February 5, 2026 | 11:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta is strengthening its position as a global destination through an urban tourism strategy focused on transforming the capital into a "Cinema City." This strategy aims to establish Jakarta as an iconic film production hub, serving as a magnet for both local and foreign travelers through the phenomenon of film tourism.
Budi Supriyanti, Chair of the Data Collection and Analysis Subgroup of the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, stated that collaboration with the film industry is an effective method to expand Jakarta's promotional reach internationally.
Iconic locations, ranging from historical districts to city-center skyscrapers, provide a visual experience for film enthusiasts that ultimately sparks tourists' curiosity to visit the actual shooting locations.
"Once films are produced in Jakarta, they will undoubtedly attract foreign tourists and provide income for the city," Budi said during the Astindo Jakarta International Travel Exchange (AJITEX) in Jakarta on Monday, February 2, 2026.
This strategy gained momentum with the filming of a South Korean production in Kota Tua in late January 2026. Furthermore, the film Extraction: Tygo, starring Lisa of Blackpink, garnered significant attention, resulting in increased foot traffic to the city's historical areas.
Surge in Tourist Arrivals
Denny Aputra, Head of the Kota Tua Area Management Unit (UPK), noted that the highest number of visits occurred over the weekends. Total visitors during the four days surrounding the filming, from January 24–27, 2026, included 18,500 domestic travelers and 668 foreign tourists, totaling 19,168. Meanwhile, from January 28–31, 2026, the area saw 19,943 local visitors and 614 foreign tourists, totaling 20,557.
"However, visitor numbers remain uncertain when it continues to rain," he said, as reported by Antara.
The presence of world-class film productions in this historic district reinforces the footprint of other international projects, including the Korean film Single in Seoul, which previously utilized the colonial architecture of Kota Tua as a captivating backdrop for global audiences.
After establishing the "Jakarta Kota Sinema" slogan as a primary draw, the city plans to complement it with urban and regenerative tourism development. According to Budi, this approach ensures that local cultural identity, particularly Betawi culture, is not merely a spectacle but a sustainable image for visiting tourists. This identity serves as the foundation for Jakarta to maintain its unique and distinct character.
In addition to cultural reinforcement, Jakarta is actively driving its tourism ecosystem through various events, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations that enliven the city. By combining global cinematic charm, modern city accessibility, and a rich local heritage, Jakarta is optimistic about offering a unique tourism experience and competing as a prominent global city on the international stage.
IMANDA ZAHWA
Read: Lisa Blackpink Films in Jakarta: Fatahillah Museum Stays Open
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Australian PM Anthony Albanese Arrives in Jakarta
3 jam lalu
This trip marks the second visit of Australian PM Anthony Albanese to Indonesia since Prabowo assumed the presidency.
BRIN: Three Factors Behind Jakarta Floods
8 jam lalu
It is very difficult to avoid flooding when Jakarta is hit by extreme rainfall.
BRIN: River Naturalization and Normalization Are Equally Effective for Jakarta Flood Control
19 jam lalu
BRIN stated that both river naturalization and normalization are equally effective for solving river problems and controlling flooding in Jakarta
Jakarta to Host D-8 Summit, Aims for Concrete Results
1 hari lalu
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the upcoming D-8 Summit in Jakarta is expected to generate concrete cooperation.
Jakarta, Banten Ink Deal for MRT East-West Phase 2
1 hari lalu
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that inter-regional cooperation is essential to address mobility challenges within the city and its neighbors.
Jakarta Conducts Three-Stage Weather Modification to Curb Floods
1 hari lalu
A weather modification operation was carried out to anticipate potential extreme rainfall that could cause flooding in Jakarta.
Governor Assures Jakarta's Food Stocks Are Secure Ahead of Ramadan
2 hari lalu
Governor Pramono ensures the availability of food in Jakarta ahead of the celebrations of Chinese New Year, Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr in 2026.
No Nipah Virus Detected in Jakarta, Governor Confirms
2 hari lalu
Governor Pramono urges local government officials to respond quickly to any potential threat of infectious diseases in Jakarta.
Jakarta Police Urge Regulations to Restrict Laughing Gas
3 hari lalu
The circulation of N2O, or laughing gas, remains legal as it is a standard component of whipped cream used in the culinary industry.
Floods Displace 350 People in North Jakarta
4 hari lalu
A total of 350 people were displaced due to flooding that hit North Jakarta as of Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB)
