Indonesia Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews

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Filming in Indonesia

For an introduction to shooting in Indonesia see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.

Indonesia Film Locations

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country consisting of over 17,000 islands, making it the world’s largest archipelago nation. Film locations include the city of Jakarta, Dutch colonial architecture, palaces, mosques, Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, churches, museums, stadiums, islands, beaches, coral reefs, surf breaks, volcanos, hot springs, caves, savanna, rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and swamps.

Agricultural film locations include palm oil, rubber, cocoa, tea, coffee, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, rice, corn, coconut, tobacco, and sugarcane plantations. Fishing boats are available for filming. Indonesia mines oil, gas, coal, tin, bauxite, manganese, copper, and gold. Energy locations include coal-fired power plants, and hydroelectric dams.

Indonesia has played host to films such as Gold (2016), The Amazing Race 28 (2016), The Act of Killing (2012), Savages (2012), Amazing Race 23 (2013), The Amazing Race 22 (2013), The Amazing Race 21 (2012), The Raid (2011), The Amazing Race 19 (2011), Eat Pray Love (2010), and The Fall (2006).

The country can be divided into the following regions:

Java

Located in the southern central part of the country, Java is a beautiful island known for its beaches, terraced rice fields, palm forests, plantations and volcanos. Java is by far the most populous island.

Javanese film locations can be divided into the following provinces:

Special Capital Region of Jakarta. Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital. It is the largest city in South East Asia. The megacity is known for its chaotic traffic, pollution, vibrant nightlife, mega malls, and Dutch colonial architecture. Jakarta is the diplomatic capital of ASEAN.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah has pavilions that display the culture of each of Indonesia’s provinces.

Museums of note include National Museum, National Gallery, Museum MACAN, Jakarta History Museum, Museum Bank Indonesia, Museum Bank Mandiri, Jakarta Maritime Museum, Satriamandala Museum, Kunstkring Art Gallery, Wayang Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, Museum Tekstil, Kites Museum of Indonesia, Taman Prasasti Museum, Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum, Basoeki Abdullah Museum, and Taman Ismail Marzuki. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is an arts theatre.

National Monument is located in Merdeka Square.

Government buildings include Istana Negara Palace, Merdeka Palace, Jakarta City Hall, Jakarta Old City Post Office, and ASEAN Secretariat building.

Religious locations include Istiqlal Mosque, Al-Azhar Great Mosque, Masjid Ramlie Musofa, Jakarta Cathedral, Immanuel Church, Vihara Dharma Bhakti Buddhist Temple, and Aditya Jaya Hindu Temple. Jakarta WWII War Cemetery is an impressive film location.

Jakarta’s mega malls of note include Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, Mal Taman Anggrek, and Plaza Senayan. Glodok Chinatown Market is a large market.

Sporting venues include Jakarta International Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, Jakarta International Velodrome, and Jakarta International Equestrian Park.

Sunda Kelapa Port is home to traditional wooden schooners.

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, designed by Paul Andreu, is the country’s largest airport.

The Act of Killing (2012), and The Raid (2011) filmed in Jakarta.

The Thousand Islands are a chain of islands a short boat trip from Jakarta.

Banten province is located in the far west of Java.

Religious locations of note include Al-Azhom Grand Mosque, Great Mosque of Banten, Pintu Seribu Mosque, and Boen Tek Bio Chinese Temple.

Ujung Kulon National Park is home to the endangered Javan rhinoceros. The park is also home to Javan leopard, Sumatran dhole, monitor lizards, silvery gibbon, Javan lutung, crab-eating macaque, Java mouse-deer, Javan rusa, smooth-coated otter, and a diversity of birdlife.

Beaches of note include Tanjung Lesung Beach, Sawarna Beach, Carita Beach, Florida 2 Anyer Beach, Tanjung Layar Beach, Sambolo 2 Beach, Tanjung Pasir Beach, Bagedur Beach, Batu Saung Beach, and Peucang Island Beaches.

