Messages from Deputy Minister of Culture

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Shalom
May peace and prosperity be upon us all
Om Swastiastu
Namo Buddhaya
Sending warm wishes,
Rahayu

With great pleasure and enthusiasm, I sincerely thank Yayasan Sinema Yogyakarta for expertly organizing the entire 19th Jogja NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF). As Indonesia’s largest film festival focused on developing Asian cinema, JAFF not only focuses on the development of Asian cinema but also significantly impacts the development of Indonesian cinema, becoming a platform for the intersection of various sectors, such as art, culture, creative economy, and tourism.

Through the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Prabowo Subianto has shown an unwavering commitment to preserving, developing, and utilizing our culture through films. The dedication ensures that films reflect our nation’s identity and serve as a powerful instrument for cultural diplomacy on the global stage. This commitment aligns with Law No. 33/2009 on Indonesian Film, which aims to enhance film education, increase film production and creation, strengthen film distribution and exhibition, and promote film appreciation, literacy, and archiving.

The growing public interest in Indonesian films, now reaching 68 million viewers, is evidence of the increasing quality of our films and has sparked greater enthusiasm among audiences. The Film Laboratory, a key player in this growth, has produced 42 feature-length screenplays (Indonesiana Film Masterclass), 18 short documentaries (Idoclab), and 49 short films from the Indonesiana Screen Production competition, all premiered at JAFF.

Since 2020, the Ministry of Culture has collaborated with JAFF to provide opportunities for Indonesian film screenings and to establish JAFF as a key industry event. It has become a hub and networking platform for the entire Indonesian film ecosystem, fostering growth and innovation within the industry. From 2020 to 2024, the JAFF program showcased 773 films from 114 countries, including 410 films from Indonesia, with 93,653 visitors. It not only demonstrates the strategic importance of JAFF but also its role as a barometer for Indonesian cinema, continuously followed by film professionals.

The 19th edition of JAFF is exceptional, as it marks the inaugural year of the JAFF Market, which brought together 100 agencies and production companies, 500 professionals, 200 invited educational institutions, and international delegates. It is a significant development, as the JAFF Market is one of the first film markets in Indonesia capable of uniting filmmakers with the industry. Several programs aligned with the Ministry of Culture’s goals were part of this, including the Industry Exhibition, JAFF Future Projects, JAFF Content Market, Talent Day, Young Filmmaker Lab, Company Showcase, Meet the Actor, Film Conference, Networking Events, and Market Screening Room.

This festival will contribute to the growth of the Indonesian film ecosystem and help bring Indonesian stories to the global stage. In line with Mr. Fadli Zon’s vision for the development, utilization, and guidance of culture—particularly in digital culture and the cultural economy—we recognize the importance of strengthening these sectors to enrich and advance our nation’s culture. Digital culture has become integral to daily life, and Indonesian cinema must evolve to keep pace with these changes. For this reason, we are committed to further developing digital platforms that support the distribution and appreciation of Indonesian films while strengthening the cultural economy based on digital creativity.

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Shalom
May peace and prosperity be upon us all
Om Swastiastu
Namo Buddhaya
Sending warm wishes,
Rahayu