Location Permits for Foreign Filmmaking in Indonesia

Location Permits for Foreign Filmmaking in Indonesia

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 15 April 2019
  • 4 minutes reading time

Recognising the need to promote and support the development and growth of the local filmmaking and movie industry, the government of Indonesia has recently opened up this sector for foreign investments.

The opening of the movie industry for foreign investors is definitely a turning point in Indonesia’s filmmaking and movie industry as it provides ample profitable business opportunities for foreign investors and therefore, sparking the interests of foreigners and now they are making moves in this surging industry.

The opening of the filmmaking and movie sector was part of the efforts from professional associations in Indonesia. They have urged the government to revise the Negative Investment List (NIL) with higher foreign ownership in sectors related to filmmaking industry such as technical services, production, distribution, exhibition and cinemas.

Currently, with more than 260 million people in Indonesia, there are no more than 1,500 movie screens in the country, making Indonesia the least penetrated filmmaking market in the world.

For foreigners who are ready to venture into the filmmaking industry in Indonesia, the information in this article will help you to know more about the permits you need for foreign filmmaking.

Location Permits

Obtaining location permit is mandatory for foreigners who wish to make a film or shoot a video in Indonesia, when the film locations are deemed as government land or national property.

There are other circumstances in which you will have to apply for a location permit as well. For instance, location permits are required for movie and commercial filming in major cities and government buildings, nature and wildlife documentary shooting in exotic locations, and video shooting or photography at wedding destinations.

Procedure and Requirements for Location and Filming Permits

The location permits for filmmaking and video shooting are granted by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. In addition to location permits, you will need permits for shooting and filming purposes as well. Approval or rejection will be issued within seven business days, provided that the application is deemed complete. It is recommended that the application is submitted 6-8 weeks prior to shooting schedule.

Foreign companies are required to submit the application along with the compulsory documents via any Indonesia Representative Office in their home countries.

Documents and information that should be enclosed with the application include:

  1. Signed application form and statement letter
  2. Resumes from the applicant and crew members
  3. A cover letter with the production purpose
  4. Date of company establishment and company profile
  5. Crew members’ names and positions
  6. A letter of solvency from bank guarantors in the country of origin and Indonesia
  7. Copies of passports of all crew members
  8. Schedule and locations of the shooting
  9. Scenario and synopsis of the film
  10. List of shooting equipment along with the re-exporting statements upon the production is completed in Indonesia

Journalists and Editors of Foreign Media

Journalists and editors of foreign media, including both print and electronic (magazines, newspapers, radio, television, etc), that visit Indonesia for video shooting, media coverage and other assignments should apply for a permit to the Indonesian government. Foreigners can send their applications via a representative in Indonesia to the Directorate of Information and Media and Department of Foreign Affairs.

Along with a completed visa application form, foreign journalists should also submit the following documents:

  • A sponsor’s letter of recommendation
  • A letter stating the areas to be visited in Indonesia and the people to be interviewed
  • List of questions used in the interview
  • Journalist’s personal details and resume
  • List of equipment and electronic devices to be imported and used in Indonesia
  • A signed obligation statement for the compliance with Indonesian Law

 

Contact us for further information on visa application, permits and licenses in Indonesia. Our team of visa and legal experts will be happy to answer your questions.

Verified by

Daris Salam

COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia

With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

    For tax purposes in Indonesia, companies must maintain their books in Rupiah, using the Indonesian language, and store them within the country. Exceptions for using USD and English in bookkeeping require prior notification to the authorities and any use of languages other than Indonesian needs approval from the Ministry of Finance.

    To provide you with accurate pricing information for our visa and immigration consultation services, we consider the complexities of your inquiries and the dynamic nature of regulations in Indonesia. As a result, the pricing for the services may vary accordingly. For pricing details, please talk to our experts.

    In Indonesia, the licensing system has been updated with the implementation of the Omnibus Law. Businesses are categorized into four risk levels based on the PMA company classification. Licensing requirements vary accordingly, with three main types:

    • Business Identification Number (NIB)
    • Low-risk businesses needing only an NIB

    • Standard Certification
    • Standard Certification is necessary for medium-low and medium-high-risk businesses
    • Licenses/Permits

    High-risk businesses require licenses/permits
    Additionally, basic requirements, including business location, must be met. Many licensing processes are facilitated through the Online Single Submission (OSS) platform managed by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

    A newly established PMA company in Indonesia is typically provided with import facilities, tax holidays, tax allowances, or investment allowances.

    • Import facilities
      Investors in Indonesia, particularly in manufacturing, may benefit from import tax exemptions for capital goods and raw materials through the Master List Facility. The imported goods must meet specific criteria, such as not being produced locally or not meeting industry demand despite local production.
    • Tax holiday
      The government offers CIT reductions of 50% or 100% for 5–20 years for listed pioneer industries, based on investment value. After this period, a CIT reduction of 25% or 50% applies for two fiscal years. Non-listed sectors can also apply by meeting criteria demonstrating pioneer industry status.
    • Pioneer industries are industries that have a wide range of connections, provide additional value and high externalities, introduce new technologies, and have strategic value for the national economy.

    • Tax allowance
      For companies in certain designated areas or regions, the government may provide the following tax concessions:
      Net income reduction up to 30% of the amount invested, prorated at 5% annually for six years, on condition that the assets invested are retained for the same duration.
      Accelerated depreciation and/or amortisation deductions
      An extension of tax losses carried forward for a maximum of ten years
      A 10% (or lower if treaty relief is available) withholding tax rate on dividends paid to non-residents
      The applicant eligible has to meet high-level-criteria for the above tax facilities:
      High investment value or for export purposes
      High manpower absorption
      High level of local content
    • Investment allowance
      The government offers a reduction in net income of up to 60% of the investment, distributed at 5% annually over six years of commercial production, contingent upon the retention of invested assets for the same duration. To qualify, applicants must meet business line eligibility criteria and employ a minimum of 300 Indonesian workers in the project.
    • Super deduction
      This facility could be granted to certain businesses, such as:
      60% reduction in net income of the amount of tangible fixed assets invested for labor-intensive industries, distributed throughout a certain time frame.
      Up to 200% reduction in the gross income of the amount spent for human resources development in certain competency activities.
      Up to 300% reduction in gross income of the amount spent for certain R&D activities in Indonesia.

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The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind. We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.