Anyer Lighthouse is located in Banten.

West Java. Bandung is Indonesia’s third largest city. Film locations include Gedung Sate, Grand Mosque of Bandung, Grand Mosque of Trans Studio, Bandung City Hall, Floating Market Lembang, Bandung Geological Museum, Sri Baduga Museum, Bosscha Observatory, Orchid Forest Cikole, and Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Djuanda. Kawah Putih, Tangkuban Perahu, and Mount Papandayan are volcanos located near Bandung.

Bogor is a city located just south of Jakarta. Film locations include Bogor Palace, Bogor Botanical Garden, Great Mosque of Bogor, and Bogor Zoology Museum.

University campuses located in West Java include University of Indonesia, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Padjadjaran University.

Trans Snow World Bekasi is an indoor snow skiing facility.

Dian Al-Mahri Mosque is located in Depok City.

Cipanas Palace is located in Cipanas.

Gunung Padang is a megalithic site located in Karyamukti.

Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge is a beautiful location.

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park includes Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango. Wildlife of note includes the silvery gibbon, Javan surili, Javan lutung, Javan leopard, leopard cat, Indian muntjac, Java mouse-deer, Sumatran dhole, Malayan porcupine, and a diversity of birdlife. Kebun Raya Cibodas is a high altitude botanical garden on the slopes of Mount Gede.

Mount Halimun Salak National Park includes Mount Salak and Mount Halimun. Wildlife of note include the Javan leopard, Javan lutung, silvery gibbon, and Javan hawk-eagle.

Mount Ciremai National Park surrounds Mount Ciremai volcano.

Pelabuhan Ratu is a popular surf beach.

Waterfalls of note include Cikaso Waterfall, Cikondang Waterfall, and Jagapati Waterfall.

West Java is known for is tea plantations.

Central Java. Semarang film locations include Great Mosque of Central Java, Sam Poo Kong Chinese Temple, Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong Buddhist temple, Blenduk Church, and Lawang Sewu. Kampung Pelangi is a neighborhood painted in rainbow colours. Brown Canyon is known for its rock columns.

Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace is located in Surakarta.

Ambarawa Railway Museum is located in Ambarawa.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Mendut Buddhist Monastery is located nearby.

Gedong Songo is a group of Hindu temples located near Bandungan.

Sukuh Temple is a Hindu temple that is located in Berjo.

Ceto is a Hindu temple on Mount Lawu.

Pawon Temple is a Buddhist temple.

Menara Kudus Mosque is located in Kudus.

Sangiran Early Man Site is a hominin archaeological site where Java Man was found.

Chicken Church is a unique forest location in Magelang.

The Heritage Palace is located in Sukoharjo.

Active volcanos of note include Mount Merapi, Mount Sundoro, Mount Sumbing, Mount Slamet, Mount Telomoyo, and Sikidang Crater.

Waterfalls of note include Belot Waterfall, and Jumog Waterfall.

Karimunjawa National Park is a marine park is known for its pristine coral reefs, turquoise waters, mangrove forests, and palm lined white sand beaches.

Special Region of Yogyakarta. The city of Yogyakarta is known for the Palace of Yogyakarta, Gedung Agung Palace, Warungboto Site former palace, Taman Sari former royal garden, Sumur Gumuling underground mosque, Fort Vredeburg Museum, Jogja National Museum, Monumen Yogya Kembali, Museum Perjuangan, Dirgantara Mandala Air Force Museum, Kauman Great Mosque, Beringharjo Market, and the Beringin Trees.

Prambanan is a Hindu temple compound. Nearby Buddhist temples include Plaosan Complex, Sewu Temple, Sambisari Temple, Kalasan Temple, and Ratu Boko.

Beaches of note include Indrayanti Beach, Wediombo Beach, Parangtritis Beach, Baron Beach, Siung Beach, Sundak Beach, Depok Beach, Ngrenehan Beach, Jungwok Beach, Drini Beach, Sedahan Beach, and Timang Beach.

