Filming in Indonesia

Finding a fixer
in Indonesia

With over 17,000 islands, some of which are home to rare animals, like the Komodo dragon, filming in Indonesia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yet before you can even think of filming any of these creatures on any of these islands, you’ll need to ensure you have the legal permits to do so. As your fixer in Indonesia, we can handle this for you, and ensure you have everything else in place for a successful shoot wherever you decide to film on this glorious archipelago.

Visa for Indonesia

All foreign filmmakers and news journalists need to have a C14 Visa before legally filming in Indonesia. Applications must be made to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in your own country, and we recommend this is initiated at least 8 weeks before filming is due to kick off in the country. Of course, we can help ensure you have all the relevant documents, which must include an official letter of request, from your partner fixer in Indonesia, along with passport scans and equipment lists.

Film Permits Indonesia

You will need to apply for a National Film Permit to film anywhere in the Indonesian archipelago. However, alongside this film permit, you may need to apply separately to local authorities for permission to shoot at certain spots such as religious sites, historic buildings or even busy tourist beaches.  Your National Film Permit will take 4-8 weeks to process, while permits for special areas might take even longer. As your fixer in Indonesia, we can take on the responsibility of getting these permissions for you.

Special equipment
renting info

Indonesia has a lot of film equipment rental companies so there’s no need to worry about getting the right gear for your production. As your fixer, we’ll sort out everything you need as soon as you send us your equipment list. If you do want to bring certain parts of your kit with you, you will need to declare it to the Customs Authority. Indonesia accepts ATA Carnets but you will need to have the Carnet when you arrive.

Cultural facts

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country and it’s important to respect the people’s faith while filming here. That means, being polite and respectful filming in mosques and other religious buildings, even if you have film permits to do so. On a different note, Indonesians typically use their left hand for “toilet duties.” As a consequence, nobody uses their left hand to shake hands or to offer someone food or drink – so please follow suit! Otherwise, you’ll end up giving great offence!

Weather when filming in Indonesia

The weather in Indonesia is generally hot and humid. In the wet season, also known as the Monsoon, which runs between October and April, you’ll experience a lot of rain, often torrential. The dry season, which occurs from May to September is better for film shoots, as they tend to be warm and sunny, but still with cooler evenings. If you intend to film in the more mountainous areas, the dry season is also the better time of year to do so.

Tax rebate in Indonesia

Currently, there are no tax rebates for foreign filmmakers in Indonesia. However, if you’re embarking on a co-production, the Ministry of Education and Culture may offer certain incentives. Understanding whether you’re eligible for any kind of incentive, however, isn’t easy, as these funds tend to be dependent on specific criteria, which can often change! The best bet is to leave it to your fixer in Indonesia to deal with the government department in question to discern whether you and your production qualify for additional financial support.

Filming in Indonesia

To film in Indonesia, you’ll need the right visas and permits, which can be time-consuming and complicated. So it makes sense to team up with a fixer in Indonesia like us. Allowing Indonesia Fixer to manage this aspect of your video project takes the pressure off you, freeing up valuable time for you to spend finessing your film’s creatives. We also understand the local bureaucracy better and so will handle it more efficiently, ensuring greater success.

Alongside visas and shooting permission, we’ll also arrange the equipment you need or manage all the paperwork for temporary imports if you’re bringing filming gear with you.

With us to ease your way, why would you even consider going with any other fixer? Contact us and let’s get the ball rolling.

Get in touch

hello@indonesiafixer.com