Jakarta - In a significant move for the creative economy, Defense Minister and President-Elect Prabowo Subianto has given a fresh directive to the state-owned enterprise, Danantara. He has instructed the company, which operates under the Defense Ministry, to design and prepare a new business scheme for cinema operations across Indonesia. This instruction is seen as a strategic effort to revitalize the national film industry and strengthen the ecosystem of the creative sector.
The order was delivered directly by Prabowo to the leadership of Danantara. He emphasized the importance of this initiative as part of broader national development, extending beyond defense and security matters. The President-Elect believes that a healthy and thriving cinema industry is crucial for cultural development and national prestige.
This directive signals a potential expansion or reorientation of Danantara's business portfolio. Previously known for its involvement in strategic defense industries and supporting activities, the company is now tasked with entering the public entertainment and cultural sphere. Analysts suggest this could involve managing cinema chains, developing content distribution platforms, or investing in film production infrastructure.
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The national cinema industry has faced considerable challenges in recent years, particularly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cinema chains struggled with declining audiences and financial sustainability. Government intervention through a state-owned enterprise is viewed as a potential stabilizing force that could provide a new business model for recovery and growth.
Industry observers have welcomed the initiative but also call for careful planning. The success of this scheme will depend on a clear and sustainable business plan that can compete with existing private players. Collaboration with filmmakers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the film ecosystem will be essential to ensure the model supports the entire industry chain.
From a macroeconomic perspective, this move is interpreted as part of Prabowo's vision for economic development, which includes leveraging state-owned enterprises to drive growth in key sectors. The creative industry, including film, is a significant contributor to GDP and employment, making it a strategic area for state-led investment and innovation.
The implementation timeline and detailed technical aspects of the new cinema business scheme are yet to be disclosed. Danantara is expected to conduct comprehensive studies and market analysis before formulating the final proposal. The company's experience in managing large-scale, strategic projects could be an asset in this new venture.
This policy direction indicates the incoming administration's focus on cultural soft power and economic resilience. By assigning this task to Danantara, Prabowo is integrating cultural infrastructure development into the broader framework of national strategic management, potentially creating a unique public-private synergy in the post-pandemic entertainment landscape