Caves of note include Jomblang Cave, and Pindul Cave.

Hutan Pinus Mangunan Dlingo pine forest is an interesting film location.

East Java. Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city. Film locations include Suramadu Bridge, Surabaya Submarine Monument, Al-Akbar Mosque, Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sunan Ampel Great Mosque, Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument, Kenjeran Park, and Bamboo Forest.

Kampung Warna Warni Jodipan is a colourful village in Malang City.

Museum Angkut is a transport museum located in Batu.

Penataran is a Hindu temple ruins location.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is home to the spectacular Mount Bromo, and Mount Semeru volcanos.

Kawah Ijen is an active volcano known for its blue fire, acidic crater lake, and labour-intensive sulfur mining.

Baluran National Park is known for its savanna, lowland forests, mangrove forests, and hills.

Alas Purwo National Park is famous for its wild Banteng and surfing location at Grajagan Bay.

Meru Betiri National Park is a landscape of tropical mountain rainforests, rivers, and beaches which are important nesting grounds for leatherback turtles, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and olive ridley turtles. The rare Rafflesia flower grows in the park.

East Javan beaches of note include Balekambang Beach, Red Island Beach, Klayar Beach, Pasir Putih Beach, Ngliyep Beach, Goa China Beach, Soge Beach, Sukamade Beach, Prigi Beach, Tiga Warna Beach, Watukarung Beach, Teluk Asmara Beach, Kasap Beach, and Papuma Beach.

Sempu Island is a paradise location.

Tumpak Sewu waterfall overshadowed by Semeru volcano is one of the most beautiful otherworldly film locations on the planet. Other waterfalls of note include Coban Rondo Waterfall, Coban Pelangi Waterfall, Dlundung Waterfall, and Madakaripura Waterfall.

Jaddih Hill Madura is a unique limestone quarry with a pool.

Sumatra

Sumatra is a large island located in the west of the country. It is known for its rugged tropical rainforests, exotic flora and fauna, cascading rivers, sparkling crater lakes, white sand beaches, and spectacular volcanic landscapes.

Sumatran film locations can be divided into the following provinces:

Aceh. Aceh is a semi-autonomous province located in the far northwest of the country, known for its practise of Sharia Law.

The city of Banda Aceh is known for the Museum Tsunami Aceh, Aceh State Museum, Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Putroe Phang Park, and Apung 1 which is a Tsunami stricken ship turned museum.

The Banyak Islands are a spectacular tropical island location with a lighthouse.

Aceh beaches of note include Lampuuk Beach, Iboih Beach, Lange Beach, Pasie Saka Beach, Rubiah Beach, and Sumur Tiga Beach.

North Sumatra. Medan film locations include Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni, Grand Mosque of Medan, Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, Gunung Timur Chinese Temple, Maha Vihara Maitreya Buddhist temple, Immanuel Church, Maimun Palace, Old Medan City Hall, North Sumatra Museum, and Rahmat International Wildlife Museum. The Act of Killing (2012) filmed in Medan.

Lumbini Natural Park is a Buddhist temple located at Desa Dolat Rayat.

Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake. Bukit Sibea-Bea is a hairpin turn located on Lake Toba ideal for filming driving sequences. The Batak Museum is also located on Lake Toba.

Gunung Leuser National Park is a mountainous landscape that includes a Sumatran orangutan sanctuary. Other wildlife in the park include Sumatran elephants, Sumatran tigers, Sumatran rhinos, siamangs, Sumatran serows, sambar deers, and leopard cats.

Batang Gadis National Park is home to the Sumatran tiger, Malayan tapir, Malayan porcupine, Asian golden cat, leopard cat, Indian muntjac, goral, Java mouse-deer, binturong, sun bear, Sambar deer, and a diversity of birds.

Mount Sinabung is an active volcano.

Waterfalls of note include Sipiso-piso Waterfall, and Dua Warna Waterfall.

The Telo Islands are known for their surf breaks.

