ER
IT IS hoped that the trial of opening cinemas in a number of areas that have implemented of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) Levels 2 and 3 can revive the economy of the country’s film industry players.
According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno explained that creative economy industry players, especially film, had a significant impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, so far, film has become a promising sub-sector in contributing to state revenues. It was recorded that the contribution of the film industry to the national gross domestic product (GDP) was IDR15 trillion in 2019.
“Hopefully the trial of opening this cinema can revive the cinema ecosystem and national films,” he said.
The implementation of health protocols in cinemas in accordance with interior ministry instructions (Inmendagri) Number 43 of 2021 has been carried out well. The health protocols that have been implemented, starting from scanning the QR code through the PeduliLindung application, using the hand sanitizer that has been provided and checking body temperature at the entrance of the cinema. Body temperatures above 37.3 degrees Celsius are not permitted and visitors are required to wear masks.
All these health protocols are carried out with physical distancing in accordance with the signs provided. The staff have also received full doses of vaccinations and are already using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and face shields.
Visitors who are allowed to enter the cinema are visitors who have received two doses of the vaccine and who are 12-60 years old. Then, the cinema seat capacity is only 50%, and visitors are not allowed to eat and drink while in the cinema area. Visitors are also advised to purchase tickets in advance online, to minimize touch-ups.
“Today we see for ourselves how cinemas have started to be tested with health protocols and the PeduliLindung application. We believe that if we apply health protocols, of course, more cinemas will be opened. For now, there are 1,164 screens that have been opened and we will do this trial in stages, stages, and continuously,” Sandiaga remarked.
As is known, the government is currently easing various community activities. One of them is by reopening cinemas whose operational permits have started since September 16, 2021. Of course, this trial is accompanied by evaluation stages that are carried out regularly. If there is a policy that can be relaxed, it will be considered.
“Like this refreshment, we will also evaluate, if there is an approval from the COVID-19 Task Force and friends from the health side, we will consider it for evaluation. The Ministry of Tourism itself is also trying to support the development of the film industry, especially during the pandemic through the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program, which is budgeted at around IDR 266 billion,” he said.
The PEN Film program is divided into three schemes, namely promotion schemes, license purchase schemes, and production schemes. The promotion scheme aims to help promote selected Indonesian films that will be screened (ready-to-air films). This year’s promotional scheme is intended for 40 feature films/widescreen films.
Then, the licensing purchase scheme, to give appreciation to Indonesian film owners and increase the availability of quality films. And, the production scheme is intended for the local short film or documentary community.
For the promotion scheme itself, registration has been opened starting from October 1-10, 2021. For more information, you can access filmmakers at Kemenparekraf.go.id. Meanwhile, the licensing purchase scheme and production scheme are still in the discussion stage.
“The hope is that this can move the film sector, and open up the widest possible employment opportunities,” Sandiaga concluded. [traveltext.id]
