Igniting Creativity: Jakarta's Strategic Leap into Global Film Production

A New Era for Jakarta's Film Industry: Unveiling Comprehensive Incentives

During a significant appearance at the APOS conference in Bali, Jakarta's Vice Governor, Rano Karno, unveiled an extensive six-point plan aimed at positioning Indonesia's capital as a premier destination for film and television production. Concurrently, discussions were held with top Netflix executives to explore avenues for expanding the streaming giant's footprint and content creation within the city.

Boosting Local Production: The Tax Rebate Cornerstone

Central to Jakarta's new initiative is an attractive tax rebate program, slated for official launch on June 26th. This program will offer eligible national film productions a substantial tax refund of up to 50% on expenses incurred within Jakarta. Karno emphasized that this measure extends beyond mere cost reduction; it's designed to empower producers to reinvest in future projects, foster business growth, and generate a wider array of narratives.

Streamlining Operations: A Unified Permitting System for Filmmakers

To simplify the production process, Jakarta is introducing a unified permissions platform, aptly named “Filming in Jakarta.” This innovative system will replace the current multi-office approval structure with a single, dedicated team responsible for coordinating all aspects of production, from securing filming locations to managing traffic and security. According to Karno, the primary objective is to minimize waiting times and confusion, allowing creators more time to focus on their artistic endeavors.

Enhanced Resources and Talent Development: Building a Robust Ecosystem

Productions will gain access to a vast network of government-owned sites, cultural landmarks, and venues at preferential rates, complemented by support for transportation and accommodation. The “Jakarta Film Lab” initiative will spearhead talent development, offering specialized training, mentorship, and certification programs for a diverse range of film professionals, including writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and crew members. Furthermore, the city plans to invest in infrastructure by attracting additional studios, sound stages, animation facilities, VFX companies, and post-production houses. Karno articulated a clear vision: to establish Jakarta as a self-sufficient production hub where every stage of filmmaking, from conceptualization to final delivery, can be seamlessly executed with sustainability, efficiency, and world-class standards.

Economic Prosperity Through Creative Industries: A Ripple Effect

Karno highlighted the far-reaching economic benefits of a thriving film industry. He pointed out that every production not only creates job opportunities for actors and crew but also stimulates growth across various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, local businesses, and communities. He asserted that a flourishing creative industry directly contributes to the overall prosperity of Jakarta's populace.

Personal Commitment and Vision: A Filmmaker's Homecoming

Drawing from his own experiences, having begun his career as a child actor at the age of nine, Karno conveyed a deep personal connection to the initiative. He remarked from the APOS stage that he felt more akin to being among friends than a government official at an industry event, emphasizing a sense of 'home.' He articulated that the six initiatives collectively form a singular vision: to simplify production, reduce costs, encourage investment, nurture talent, strengthen infrastructure, and unlock economic opportunities.

Deepening Ties with Netflix: Future Collaborations

Prior to the conference, Karno engaged in discussions with key Netflix executives, including Ruben Hattari, Director of Public Policy for Asia Pacific; Andrew Ure, VP Asia Pacific; and Sung Q. Lee, Senior Director of Production. These talks focused on strengthening their existing relationship. Netflix recently completed filming for its original feature “Tygo: Extraction” in Jakarta's Kota Tua district, a project spanning approximately 50 days in early 2026. Plans are underway for at least three more Netflix films and series to be produced in Jakarta. The Jakarta provincial government also revealed a joint initiative with Netflix to establish a human resources training program specifically for the local film industry.

An Invitation to Innovate: The Jakarta Film Summit

Karno extended an invitation to Netflix to participate in the upcoming Jakarta Film Summit, scheduled for October. He urged them to bring their creative concepts and narratives, positioning Jakarta as the ideal location to bring these stories to fruition. His overarching message was a call to collaborate in building Jakarta into a vibrant, competitive, and welcoming global hub for the film industry.