West Sumatra. Pandang is known for Grand Mosque of West Sumatra, Gantiang Grand Mosque, and Adityawarman Museum.

Pagaruyung Palace is located in Tanjung Emas.

Jam Gadang is a clock tower located in Bukittinggi.

Jembatan Akar root bridge is located in Bayang Utara.

Sianok Valley, and Harau Valley are spectacular valley locations.

Lake Maninjau is a picturesque volcanic lake.

Kerinci Seblat National Park is a landscape of hot springs, rivers, caves, waterfalls, and active volcanos including Indonesia’s highest volcano, Mount Kerinci. Wildlife of note include Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, Sunda clouded leopards, Sumatran muntjacs, Sumatran dholes, Malayan tapirs, Malayan sun bears, and a diversity of birdlife such as the Sumatran ground cuckoo. The Rafflesia flower grows in the park.

Siberut National Park is located on the island of Siberut, in the Mentawai Islands. Wildlife of note includes the Kloss’s gibbon, Siberut macaque, Siberut langur, and pig-tailed langur. The indigenous Mentawai people live in the park.

The Mentawai Islands are also a surfing destination.

Riau. Pekanbaru film locations include An-Nur Great Mosque, Anjungan Seni Idrus Tintin, Soeman HS Library, and Riau Main Stadium.

Siak Palace is located in Riau province.

Tesso Nilo National Park is a landscape of lowland rainforests home to Sumatran elephants, Sumatran tigers, and tapirs.

Bukit Tigapuluh National Park is a landscape of tropical lowland forest home to Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tigesr, Sumatran elephants, and Asian tapirs.

Kampar River offers tidal bore surfing of the Seven Ghosts Bono.

Riau Islands comprise of 1,796 islands scattered between Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, and Borneo.

Paradise islands of note include Ranoh Island, Bawah Island, Telunas Private Island, Abang Island, Labun Island, Benan Island, Petong Island, Tunjuk Island, White Sand Island, and Subang Mas Island.

Jambi. Muaro Jambi Buddhist temple complex is located near the city of Jambi.

Berbak National Park is a swamp forest landscape. Wildlife of note include the Sumatran tiger, Malayan tapir, saltwater crocodile, and a diversity of birdlife.

Bukit Duabelas National Park is a lowland rainforest landscape. Wildlife includes the siamang, clouded leopard, Java mouse-deer, sun bear, Sumatran muntjac, leopard cat, hairy-nosed otter, dhole, Sumatran striped rabbit, and the crested serpent eagle. The park is inhabited by the nomadic Orang Rimba.

Bengkulu. The city of Bengkulu is known for Akbar At-Taqwa Grand Mosque, and Fort Marlborough.

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is a forest landscape home to Sumatran elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, Sumatran tigers, Sumatran striped rabbits, and Rafflesia flowers.

South Sumatra. Palembang is known for Great Mosque of Palembang, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum, Balaputradewa Museum, Kemaro Island, Kuto Besak Fortress, and Jakabaring Sport City complex.

Sembilang National Park is a landscape of swamps, mangrove forests, and lowland tropical forests. Wildlife includes Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, Malayan tapirs, agile gibbons, southern pig-tailed macaques, Sunda clouded leopards, marbled cats, flat-headed cats, sun bears, Eurasian otters, Malaysian giant turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and a diversity of birdlife including Milky Storks.

Bangka Belitung Islands are located off the east coast of Sumatra.

Lengkuas Island is known for its coral reef, and Lengkuas Island Lighthouse.

Tanjung Tinggi Beach is a beautiful film location.

Lampung. Krakatoa is an active volcano on Rakata Island.

Way Kambas National Park is a landscape of swamp forest and lowland rainforest. Wildlife of note includes Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, Sumatran rhinoceroses, and a diversity of birdlife.

Maitem Island is a paradise location.

Sharks Teeth Beach is a unique location with spikey rocks.

Lesser Sunda Islands

Located in the south of the country, the Lesser Sunda Islands include the provinces of Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.

