Indonesia to reassess policy for foreign filmmakers

The Indonesian government is to reassess working permits, tax and customs policies in a bid to increase the nation’s appeal to filmmakers.

As reported by the Jakarta Post, the three regulatory issues have contributed to the unpopularity of the area for inward investment productions.

Head of the country’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Thomas Trikasih Lembong, was speaking at an industry event in West Jakarta when he said: "Indonesia is an ideal location for filming, as there are many beautiful [places] and unique architecture. Unfortunately, the system does not support it.”

He explained that the working permit procedure was too protracted for visiting crews with equipment often held up in customs.

The BKPM has begun to work closely with the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) to reassess the stipulations.

Bekraf head Triawan Munaf said in comments to the same news provider: “There is no support system in [remote places]. However, we have started to encourage provincial administrations to [work on it].”

For more on the above, head over to our production guide full of information about filming in Indonesia.