Producer Manoj Punjabi Wants the Government to Allow Cinemas to Open Before the Creative Economy is Destroyed

Kapanlagi.com - Since March 23, 2020, cinema entertainment services have been officially deactivated temporarily due to the implementation of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) by the government. Although it was supposed to reopen at the end of July, until this news was released, there is still no clarity on when it will happen.

Manoj Punjabi, a well-known film producer, considers this months-long deactivation as a step that will destroy the creative industry. Just by looking at his film productions, several titles with a total production value of tens of billions are unable to be screened.

"I think it's time for us to make a statement that delaying is pointless. The creative economy will be even more devastated. Imagine, I have produced several films, and the stock has to be shown in cinemas. How many tens of billions of investments are stuck there," said Manoj in his office in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, on Monday (8/24/2020).

1. Implementing Standard Health Protocols

Manoj Punjabi feels that it is time for cinemas to reopen soon. Of course, while still adhering to the standard health protocols as designed in the decree issued by the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency last July.

"It's time to reopen cinemas as long as the cinema protocols are safe. I hope this can be done," hopes the owner of MD Pictures production house.

2. 50% Market in Jabodetabek

Manoj Punjabi / Credit: KapanLagi - Bayu Herdianto

The reason cinemas have not been reopened, especially in the DKI Jakarta area, is because the number of Covid-19 cases is still high. However, if areas with lower numbers are prioritized, it won't work because the largest audience market is in Jabodetabek.

"The problem is if Jakarta doesn't open, I understand that cinemas cannot open outside Jabodetabek, where the market is more than 50%. If we start in other areas, when will Jakarta open? That's the dilemma we are currently facing. Imagine we are all struggling, imagine those who are burdened, they have also talked to me about cash flow issues and some other disturbing things," Manoj said.

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