Netflix Provides IDR7.1 Billion Assistance For Indonesian Film Workers Affected By The Pandemic

Netflix announced a partnership with the Indonesian Film Agency (BPI) (photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Netflix has distributed aid funds worth US$500,000 or equivalent to Rp. 7.1 billion for Indonesian film and television workers affected by the pandemic. This fund is included in Netflix's global Hardship Fund worth 150 million US dollars or equivalent to Rp. 2.1 trillion.

The assistance was channeled in collaboration with the Indonesian Film Agency (BPI) to help the creative community get through difficult times, and most of it was distributed to film sector workers who were most affected.

This grant is expected to provide individual financial support for crew and freelancers in the Indonesian film and television industry who are experiencing difficulties during the pandemic and as short-term assistance to help meet basic living expenses.

"We express our appreciation to the Indonesian Film Agency (BPI) for collaborating with Netflix, as well as all BPI element organizations involved, so that the distribution of emergency aid funds for Indonesian film workers can be carried out," said Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesia on Netflix's official broadcast on Thursday, September 16.

"We hope that the synergy and support from all elements of Pentahelix (government, academics, business entities or actors, the community and the media) can create innovation and creativity in encouraging economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic," added Sandiaga, quoted from ANTARA.

In order to accelerate the recovery of the creative economy sector, especially the film sub-sector in 2021, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf will also implement the National Economic Recovery Program (PEN) for the Film Subsector through three schemes, namely the Indonesian Film Promotion Scheme, the Indonesian Film Production Scheme and the Indonesian Film License Purchase Scheme.

Through these programs, it is hoped that the Indonesian film industry can contribute to driving the economy, so that employment in the film industry and the film production cycle can resume.

Chairman of BPI, Chand Parwez Servia said he appreciated Netflix's support in helping Indonesian film workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We will prioritize workers who are most affected and most in need of assistance, also taking into account the financial struggle of the recipients," said Chand Parwez.

Meanwhile, Ruben Hattari, Director of Public Policy SEA, Netflix said the impact of the pandemic, which has not yet ended, is still being felt in Indonesia.

By channeling this grant and collaborating with BPI, Netflix hopes to provide support for the affected entertainment industry workers.

"Hopefully with the support during this difficult time they can get back to running creative projects soon," said Ruben.

BPI itself will form an independent committee involving 18 film professional associations to determine the film workers who will receive assistance. This committee will work from September to November 2021.