Indonesia Develops National Animation

Bandung, West Java (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian government, through the Creative Economy Agency, has been working towards developing its animation industry that helps showcase Indonesian culture.

"All the Indonesian animators are currently developing animation products that have a distinct Indonesian identity," Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Triawan Munaf, said here on Wednesday.

He said Indonesia has a lot of local characters that can serve as inspirations to create interesting animation works, such as Siliwangi tiger and a traditional weapon called kujang from West Java.

According to him, animation with typical local Indonesian characters will have a potential to sell very well abroad because of its uniqueness.

So far Cimahi city, West Java province, is the most active place for animation development in Indonesia.

"Cimahi appeals to the national and international animators as it is viable for developing animation," he said.

Cimahi organizes Baros International Animation Festival (BIAF), an international annual event being organized since 2013, which brings the worlds animators together to share their knowledge and capacities.

BIAF 2013 successfully invited eight countries, while the second BIAF in 2014 brought nine countries together. BIAF 2015 being organized now brings together animators from 15 countries.

BIAF 2015, that began on October 7 will last until October 10, 2015, and will feature programs such as seminars, training, and short film competition in which creative minds from 42 countries will participate. (WDY)