From minimart rooftops to arthouse screens: Indonesia’s cinema boom finds new homes

Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developmentsA 31-seat micro-cinema above a minimart on the outskirts of Jakarta, embraces the nostalgic aesthetic and grandeur of an old-fashioned cinema. ST PHOTO: KARINA TEHUSIJARANAPublished Sep 18, 2026, 05:00 AMUpdated Sep 18, 2026, 05:00 AMIndonesia’s cinema boom includes innovative micro-cinemas like Layar Digi, located above minimarts, addressing the severe shortage of screens especially in rural and second-tier cities.Local film attendance has surged post-pandemic, driven by diverse genres beyond horror, with arthouse cinemas like CGV launching to meet growing demand for independent films.Despite growth, the industry faces challenges from screen shortages and market concentration. Experts call for tax incentives and more diverse operators to sustain healthy development.JAKARTA – A movie theatre located above a minimart may sound like a makeshift set-up, bringing to mind a few rickety chairs in front of a television playing pirated DVDs.But the Layar Digi micro-cinema in Gading Serpong, a satellite city on the outskirts of Jakarta, is far from that.See more on