Huge Netflix Fan Nadiem Makarim Excited about Film Partnership

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Nadiem Makarim admitted of being a “huge fan” of Netflix in today’s event that saw the government establish an official partnership with Netflix upon developing Indonesia’s cinema. 

“I am a huge fan of Netflix. I am really excited to see more Indonesian contents appearing on Netflix,” said Nadiem Makarim at the Ministry’s headquarters on Thursday, January 9.

The GoJek founder said the goal of this partnership is to increase the capacity of Indonesia’s cinema which will then open the potential of its film industry. It will also provide a platform to showcase Indonesia’s culture and tradition to a wider global audience on a platform with more than 158 million subscribers across over 190 countries.  

“The partnership established today is just the first phase of an innovative cultural program which focuses on showcasing the talents of Indonesian cultural practitioners and film industry to the global stage,” said Nadiem in opening his speech. 

Meanwhile, Netflix Asia Pacific’s Kuek Yu-Chuang said the online streaming service firm is more than happy to know that Indonesia holds huge potential in producing the next generation of the film industry. 

“Added with the government’s newly established spirit to develop Indonesia’s film industry, we believe there will be many great stories to tell from Indonesia. Through this initiative, we want to contribute to the growth of Indonesia’s creative community,” said Kuek Yu-Chuang. 

The press conference today was also attended by the directorate-general of cultural affairs Hilmar Farid, Netflix Asia Pacific Managing Director Kuek Yu Chuang, Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto, and producer and member of the Indonesian Film Producers Association Sheila Timothy. 

Netflix is set to prepare a multitude of programs in the form of creative writing, post-production training, and invitations to submit short movie concepts to train participants. Netflix is also committed to investing US$1 million in Indonesia in the form of a 'Script to Screen' program in Hollywood, where chosen Indonesian participants will be able to directly interact with Netflix’s creative team and other global creative communities. 

HALIDA BUNGA