’t gaslight them by dismissing them as ‘Oh PH messy, PH unclear, didn’t get a share’. That shouldn’t happen. I’m actually pleased to hear critical voices,” he said.