Bali. The province of Bali includes the islands of Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The Balinese people are predominately Hindu. Bali is known for its Hindu temples, forested volcanic mountains, rice paddies, waterfalls, surf breaks, coral reefs, as well as black, white, and yellow sand beaches. There are many sleek, modern villas and resorts available for filming. Eat Pray Love (2010), and The Fall (2006) filmed in Bali.

Denpasar is the largest city.

Palaces of note include Tampaksiring Palace, Ubud Palace, Ujung Water Palace, and Tirta Gangga.

Hindu temples of note include Tanah Lot Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, Taman Ayun Temple, Besakih Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Gunung Kawi Temple, Saraswati Temple, Lempuyang Temple, Goa Lawah Temple, Ulun Danu Batur Temple, Batukaru Temple, Batuan Temple, Elephant Cave, and Ubud Monkey Forest. Brahmavihara-Arama is a Buddhist Temple.

Taman Festival Park is an abandoned amusement park in a jungle setting.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is located in Ungasan.

Ghost Palace Hotel, and Bounty Beach Bungalows Resort are unique abandoned locations.

Bali Botanic Garden is the largest botanic garden in Indonesia.

Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are beautiful film locations.

Mount Batur, and Mount Agung are active volcanos.

Waterfalls of note include Sekumpul Waterfall, Tibumana Waterfall, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, NungNung Waterfall, GitGit Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall, Banyumala Twin Waterfall, Leke Leke Waterfall, Aling-Aling Waterfall, Blahmantung Waterfalls, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Bali beaches of note include Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Pandawa Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach, Amed Beach, Sanur Beach, Padang Padang Beach, Green Bowl Beach, Berawa Beach, Legian Beach, Bias Tugel Beach, Melasti Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Petitenget Beach, Balangan Beach, Seminyak Beach, Dreamland Beach, Jimbaran Beach, Suluban Beach, and Thomas Beach.

Nusa Penida beaches include Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach, Atuh Beach, Suwehan Beach, Angel Billabong, and Tembeling Beach.

Teletubbies Hill is located in Nusa Penida.

West Bali National Park has a landscape of savanna, mangroves, montane and mixed-monsoon forests, and coral islands. Wildlife of note includes bantengs, rusa deers, Indian muntjacs, Javan lutungs, wild boars, large flying foxes, leopard cats, water monitors, hawksbill turtles, and a diversity of birdlife.

West Nusa Tenggara. The province’s largest islands include Lombok, Sumbawa, Moyo, and Sangeang.

Lombok Island is known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, surf breaks, and luscious jungles which surround the active Mount Rinjani volcano located in Mount Rinjani National Park. Lombok is also known for its underwater photography locations.

Sumbawa Island has beautiful mountainous terrain and surf breaks. Mount Tambora is an active volcano located on Sumbawa Island.

Moyo Island featured in Savages (2012).

East Nusa Tenggara. The province’s largest islands include Sumba, Flores, and the western part of Timor, Komodo, Rinca, Solor Islands, Alor Islands, Sawu Islands, Rote, and Semau. The province is a Christian-majority region.

Komodo National Park comprises of a coastal section of western Flores, the three larger islands of Komodo, Padar, Rinca, and 26 smaller islands. The park has a dry volcanic landscape. Wildlife of note includes Komodo dragons, Timor deers, wild boars, water buffalos, crab eating macaques, and a diversity of birds, frogs, and snakes. The park’s waters are home to whale sharks, blue whales, ocean sunfish, manta rays, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, dugongs, and salt water crocodiles.

Kelimutu National Park, located on the island of Flores, is known for Mount Kelimutu’s three coloured lakes.

Liang Bua is a hominin archaeological site in a limestone cave located on Flores Island.

Padar Island has white, pink, and black sand beaches.

Sumba Island is home to Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park, Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, Tanggedu Waterfall, Matayangu Waterfall, Lapopu Waterfall, Puru Kambera Beach, and Marosi Beach. Bandokodi, Waikabubak, Ratenggaro, and Kampung Tarung are traditional Sumbanese villages.

