Illustration of social distancing protocol in cinema. Image via (Kompas)

When Exactly Will Cinemas Reopen?

There is no certainty regarding when cinemas, especially in Jakarta are going to reopen. However, it can be said that we are close to it. Several cinema operators have submitted their proposals to the Provincial Government of Jakarta. One operator has even been reviewed of their reopening preparations by the government.

Proposals were received from three big cinema operators, which consist of XXI, CGV and Cinemapolis. XXI was the one that had gone through the government’s review regarding their preparedness to reopen amidst the deadly and highly contagious pandemic. XXI is now still waiting for their request for reopening approved.

The chair of the Association of Cinema Operators in Indonesia, Djonny Syafruddin hoped that government’s approval could be issued next week. He confirmed that requests for reopening had been made and proposals had been submitted to the government.

A specific date could not be announced right now. Confirmation on opening date would still await the agreement from the provincial government and other stakeholders.

There was a hearsay earlier that cinemas in Jakarta would simultaneously reopen on September 10^th. Syafruddin denied it, asserting that a date had not been determined yet. However, he was anticipating the government’s permission to reopen the cinemas.

He argued that reopening the cinemas in Jakarta was very crucial as the national barometer for cinemas in Indonesia. In addition to that, he reminded that cinemas in Jakarta made up 60% of the total numbers of cinemas in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, authorities in Makassar, South Sulawesi, a city which used to be certain about reopening cinemas in the city, are now rethinking their plan. They feared the reopening could create another cluster of Covid-19 spread. Right now, the local government is deciding to postpone the discussion on reopening the cinemas until Makassar is declared green zone.

Source: https://bit.ly/2ZhAbku & https://bit.ly/3lZkFDz