Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno attended the APOS conference in Bali on Thursday, where he outlined a six-point initiative to transform Indonesia’s capital into a major production hub, while also meeting separately with senior Netflix executives about expanding the streamer’s production in the city.
The centerpiece of the package is the tax rebate program, which is scheduled to be officially launched on June 26, allowing eligible domestic filmmakers to receive a tax rebate of up to 50% of costs incurred in Jakarta. “This is not just about cost savings,” Carno said. “It’s about helping producers reinvest in their next project, grow their business and create more stories.”
The city has also introduced a one-stop permitting platform called ‘Filming in Jakarta’. The idea is to replace approval processes across multiple offices with a single team that handles everything from accessing location information to coordinating traffic and security. “Our goal is simple: reduce wait time, reduce confusion, and give you more time to create,” says Carno.
Productions will have access to hundreds of government-owned venues, cultural facilities and landmarks at discounted rates, as well as transportation and accommodation support during filming. Talent development will be guided through the Jakarta Film Lab Initiative, which provides training, mentorship and certification programs for screenwriters, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and staff. On the infrastructure front, the city aims to attract additional studios, sound stages, animation facilities, VFX companies, and post-production houses. “Our goal is simple: to make Jakarta a city where all stages of production, from development to post-production, can be done in one place,” Carno said. “Everything has to be sustainable, efficient and world-class.”
Carno also pointed to the broader economic ramifications of film production. “Every production not only creates jobs for actors and staff, but also contributes to hotels, restaurants, local businesses and the community,” he said. “As the creative industry grows, the people of Jakarta will grow with it.”
Karno, who started his career as a child actor at the age of nine, explained the push from a personal perspective. “I don’t think government officials will be coming to industry events,” he said from the APOS stage. “I feel like I’m among friends. I feel like I’m at home.” He said the six initiatives form part of a single vision to “facilitate production, reduce costs, support investment, develop talent, strengthen infrastructure and create economic opportunities.”
Prior to the conference, Karno met with Netflix’s Asia Pacific Director of Public Policy Ruben Hattari, Asia Pacific Vice President Andrew Ure, and Senior Director of Production Song Q. Lee to discuss deepening the relationship. Netflix filmed the original movie “Tigo: Extraction” over approximately 50 days in Jakarta’s Kota Tua district in the first quarter of 2026. At least three more Netflix titles (movies and series) will be produced in Jakarta, the Jakarta provincial government said, adding that the provincial government and Netflix are also developing talent training programs for the local film industry.
Mr. Karno invited Netflix to participate in the Jakarta Film Summit scheduled for October. “Bring your ideas and stories to us, and let’s make Jakarta a place where those stories come true together,” he said. “Let us develop Jakarta into a creative, competitive and welcoming city for global urban industries.”