Western New Guinea

Located in the east of the country, Western New Guinea includes the provinces of West Papua, and Papua. The region is predominately inhabited by Papuan tribes. Christianity is the dominant religion.

West Papua. Teluk Cenderawasih National Park is the largest marine national park of Indonesia.

The Raja Ampat Islands are a paradise archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands.

Papua. Jayapura is the largest city in Papua.

Lorentz National Park covers a diversity of landscapes including marine areas, mangroves, swamp forest, lowland and montane rainforest, alpine tundra, and equatorial glaciers. Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) is a high mountain peak with permanent snowfields. Wildlife of note includes echidnas, cuscus, quolls, tree-kangaroos, and a diversity of birdlife. The park is home to indigenous groups including the Asmat, Amung, Dani, Sempan, and Nduga people.

Wasur National Park is a landscape of savanna, swamp forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, bamboo forest, grassy plains and large stretches of sago swamp forest. The park is home to a diversity of birdlife including birds of paradise. The Kanume, Marind, Marori Men-Gey and Yei indigenous people live within the park.

Papua is known for isolated indigenous villages such as the Korowai.

Grasberg mine is one of the world’s largest open pit mines.

Kalimantan

The centrally located region of Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) includes the provinces of West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.

Kalimantan is known for its beautiful beaches and ancient rainforests which are home to a wide variety of biodiversity.

West Kalimantan. Pontianak is the largest city in West Kalimantan.

Betung Kerihun National Park is a landscape of montane rainforests, and lowland rainforests. Wildlife of note includes the Bornean orangutan, Müller’s Bornean gibbon, white-fronted surili, maroon leaf monkey, southern pig-tailed macaque, crab-eating macaque, Sunda slow loris, and Horsfield’s tarsier. Several Dayak tribes live in the park.

Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park is home to clouded leopards, orangutans, sun bears, maroon leaf monkeys, Bornean white-bearded gibbons, slow lorises, sambar deer, flying squirrels, and a diversity of birdlife.

Lake Sentarum National Park is one of the world’s most biodiverse lake systems. The park is home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and a diversity of bird and fish life.

Mount Palung National Park has a diverse landscape of swamp forest, and montane forest. Orangutans can be filmed the park.

Kapuas River is the longest river in Indonesia.

Central Kalimantan. Palangka Raya is the largest city in Central Kalimantan.

Sabangau National Park has a peat swamp forest landscape. The forest is home to the world’s largest orangutan population and a diversity of birdlife.

Tanjung Puting National Park is a landscape of dryland dipterocarp forest, peat swampforest, heath forest, mangrove and coastal beach forest. Wildlife of note includes orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, wild boars, porcupines, sambar deer, and a diversity of birdlife.

North Kalimantan. Tarakan is the largest city in North Kalimantan.

Kayan Mentarang National Park has a highland landscape that is home to the clouded leopard, marbled cat, sun bear, Malayan pangolin, long-tailed macaque, proboscis monkey, Bornean gibbon, greater slow loris, western tarsier, and a diversity of birdlife.

East Kalimantan. Nusantara has been named as the future capital of Indonesia.

Samarinda is the largest city in Indonesian Borneo.

Kutai National Park has a landscape of lowland tropical forest, and swamp forests. Wildlife of note includes the clouded leopard, Malayan sun bear, orangutan, proboscis monkey, maroon leaf monkey, white-fronted leaf monkey, Miller’s langur, Bornean gibbon, sambar deer, banteng, marbled cat, flat-headed cat, yellow-throated marten, otter civet, smooth-coated otter, and a diversity of birdlife. The park is also known for its orchids and range of medicinal plants.

The Derawan Islands are known for their palm-lined beaches, turquoise seas, and coral reefs. Of note are the paradise islands of Maratua Island, and Sangalaki Island, as well as Kakaban island which has a lake with stingless jellyfish.

