Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno used an appearance at the APOS conference in Bali on Thursday to lay out a six-point initiative to transform Indonesia’s capital into a leading production destination, while separately holding talks with senior Netflix executives on expanding the streamer’s output in the city.
The centerpiece of the package is a tax rebate program, set to be formally launched June 26, under which qualifying national film productions can receive up to a 50% tax refund on costs incurred in Jakarta. “This is not only about reducing costs,” Karno said. “It is about helping producer reinvest in their next project, grow their business and create more stories.”
The city is also introducing a one-stop permissions platform called “Filming in Jakarta,” designed to replace a multi-office approval process with a single team handling everything from location access to traffic and security coordination. “Our goal is simple – less waiting, less confusion, and more time to create,” Karno said.
Productions will be able to use hundreds of government-owned venues, cultural sites and landmarks at discounted rates, with transportation and accommodation support available during shoots. Talent development will be channeled through the Jakarta Film Lab initiative, offering training, mentorship and certification programs for writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and crew. On the infrastructure side, 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 every stage of production can happen in one place, from development to post-production,” Karno said. “Everything should be sustainable, efficient and world class.”
Karno also pointed to the broader economic ripple effect of film production. “Every production creates job not only for actors and crew, but also helps to deliver hotel, restaurant, local business and communities,” he said. “When the creative industry grow, the people of Jakarta grow with it.”
Karno, who began his career as a child actor at age nine, framed the push in personal terms. “I do not feel like a government official visiting an industry event,” he said from the APOS stage. “I feel like I am among a friend. I feel like I’m home.” The six initiatives, he said, form part of one vision: “make production easier, reduce costs, support investment, develop talent, strengthen infrastructure and create economic opportunity.”
Prior to the conference, Karno met with Netflix director of public policy for Asia Pacific Ruben Hattari, VP Asia Pacific Andrew Ure and senior director production Sung Q. Lee to discuss deepening the relationship. Netflix shot the original film “Tygo: Extraction” in Jakarta’s Kota Tua district over approximately 50 days in the first quarter of 2026. At least three additional Netflix titles – films and series – are in planning to be produced in Jakarta, according to the Jakarta provincial government, which said it and Netflix are also developing a human-resources training program for the local film industry.
Karno invited Netflix to participate in the Jakarta Film Summit, scheduled for October. “Bring us your ideas, bring us your stories, and let Jakarta be a place where those stories come to life together,” he said. “Let us build Jakarta into the creative, competitive, and welcoming city for the global city industry.”