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Jakarta postpones reopening of movie theaters indefinitely
Movie theaters were set to reopen on July 29, but as the pandemic has shown no signs of slowing down, the reopening has been postponed indefinitely.
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Moviegoers are seen at XXI cinema in Jakarta. (Kontan/Daniel Prabowo)
J
akarta moviegoers itching to return to the cinemas will have to continue their wait as the provincial government has revoked a permit that would have allowed movie theaters to reopen this month.
Previously, cinemas were set to reopen by July 29, but as the pandemic has shown no signs of slowing down, the reopening has been postponed indefinitely.
“Yes, it is true [that the reopening has been postponed] as the conditions are not favorable,” Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency head Cucu Ahmad Kurnia told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. “Once the situation improves, we will reopen [theaters].”
Separately, head of Indonesian Cinema Association (GPBSI) Djonny Syafruddin said Cinema XXI, CGV Cinemas and Cinepolis – cinema chains affiliated with the association – would comply with the government’s decision.
Read also: XXI, CGV Cinemas to practice 'new normal' measures
“The health and safety of visitors and the staff of movie theaters are our main concern. The GPBSI will make use of this chance to continue training and preparing the application of health protocols in the cinemas,” he said in a statement.
“We hope that this pandemic will soon be over so the economy, especially the creative industry, can return to normal.”
Cinema chains Cinema XXI and CGV have suspended operations across the country since April to help contain the pandemic.
Prior to the closures, movie theaters were required to provide a one-seat gap between viewers, reduce capacity by 50 percent and reduce the number of screenings each day. (wng)