South Kalimantan. Banjarmasin is the largest city in South Kalimantan.

Sulawesi

The centrally located Sulawesi region includes the provinces of North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi.

Sulawesi is world-renowned for its coral reefs and dive sites.

North Sulawesi. Bunaken Marine Park protects seagrass plains, coral reefs, and coastal ecosystems.

Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve is a lowland rainforest landscape that is home to a diversity of wildlife such as the Celebes crested macaque, spectral tarsier, Sulawesi bear cuscus, Sulawesi dwarf cuscus, knobbed hornbill, and Sulawesi hornbill.

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park wildlife of note include the babirusa, Spectral Tarsier, Anoa, and Cinnabar Hawk Owl.

Lembeh Island is a popular diving destination.

Gorontalo. Pulo Cinta is a small heart-shaped island with an exclusive floating resort.

Saronde Island is a paradise film location known for its white sand beaches, turquoise water, and surrounding coral reefs.

Olele Marine Park is home to the Salvador Dalí Sponge.

Central Sulawesi. Lore Lindu National Park is known for its megaliths and forests. Wildlife of note includes the Tonkean macaque, lowland anoa, North Sulawesi babirusa, pygmy tarsier, Dian’s tarsier, Sulawesi bear cuscus, Sulawesi dwarf cuscus, Celebes rat, Sulawesi palm civet, Sulawesi stripe-faced fruit bat, and a diversity of birdlife.

Kepulauan Togean National Park is a marine national park that includes the Togean Islands.

West Sulawesi. Gandang Dewata National Park has a mountain forest landscape.

South Sulawesi. Makassar is the largest city in Sulawesi.

Tana Toraja in the mountainous South Sulawesi is one of the most beautiful regions of Indonesia. Traditional Toraja villages sit in a backdrop of rugged mountains and green terraces.

Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park is known for its caves and forests. Wildlife of note includes the Makassar tarsier, Sulawesi moor macaque, red-knobbed hornbill, cuscus, Sulawesi palm civet, a diversity of butterflies, and the spider crab which is found in caves.

Taka Bonerate National Park is a marine park that is home to a rich diversity of underwater life.

Southeast Sulawesi. Wakatobi Marine Park is a marine national park that includes the Tukangbesi Islands.

Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park is known for its rainforests, mangrove forests, coastal forests, savanna, and freshwater swamp forests. The park is home to a diversity of birdlife.

Maluku Islands

Located in the east of the country, the Maluku Islands region includes the provinces of North Maluku, and Maluku.

Also known as the Spice Islands, the Maluku Islands are an archipelago known for their volcanos, rainforests, and palm-lined beaches.

North Maluku. Film locations include Halmahera Island, Tidore Island, Ternate Island, and Sula Islands.

Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park is home to a diversity of birdlife.

Maluku. Film locations include Ambon Island, Aru Islands, Banda Islands, Buru Island, Damer Island, Kai Islands, Gorong Archipelago, Lease Islands, Leti Islands, Seram Islands, Sermata Islands, Southwestern Islands, Tanimbar Islands, Watubela Archipelago, and Wetar Island.

Manusela National Park, located on Seram Island, is a landscape of coastal forest, swamp forest, lowland and montane rainforest that is home to a diversity of birdlife and butterflies.

Indonesia Film Location Permits

To film in Indonesia, a visiting production is required to obtain both a National Film Permit as well as permits specific to locations. The fastest and easiest way to get these is through a local accredited service producer or fixer. To apply for film permits, our Indonesian service producer / fixer will need you to first send them a complete application form, visiting crew and talent list with passport photocopies, a final list of locations, equipment list, complete schedule and project synopsis. Our local fixer / service producer will then review the application to make sure the best approach is taken. The visiting crew then submit the complete application to their local Indonesian consulate/s. Authorities in Jakarta review the application. Depending on the project, permit approval can take up to a month so allow plenty of lead time. The process can sometimes be expedited at extra cost. Once the National Film Permit is approved, our Indonesian service producer / fixer will then go ahead and obtain any required regional and forestry location permits. Note, the film permit is valid for 30 days. A government appointed minder may be required to accompany the visiting crew during filming. Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

