By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-09-17 21:31:56 | Updated at 2026-09-18 18:04:00
21 hours ago
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A 31-seat micro-cinema above a minimart on the outskirts of Jakarta, embraces the nostalgic aesthetic and grandeur of an old-fashioned cinema.
ST PHOTO: KARINA TEHUSIJARANA
Published Sep 18, 2026, 05:00 AM
Updated Sep 18, 2026, 05:00 AM
- Indonesia’s cinema boom includes innovative micro-cinemas like Layar Digi, located above minimarts, addressing the severe shortage of screens especially in rural and second-tier cities.
- Local film attendance has surged post-pandemic, driven by diverse genres beyond horror, with arthouse cinemas like CGV launching to meet growing demand for independent films.
- Despite growth, the industry faces challenges from screen shortages and market concentration. Experts call for tax incentives and more diverse operators to sustain healthy development.
JAKARTA – A movie theatre located above a minimart may sound like a makeshift set-up, bringing to mind a few rickety chairs in front of a television playing pirated DVDs.
But the Layar Digi micro-cinema in Gading Serpong, a satellite city on the outskirts of Jakarta, is far from that.
