Ensure The Safety From COVID-19 When Watching In Cinema, Sandiaga Uno Runs #KembaliKeBioskop Campaign

Sandiaga Uno (Photo: kemenparekraf.go.id)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Agency for Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) launched a campaign #KembaliKeBioskop. In support, The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/ Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno was present at the cinema to reassure the public that cinemas are safe from the spread of COVID-19.

The #KembaliKeBioskop campaign was marked by the holding of watching together of Kartini: Princess of Java, at Metropole XXI, Central Jakarta, Monday, April 12. This is certainly done with strict and disciplined CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) health protocols.

Health protocol standards in cinemas have been well implemented, seen from body temperature checks at the entrance, ticket queues, cashless payment of food and beverages, and information boards. All these processes have been done with good physical distancing. This includes the availability of hand sanitizer at every corner, and the readiness of cinema staff complete with personal protective equipment, such as wearing gloves, masks, and face shields.

"Today is the embodiment of our passion to restart the activities of watching in the cinema. It is also a step to convey to friends that the government is present to start the #KembaliKeBioskop movement. And make sure that the cinema is safe, comfortable with the application of health protocols in terms of CHSE", said Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.

As is known, in March 2020, all cinemas in the country must be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after the reopening of the cinema on February 23, 2021, the Indonesian film managed to attract 390.409 viewers in theaters. Although it has not fully recovered, the Minister remains optimistic that this number will continue to move up and the number of Indonesian moviegoers will rise even better.

Sandiaga Uno hopes this campaign can stretch the wheels of the economy of the country's film industry players.

"We have to re-squirm the Indonesian film industry because this film is one of the identities of the nation. People have also longed to be able to return to the cinema. Hopefully, the film industry that in 2019 had a rise with 52 million moviegoers, but immediately decreased in 2020, can rise again and hopefully can add multiplier effect", said Sandiaga Uno.

Health protocol standards in cinemas have been well implemented, seen from body temperature checks at the entrance, ticket queues, cashless payment of food and beverages, and information boards. All these processes have been done with good physical distancing. This includes the availability of hand sanitizer at every corner, and the readiness of cinema staff complete with personal protective equipment, such as wearing gloves, masks, and face shields.

MD Entertainment producer Manoj Punjabi welcomed the #KampanyeKeBioskop move. The campaign is in line with the efforts of each producer who has their own strategy and desire in generating the country's film industry, but objectively what is currently needed is the promotion of quality films, films that have the potential to produce box office work, so it is expected to attract the public to watch in theaters.

"If we do not move quickly, over time all films can move to OTT. For that, I want the cinema to come back to life soon. I think with the support of the government to conduct promotions through the #KembaliKeBioskop movement, the industry will soon come back to life", Manoj said.