Fadli Zon: Two-SIDE Film And Journalistism From One Currency

Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon (doc Kemenbud)

JAKARTA Minister of Culture Fadli Zon calls film and journalism as two sides of one currency. Both, he said, have the same moral responsibility in raising public awareness and enriching public insight.

This statement was made by Fadli while attending the 2025 Journalist Film Festival Award Festival (FFW) in Jakarta, Saturday, November 9 evening. The event, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture, has become a place of respect for the work and service of film people and journalists who play a role in building the national film ecosystem.

FFW is not only a celebration of cinema, but also an acknowledgment of the historical network between the world of Indonesian journalism and cinema," said Fadli.

He emphasized that the long history of Indonesian films cannot be separated from the role of journalists. Since the time of the struggle for independence, the two of them have been going hand in hand to tell the story of the nation. The figure of Usmar Ismail was called a symbol of a close connection between journalism, culture and cinema.

'History notes, Indonesian films were born from journalists' pens. Usmar Ismail is a witness, a journalist and director who makes films a tool of struggle,' said Fadli.

Fadli also highlighted the rapid progress of the national film industry. He assessed that positive growth needs to be maintained through the collaboration of filmmakers, writers, players, and journalists. The film industry is an important pillar of our culture. I hope this growth will be sustainable with the support of all parties," he said.

In his remarks, Fadli expressed his appreciation for the achievements of Indonesian films at various international festivals such as Busan, Rotterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong, and Cannes. According to him, this achievement shows the competitiveness of Indonesian film people at the world level, in line with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution to advance national culture.

This year's FFW award night was also attended by the President of Timor Lestewas Ramos-Horta who was the guest of honor. Fadli called his presence a symbol of cultural friendship between Indonesia and Timor Leste. He also announced the plan to build the Indonesian Friendship Museum "Timor Leste" at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.

"Hopefully on the next visit, President Ramos-Horta can be present to inaugurate this museum together," he said.

Meanwhile, FFW Chairman Benny Benke said this year's festival curated more than 150 national films from various genres. FFW gives awards to film actors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for prominent press figures and film people," said Benny.

On the award night, Acha Septriasa, Fedi Nuril, Mawar De Jongh, Omara Esteghlal, Sheila Dara Aisha, and Ringgo Agus Rahman won the main awards in the horror, comedy and drama categories. Christine Hakim and Ipik Tanoyo received a Life Service Award, while the film Siapa Dia received a Special Jury Award.

The event was lively with the presence of national film figures such as Christine Hakim, Slamet Rahardjo, and Garin Nugroho, as well as officials from the Ministry of Culture.

Closing the event, Fadli Zon emphasized that the Journalist Film Festival is a tangible form of collaboration between the media, film actors, and the government in advancing national culture.