12th Anniversary, DFI And Film Stakeholders Discuss Cinema Expansion To Watch Programs

12th Anniversary (Virgi/VOI)

JAKARTA The film lover and observer community, DemiFilm Indonesia (dFI), even 12 years old is an important momentum to strengthen national film synergy as well as campaign for independent censorship culture.

The event, which began with a joint prayer for Sumatra and all residents of DFI, reflected the solidarity of the community's extended family.

Chairman of the DemiFilm Indonesia Foundation (YDFI), Yan Widjaja, in his remarks expressed his gratitude for the journey of more than a decade of dFI.

According to him, DFI has now transformed more than just a community, but has become a big family that oversees various elements, ranging from stakeholders of the Indonesian Film Agency (BPI), producers, directors, journalists, to Key Opinion Leader (KOL).

"Synergy and collaboration are real from time to time. Now dFI is 12 years old. In addition to the #ThursdayKeBioskop campaign and ticket reports, our program has developed from B2S to B3S (Bincang-Bincang Budaya Sinema) which will be present in 9 cities in 2025, including plans for visits to schools in Banten this December," said Yan Widjaja at the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) office, Monday, December 8.

The discussion event hosted by the Secretary General of YDFI, Kak Arul, presented keynote speakers Dr. Naswardi from LSF and Dr. Syaifullah as Director of FMS Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.

Dr. Naswardi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the LSF and the Association of Indonesian Cinema Entrepreneurs (GPBSI), director associations, and producers.

"LSF needs collaboration. Hopefully this synergy will continue," he said.

On this occasion, the Chairman of the GPBSI, Suprayitno, explained optimistic data regarding the growth of the big screen in Indonesia. He projects cinema growth of 8-10% until the end of 2025 and continues to 2026.

"From 502 cinemas, it will increase by 3 to 505 cinemas, growing evenly throughout the archipelago. GPBSI is very open to additional cinemas, especially since licensing is now very easy and the Negative Investment List (DNI) has been widely opened. Foreign investors from America, Korea, Japan, Brazil, or India are very possible to enter," explained Suprayitno.

In terms of content, Ivan Bandhito who represents IKJ directors and alumni emphasized that the competence of Indonesian film human resources is worldwide.

This is supported by Budi Yulianto, Executive Producer of MBK Production, who introduced a series of their films for 2026, such as Ghost Soccer, The Bell, as well as Worship and Love.

Interestingly, Budi made a unique proposal to the government. "I propose that apart from having a nutritious breakfast program, there is also a program to watch educational films and families on weekends," he suggested.

This idea was greeted enthusiastically by Yan Widjaja who saw the potential of public spaces such as Sarinah or modern retail outlets (Indomaret/Alfamidi) to be transformed into mini cinemas at affordable ticket prices for the public.

Dandhy Laksono, a documentary designer (WatchDoc), was also present as a panelist. The figure behind Dirty Vote stated that it is possible to enter the film feature cinema if there are producers who are interested.

Dandhy also gave his views on censorship. "Indonesia still needs an LSF as a value guard, morals, and the future of children and families. Frankly, I am more afraid of being disqualified or being rejected by YouTube," he joked, which was greeted by laughter from the audience.

Dandhy admits that he is proud that the documentary is now increasingly being taken into account in the national film ecosystem through containers such as dFI.