Cinemas to Reopen for Business in Indonesia on July 29

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Movie theaters in Indonesia have agreed to restart operations on July 29 as the country enters a new normal period, according to the All-Indonesia Cinema Owners Association. 

Association chairman Djonny Syafruddin said that movie theaters will need the next three weeks to implement proper Covid-19 health protocols before reopening.

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The association represents XXI, CGV, Cinepolis, Dakota Cinema, Platinum, and New Star Cineplex cinemas across Indonesia.

“Cinema industry players had a discussion and unanimously decided to restart nationwide operations of movie theaters starting on Wednesday, July 29,” said Djonny on July 7.

The next three weeks are crucial for movie theater operators as the management must ensure the communication materials and socialization of Covid-19 health protocols during the new normal period are ready.

Furthermore, movie theater operators must also conduct education and internal training sessions regarding new normal protocols for all their staff.

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The Jakarta Provincial Government through its Tourism and Creative Economy Agency agreed to permit movie theaters to reopen during the city’s extended new normal transition period.

The decision is regulated by Decree of the Head of DKI Jakarta’s Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Number 140 Year 2020 signed on July 6.

The decree allows for the entertainment and recreation sector - movie theaters, film production, and other outdoor events - to operate from July 6-16.

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Covid-19 health protocols that apply for movie theaters in Indonesia include leaving an empty seat between each moviegoer.

No senior citizens or children, please

The Jakarta Provincial Government has prohibited senior citizens and children under nine years of age to enter movie theaters once they reopen.