"We hope that progress in the film industry will bring about economic impacts that, in turn, are expected to elevate the people's living standards toward Golden Indonesia 2045," he remarked during the celebration of National Film Day in Jakarta on Saturday.

Uno observed that the Indonesian film industry had made significant progress, as evidenced by its sound level of competitiveness on the international scene and its contribution to the creation of job opportunities.

The minister then spoke of having watched the premiere of "Badarawuhi di Desa Penari," an Indonesian horror film that he considers worthy of international attention.

The minister also praised the film for its success in creating around one thousand job vacancies during its production, far exceeding the average number of 100-200 vacancies created by low-budgeted films.

"Our people truly need such job opportunities," he remarked.

He then drew attention to one of Indonesia's most popular films "Laskar Pelangi" that had promoted the tourism appeal of East Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, to international tourists.

"Belitung is a tourism destination promoted by the film industry. In fact, 'Laskar Pelangi' has managed to increase tourist visits (to Belitung) by 37 percent," he pointed out.

Uno further remarked that the government had been supporting the film industry through three aspects, namely budget, policy, and presence.

"Hopefully, we will be able to increase the budget and improve policies concerning the safety, security, and work hours of actors," he stated, adding that the government will always be present to promote Indonesian films in the international market.

He also emphasized the need to pay closer attention to short films and introduce the national film industry not only in major cities but also in all regions of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Film Actors Association (Parfi) Marcella Zalianty noted that Indonesian films had gained over 54 million viewers since the COVID-19 outbreak.

"This surely is a number that we have never seen prior to the COVID-19. Moreover, several national actors have been participating in international films," she remarked.

She expressed hope that a range of strategic policies and regulation simplification implemented by the government would further bolster the competitiveness of Indonesian films, especially in the Asian region.

(BR)