ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s film industry by backing the 2026 Journalist Film Festival (FFW), highlighting the strategic role of the media in fostering a more competitive and globally recognized national cinema.
The commitment was announced during the inaugural meeting of the 2026 FFW Jury Committee at the Ministry of Culture headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Irini Dewi Wanti, Director of Film, Music, and Arts at the Ministry of Culture, said the media remains an indispensable pillar of Indonesia’s film ecosystem, connecting filmmakers with audiences while shaping public appreciation for domestic productions.
“Without the media, films cannot achieve the resonance needed to succeed within the industry. Journalists are the primary channel through which Indonesian cinema reaches the public,” she said.
Irini described the film industry as an interconnected ecosystem involving production houses, filmmakers, actors, technical crews, cinemas, digital platforms, and audiences. Within this network, she noted, journalists play a dual role by promoting quality productions while offering constructive criticism that encourages higher creative standards.
She added that balanced reporting and professional film reviews are essential to improving the quality, credibility, and international competitiveness of Indonesian cinema.
The Ministry also commended the Journalist Film Festival as it enters its 15th edition in 2026, recognizing its long-standing contribution to promoting film literacy, celebrating cinematic excellence, and expanding public appreciation for Indonesian films.
According to Irini, the government will continue serving as a facilitator to strengthen the festival’s governance while supporting its long-term sustainability and institutional development.
She expressed hope that FFW would evolve beyond an annual awards event into a strategic platform that encourages films reflecting Indonesia’s cultural diversity, social realities, and character-building values.
“We hope the festival develops a clear roadmap—not only for the coming year but also with long-term objectives for the next five years,” she said.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its intention to deepen collaboration with journalists and filmmakers as part of broader efforts to expand Indonesia’s creative economy and enhance the international profile of its film industry.
To mark the start of the 2026 festival cycle, organizers officially appointed a 21-member jury committee comprising film journalists from leading Indonesian media outlets. The panel will evaluate films released between October 2025 and September 2026 before selecting the country’s most outstanding films and filmmakers for the annual awards.
The government’s support for FFW reflects Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen its creative industries as a driver of economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and regional influence, while positioning Indonesian cinema for greater recognition on the global stage. (Silvia Andriani)
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