JAKARTA - The Bengkulu Provincial Government encourages films based on local culture as a strategy to strengthen regional identity. This spirit is expressed in a dialogue between Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan at the Ministry of Culture Building, Monday, January 12.
Menbud emphasized that Bengkulu has cultural treasures and historical assets that need to be utilized to the fullest. According to him, museums and cultural parks should not stop being passive showcases, but must become living spaces that drive the local cultural economy and creativity.
"Cultural heritage can become a center for cultural activities, creative economy, tourism, and even culinary. That can only happen if it is managed seriously," said Menbud Fadli in a written statement.
Governor Helmi Hasan welcomed the encouragement. He assessed that culture is the foundation of regional dignity, but so far Bengkulu - including Enggano Island - has still escaped the national spotlight. The Bengkulu Provincial Government has also encouraged concrete cooperation to raise the wealth of culture through films.
This issue was emphasized by producer Anggit Dhanurendra from JFS Creative Studio. He said that many foreign film productions use Indonesian locations without presenting local identity, so that the cultural narrative is actually sidelined.
"We want to turn things around. Bengkulu has a strong and authentic story for the big screen," said Anggit.
He explained two film projects, Enggano: Cinta Sesempurna Impian and Jejak Merah Putih, which highlighted the culture of Enggano and the story of Fatmawati as a Red and White Flag tailor. The film was directed as a cultural tool and Bengkulu destination branding.
In response to this, Fadli reminded that films are effective in introducing areas, but the quality of the story is the main determinant. "Without a strong scenario, the film is just a showcase. The message of the culture does not come through," he said.
The Ministry of Culture encourages the gradual strengthening of the Bengkulu creative ecosystem, including short film festivals, documentaries, and the involvement of young filmmakers so that local narratives grow from the region itself. He expressed his optimism that Bengkulu can develop as one of the centers for strengthening regional culture in Indonesia. "I believe that with good collaboration between the central government, regions, and cultural actors, Bengkulu can further advance its culture," concluded the Minister of Culture.
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