Indonesia In Dire Need of Film Industry Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Experts Say at JAFF Market Panel

As a long-time admirer of the vibrant and resilient Indonesian film industry, reading about the recent concerns regarding workplace safety for production crew has left me deeply concerned. Having witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts and dedication of these unsung heroes behind the scenes, it is heartbreaking to learn that they are often putting their lives on the line in pursuit of their passion.

Indonesian filmmakers voiced worries about the safety of production crews in the workplace during a discussion at the initial JAFF Market, which takes place from December 3rd to 5th in conjunction with the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF).

It’s crucial that the well-being and safety of team members is always given top priority in any profession, but this is especially important in Indonesia. Recently, a production crew member in Indonesia tragically died in an accident on his commute home after working excessively long hours on set. Although such incidents have occurred before, this unfortunate event served as a stark reminder to creative workers nationwide.

Indonesian filmmaker Muhammad Firdaus, known as “Nearing Death,” emphasized the importance of safety measures in discussions, stating that “film production is inherently high risk for all participants.” However, according to Indonesian law bureaucracy, film production is categorized as a low-risk business activity under Law no 11 of Indonesia’s Job Creation Act of 2020. Firdaus commented, “On paper, film [production] seems doomed here. The fact that production crews are still alive today is nothing short of miraculous.

Mandy Marahimin, head of training for personnel development at the Indonesian Film Producers Association (APROFI) and creator of films such as “Crocodile Tears” screened in Toronto, Busan, and London, emphasized the importance of implementing safety protocols to prevent sexual violence, a concern that may arise on set.

According to Marahimim, it’s essential that all producers educate their teams using the supplied manual. It’s important to note that the definition of sexual violence can encompass a wide range of behaviors, and unfortunately, many people are unaware or misinformed about this topic.

In terms of intimate scenes, Marahimin emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved during filming. However, it’s worth noting that intimacy coordinators are a relatively recent addition to Indonesian productions, with only two professionals who have been certified by the Intimacy Professionals Association currently working in the country.

Although Indonesia has had laws concerning workplaces in place since the 1970s, these regulations have not been specifically tailored to sectors like film production. There is still a significant amount that the Indonesian film industry could benefit from when it comes to safety and labor practices, as suggested by Ikhsan Raharjo, a producer at Al Jazeera News and chair of SINDIKASI, the Indonesian union for media and creative workers, who believes Hollywood offers valuable lessons in this area.

In a study conducted by SINDIKASI and the Indonesian Cinematographers Society (ICS) in 2022, more than half of the participants reported working between 16 to 20 hours on a single shoot day. These extended work hours pose significant health risks that could potentially be fatal, as panelists concurred.

According to Raharjo, everyone within the Indonesian film industry shares a mutual responsibility for each other’s well-being and health. Since we are all interconnected in this field, it is crucial that we look out for one another’s safety. He emphasizes the need for swift action, as we should promptly adopt workplace safety regulations to keep pace with the growing Indonesian cinema industry.

2024-12-03 16:17

Indonesia In Dire Need of Film Industry Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Experts Say at JAFF Market Panel

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