Ahok Promises to Build Subsidized Theaters in Traditional Markets

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama plans to build subsidized mini theaters in traditional markets. He said that ticket prices in commercial theaters are unaffordable to the city’s low-income people.

“Subsidized theaters must be established. You see, movies are screened in the XXI [local theaters]. [Low-income] people also want to see movies. But if the ticket price is Rp25,000 [US$1.87], they can’t afford it,” Ahok said yesterday at Santika Hotel in West Jakarta.

Ahok said that low-income people could only afford ticket prices between Rp5,000 and Rp10,000 [US$0.37-US$0.75]. However, he said that he and regional government-owned PD Pasar Jaya plan to build mini theaters that only have a capacity of 50 seats each.

Considering the small capacity and low ticket prices, Ahok said, the theaters may not be run on a profit-basis. In his account, say that the ticket price is Rp10,000 and a 50 seat capacity theater draws a full house, it would only generate Rp500,000 [US$37.36] in every screening.

“With [only] Rp500,000, can [the theater] keep screening films? The electricity, the air conditioners, [ticket sales] will not cover [the expenses]. Unless if the PD Pasar Jaya provide subsidies,” Ahok said.

Ahok expects that films can be enjoyed by everyone in Indonesia. He foresees Jakarta as the center of Indonesian film industry due to its high number of theaters. Ahok also hopes that many would work in the movie industry.

Ahok has promised to facilitate licensing in the creation and screening of indie movies to attract youth to make one. Ahok also plans to provide Rp50 million in subsidies for short and indie film communities.

“Imagine if we provide Rp2 billion [US$149,644.6], 50 films can be produced annually. Fifty films will be screened. It will support the national film industry,” Ahok said.

LARISSA HUDA