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Indonesia's Cinema Soars: Local Films Dominate Box Office
1 Dec
Summary
- Indonesian films captured 65% of the national box office in 2024.
- Cinema admissions are projected to exceed 100 million in five years.
- Indonesia's film industry faces a 'missing link' due to absent distributors.
Indonesia's screen industry is embarking on a pivotal new era, with local films now driving audience numbers and investor interest. A recent study highlights the nation as the fastest-growing theatrical market in Southeast Asia and a dynamic player globally. Local productions captured 65% of the 2024 box office, with admissions projected to exceed 100 million in the next five years.
Despite this impressive growth, Indonesia remains significantly underscreened compared to its peak in the 1980s, with screens concentrated in Java and one major exhibitor dominating the market. This structural issue is compounded by the absence of a robust distributor layer, forcing producers to negotiate directly with exhibitors and bear all commercial risks.
The production landscape is also shifting, with new leaders emerging alongside established studios. Hybrid genres, particularly horror blended with comedy or drama, are proving popular, reflecting global trends. To sustain this momentum, the industry advocates for policy reforms, including modernizing film classification, expanding market access, and introducing incentives for investment.