Indonesia has a year-round warm, humid tropical climate. The wet season runs from November to March. April. The cooler, dry season runs from April and October. This is the best time to film for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:

• The Pasola Festival takes place in February / March on the island of Sumba.
• Solo Batik Carnival is heald in Solo City in April.
• Waisak takes please in Borobudur in May.
• The Lembah Baliem Festival takes place in Papua (Irian Jaya) in August with tribes performing mock wars.
• The Bali Arts Festival takes place in September.
• The Krakatoa Festival is held in October.
• Pencak silat is an Indonesian martial art with tournaments throughout the year.
• Pacu jawi cow racing takes place in Indonesia.
• The Toraja people of Southern Sulawesi have elaborate death rituals, which include preserving and exhuming the dead.

Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country where many observe the holy month of Ramadan. Many services remain open during this time although permitting offices may be slower to respond.

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Indonesia.

Unique Local Stories

Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.

If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.

If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.

Costs & Tax Incentives

Costs. The favorable exchange rate means that your currency goes far in Indonesia. Locations and talent are generally inexpensive. The greatest cost is the need to bring in your key crew and equipment. Indonesia is a very large country and locations are often remote which also adds to costs. That said, our locally based fixers and service producers will negotiate deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for feature films or commercials in Indonesia.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Indonesia has a small pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Unfortunately the depth of local crews is quite limited and most don’t speak fluent English. It is advisable to bring your key crew from abroad.

Contact us if you are looking for a Jakarta or Bali based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew in Indonesia.

Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation, and the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

Indonesia is home to over 1300 ethnic groups with the Javanese and Sundanese being the largest ethnicities. Jakarta and Bali offer more pan-Asian talent looks.

Over 700 languages are spoken with Bahasa Indonesia being the most widely spoken language. English is also widely spoken.

Indonesia Film Equipment

Equipment. Standard grip, lighting and camera equipment is available out of Jakarta. The two largest Indonesian equipment houses are Elang Perkasa and Cinerent. The rest needs to be flown in abroad with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore the closest major production centres for gear.

For productions intending to bring in equipment Indonesia is an ATA carnet country.

Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.

Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.

For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.

Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production

Art department and set construction are up to international standards. Master craftsmen and construction teams are plentiful and inexpensive.

Studios do exist but facilities are very basic.

Backlots. At present no backlots exist in Indonesia.

Post Production. The best facilities are offered by G1 post. Eltra Studio and VHQ Jakarta also have facilities.

Visas & Work Permits

Clients, agency and talent travelling on western passports can enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. Visiting shooting crews require journalist visas. At the same time that the above mentioned (see Location Permits section) National Film Permit application is approved, so to is the journalist visa. Each visiting crew member then needs to go to their local Indonesian embassy / consulate to get their passports stamped. The film permit and journalist cards are then picked up in Jakarta by either the visiting crew or the local fixer / service producer. Note, both the film permit and journalist cards are valid for 30 days. Contact your local Indonesian embassy / representative for more information.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Outside of major population centres the road system is quite undeveloped. Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, are the main international entry points. Indonesia is well serviced domestically by several airlines. Charter planes and helicopters are often required to reach more remote locations.

Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Indonesia include:

Jakarta:
Hotel Mulia Senayan
Grand Kemang
Kemang Icon
Grand Flora

Bali:
The Elysian
Clio Bali
Four Seasons Bali
Sheraton Laguna Nusa Dua

Please contact us for corporate rates.

For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.

Final Notes

Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.

Down Time. Try some of the local cuisine such as nasi goreng, rendang, satay, gado gado, lontong, ketupat, papeda, ikan bakar, pempel, tumpeng, and lemang.

Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Indonesia, please see below:

Hire Indonesia Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Indonesia, please contact us.

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Indonesia, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.

We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.