Netflix, Indonesian Film Board donate Rp7.1 billion to aid film workers

Netflix on 16 September announced that it will donate Rp7.1 billion in collaboration with the Indonesian Film Board (BPI) to aid film and television workers who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is part of Netflix’s global Hardship Fund amounting to Rp2.1 trillion that was launched to help and revive the creative industry that is experiencing a major downturn due to the pandemic. 

BPI Chairman Chand Parwez Servia extended appreciation for Netflix's support for Indonesian film workers. “We will prioritise the most affected film workers and those who need the assistance the most. We will also take into account the financial struggle of the beneficiaries,” he said. 

Netflix SEA Director of Public Policy Ruben Hattari said that the pandemic is not yet over and Indonesia is still experiencing its impacts. Netflix hopes that by channeling the aid and collaborating with the BPI, it can provide support for affected workers in the entertainment industry.

“Hopefully, with this support during this difficult time, they can resume their creative projects soon," said Ruben.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the Indonesian Film Board (BPI) for collaborating with Netflix, as well as all elements in BPI’s organisations that are involved in this project, to make the distribution of this emergency aid funds possible,” said Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. 

“We hope that synergy and support from all elements of the Penta Helix (government, academics, businesses, community and media) can create innovation and creativity in encouraging economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the minister added.