Media conglomeration PT Media Citra Nusantara Tbk (MNCN) prepares IDR700 billion to finance the development of Movieland in Bogor regency, West Java, in 2022. The first phase of the development is scheduled to be finished by the end of this year.
Founded in 1989, the MNC group focuses on four strategic investments: Media & entertainment, financial services, entertainment hospitality & e-commerce and other digital services. It owns 4 Free to Air (FTA) TV that dominates the market with the highest number of audience share in indonesia: Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI), MNCTV, GTV and iNews.
Movieland first phase development
Movieland is a 3,000-hectare land serves as a center for TV series and drama productions. It is situated in the MNC Lido City Special Tourism Economic Zone (SEZ). Movieland will house a 1,500 square meters indoor studio equipped with a giant green screen, outdoor filming areas such as elite residential areas, urban settlements and rural areas that are supported by other sets such as gas stations, hospitals, bus stations, train stations and other specialized equipment to support the production of movies and TV series. It is also equipped with world-class technology such as cameras, sound and modern facilities to support the post-production process.
“The IDR700 billion fund will be used to finance all studio facilities for production activities,” said MNC Head of Investor Relations Luthan Fadel during the Public Expose on July 27, 2022.
Other Projects within MNC Lido City includes Republic Music Festival, World Garden, International Golf Club designed by former world No. 1 golfer Ernie Els, a national park and a theme park.
Challenges for Movieland and MNC Lido City
While Movieland and MNC Lido City plan to become one of the largest tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, the accessibility to the destination is challenging, considering the road conditions and traffic during weekends.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected tourism and entertainment in general. As COVID-19 has yet to recede, the new normal procedure might limit the amount of domestic and foreign tourists. In the past 14 days, around 62,500 people have been infected with the virus. So far, 6.18 million Indonesians have been infected with the virus, with the number of fatalities reached 156,929. Although the government has relaxed health protocol, the impact to movie industry and tourism are still there.
