The Directorate General of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the second edition of its Movie Dialogue Series on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Bandung, under the theme “Optimizing Film Promotion as Indonesia’s Soft Power Asset.” The event aimed to foster stronger synergy between Indonesia’s government, its vibrant film industry, and global partners, with the overarching goal of utilizing film as a strategic tool in promoting Indonesia’s cultural and economic potential worldwide.
This initiative is a continuation of Movie Dialogue Series I, which took place in July 2024, and serves as an important platform for creating cross-sector collaboration. The event sought to bridge communication between Indonesian film industry stakeholders and international partners, with the support of Indonesian Missions abroad.
A Joint Effort to Promote Indonesia’s Cultural Soft Power
In her opening remarks, Siti “Nining” Nugraha Mauludiah, the Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the significance of the dialogue in facilitating collaboration among various sectors. “The Movie Dialogue is intended as a joint communication forum to bridge collaboration opportunities between film industry stakeholders in Indonesia and international partners,” she said.
The day-long event saw the participation of representatives from Indonesian Missions in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, signaling the global scope of the initiative. It brought together key figures from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Creative Economy Agency, State Film Production (PFN), and Indonesian film industry associations such as the Indonesian Film Producers Association (APROFI), PARFI 56, and MD Entertainment.
Collaboration Key to Breaking Barriers
Dwi Heriyanto, President Director of PFN, emphasized the critical role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating communication and breaking barriers for Indonesian films on the global stage. “We are very grateful and express our high appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for taking the initiative to act as a liaison across sectors and with Indonesian Missions abroad, helping to overcome the challenges that have hindered the advancement of Indonesian films globally,” said Heriyanto.
The event underscored the potential of Indonesian films as powerful cultural assets capable of promoting the country’s rich diversity and fostering a positive global image. Director General Nining also expressed optimism, stating, “With joint commitment, I am confident that Indonesian films can become one of the key pillars of soft power diplomacy, showcasing Indonesia’s cultural diversity and economic potential to the world.”
Recommendations and Future Plans
The Movie Dialogue Series II concluded on a constructive note, with several key recommendations aimed at enhancing the international reach of Indonesian cinema. Ani Nigeriawati, Director for Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented a series of actionable steps for continued collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
“We will intensify the promotion of Indonesian films to expand cooperation and open new avenues for global market penetration,” said Ani. “Additionally, we plan to develop an integrated platform that includes information on filming procedures and international film festivals where Indonesian movies can participate.”
The event also agreed on the establishment of quarterly coordination meetings to monitor progress and evaluate strategies. These meetings will focus on strengthening positive narratives in Indonesian films, enhancing the international perception of Indonesia as a film-friendly destination, and organizing familiarization trips for international filmmakers to experience Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape.
Film as a Strategic Tool of Diplomacy
The film industry is widely recognized as a strategic subsector of Indonesia’s creative economy, offering vast potential not only for economic growth but also for enhancing the country’s diplomatic efforts. Films are powerful cultural ambassadors that can effectively convey Indonesia’s stories, values, and national identity to global audiences.
The Indonesian government views film promotion as a vital instrument for shaping the nation’s image on the world stage. As a medium capable of transcending borders, film plays a critical role in strengthening “nation branding,” fostering cultural understanding, and promoting Indonesia’s unique cultural heritage.
In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its partners are working to ensure that Indonesian films receive the recognition they deserve on the international stage, transforming them into an integral part of Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy. The success of the Movie Dialogue Series II demonstrates a growing commitment to leveraging Indonesia’s film industry as a means of fostering global connections and enhancing the country’s global influence.