Ahok: Local Film Screenings will Be Applied in the Mayor's Office

I plan to play local films at every mayor's office. This is a must

An effort to arouse the Indonesian film gets full support from Jakarta Vice Governor, Basuki 'Ahok' T Purnama. As a form of concern for the fate of local films, he plans to impose a Indonesian film screening at every mayor's office.

"I plan to play local films at every mayor's office. This is a must," he said after he watched a film 'Tabula Rasa' with the ranks of Jakarta Provincial Government in Kuningan, South Jakarta, Monday (10/13).

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Ahok acknowledged the idea was obtained after he had time to exchange ideas with Bandung Mayor, Ridwan Kamil. "We set, whether the policy can be imposed in the mayor's office or can also be on the night market event, and we also able to stop briefly to inform our program in the central part of the film," he explained.

According to him, the national film industry is currently in a difficult time. Therefore, there must be those who can help the rise of Indonesian films in their own country. "We want Indonesian films' tax could be decreased up to 75 percent or even 100 percent. By so, quality film can be created," he expressed.

He also appreciates film 'Tabula Rasa' played by Jimmy Kobogau as Hans and Dewi Irawan as Mak, an owner of Padang restaurant. Moreover, the film can implement diversity of tribes by upholding kinship and unity.

"The film reflects Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). If we use the conscience, the difference is unimportant. This is Jakarta, many people from outside the city fail here. We do not have to throw them, but help them," he exclaimed.

When he was a child, he used to watch Indonesian films in a theater owned by his father, like drama until comedy. "I used to watch local films played by Rhoma Irama, Bing Slamet, and Ateng Iskak. Considering my father had a movie theater," he recalled.

Meanwhile, a Tabula Rasa film Producer, Sheila Timothy hopes her film can regrow flavors that have been missing in Indonesia. "Tabula rasa means we again start do something without prejudice. Our hope, Indonesia to re-feel a missing flavor, such as tolerance and togetherness," said Timothy.