I

am responding to the article “RI urged to engage with movies, youth” (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 22, 2016).

I agree with the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Nengcha Lhouvum that the film industry had a hand in promoting tourism in Malaysia, Thailand.

Indonesia is a beautiful island country with picturesque locales and what better way than world/Indian cinema to promote its tourism. The famous Indian-Tamil Rajnikant blockbuster Kabali was shot in Malaysia, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

The movie was dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Malay and Malyalam. It had a grand opening worldwide, giving an impetus to tourism in the countries where the movie was shot.

India is the second-most populous country in the world with more than a sixth of the world’s population. About 65 percent of its population is under the age of 35 making it a potential market for Indonesian tourism.

The Indonesian government should work on its policies and infrastructure, making the country more accessible to India and the world in general.

To start with, the Indonesian government should open direct flights to and from India. This will not only attract tourists but will also promote trade opportunities between the two nations, which have a similar lineage.

The government can invite Bollywood movie-makers to Indonesia. Bollywood movies and  stars like Shahrukh Khan, Amir Khan, Kajol and Shaheer Sheikh are already popular in Indonesia .

Movies like Dilwale Dulhania, Le Jaayenge and PK are all-time favorites of my Indonesian friends. Ayat-Ayat Cinta, one of the top grossers of Indonesian cinema was shot in partially India.

Such movies can also be released in India, promoting Indonesian culture. Indonesia can also initiate cultural exchange programs and festivals of Indonesia in India. Such policies would generate curiosity among Indians to explore this beautiful country.

In time to come, I see the two nations as twin partners in many success stories.

Shweta Shukla
Jakarta