Foreword by the Minister of Culture

Two decades of the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) stand as proof of its commitment and consistency in maintaining a space for cultural dialogue through cinema. Since its inception in 2006, JAFF has transformed into a celebration of Asian cinema, as well as a platform for the exchange of ideas, expressions, and human values that enrich our cultural heritage. The 20th edition marks a significant milestone: twenty years of a festival that emerged from a community spirit, evolved into a cultural institution, and now stands as one of the most influential film festivals in Asia.

“Transfiguration,” this year’s theme, reflects the growth and change in our culture and cinema ecosystems. It highlights how creativity and cinematic innovation become more adaptive and impactful, shaping Indonesia’s cultural landscape. This year, JAFF is larger and more diverse. The program features 227 films from 43 countries. The number of submitted entries reached 894, surpassing last year’s total. This growth reflects the positive dynamics of the Indonesian and Asian film ecosystems, as well as the international community’s increasing trust in Indonesia’s curatorial quality and cultural environment.

Indonesia is a nation with immense cultural wealth. We are a mega-diverse country, home to 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 regional languages. Thousands of cultural expressions that thrive and evolve from Sabang to Merauke and Miangas to Rote Island. In this regard, cinema plays a strategic role in showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture, from local traditions and languages to artistic expressions that flourish across the archipelago. Beyond being a mirror of identity and a guardian of the nation’s collective memory, cinema also fosters cultural pride and nationalism, enabling the younger generation and broader society to better understand, appreciate, and take pride in Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

I hope more films by Indonesian filmmakers will highlight our cultural wealth. These films can shine on both the national and international stages. They introduce Indonesia’s values, traditions, and identity, serving as a form of cultural diplomacy. This also affirms Indonesia’s position in the world as a country that is rich in culture, creativity and local wisdom.

Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the Ministry of Culture is committed to preserving and utilising Indonesia’s heritage. This goal is to strengthen our identity, foster unity, and contribute to the advancement of world civilization. This is in line with Article 32, paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution: The state must promote national culture in world civilization and guarantee the people’s freedom to develop their cultural values.

Through the Directorate General of Cultural Development, Utilization, and Guidance, especially the Directorate of Film, the Ministry of Culture works to strengthen the foundations and governance of the national film industry. We aim to develop a focused, integrated, and sustainable industry. This will help Indonesian cinema grow as both a cultural force and a pillar of national development.

Looking ahead, we must view culture not only as a legacy, but also as a future. Culture starts upstream and channels values, stories, and wisdom downstream into tourism, creative industries, design, technology, and digital ecosystems. “Culture for the Future” means culture is dynamic and transformative. It shapes Indonesia’s development. Amidst rapid globalization and technological advancements, we must not lose sight of one thing: culture as the compass of civilization.

With inclusive cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia will become a hub of world culture. We will also build a global cultural economic powerhouse. In this context, JAFF concretely demonstrates how collaboration between the government, communities, and the public brings cultural values to life through innovation and sustainable collective efforts.

The Ministry of Culture expresses its appreciation to all parties who have contributed to maintaining the consistency and integrity as it enters its second decade. Let this festival remain a space for cultural transfiguration, turning knowledge into wisdom, works into inspiration, and encounters into bridges between nations. Congratulations on the 20th JAFF, a festival that Indonesian filmmakers launched to put Indonesia on the global cinema stages. Let Asian and Indonesian cinema continue to illuminate our understanding of the world through beauty, diversity, and empathy.

Let us actively preserve our culture and build a more creative, advanced, and competitive Indonesia. Let us protect, nurture, and advance our culture, because a great nation never forgets its roots.