Nongsa Digital Park in Batam, Indonesia, is quickly becoming a key center for digital and creative industries in Southeast Asia. With its modern infrastructure, tax benefits, and proximity to Singapore, Nongsa Digital Park offers excellent opportunities for filmmakers and investors.
This article explores how Nongsa Digital Park supports the film industry, highlighting its unique advantages, investment benefits, and important permits for foreign movie production.
What is Nongsa Digital Park?
Nongsa Digital Park is a 166-hectare development in Batam that supports technology, media, and digital companies. Established in 2018 and designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 2021, it provides world-class facilities and services for businesses looking to grow in Southeast Asia.
Located just 40 minutes by ferry from Singapore, Nongsa Digital Park is a digital gateway between Indonesia and other regions. With its strategic location, the Indonesian government aims to attract USD 1.1 billion in investment and 16.500 new jobs by 2040.
With over 100 technology firms currently operating within the area, Nongsa Digital Park specializes in nurturing this sector:
- Digital tech & cloud/data centers
- Creative industries, including animation, film, and media
- Tourism-oriented themed zones like “Movie Town”
Read more: Top 10 Batam industrial parks for foreign investments
Nongsa Digital Park offers massive film production capacity
Nongsa Digital Park is more than just a tech hub, it’s also emerging as a major center for film and animation. This is seen in the success of Infinite Studios, a significant art production facility in the park.
Spanning 10 hectares, Infinite Studios is one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced film and animation complexes. It employs over 300 skilled professionals and has worked on major international projects for Netflix, Disney, and Nickelodeon. It plays a key role in growing Batam’s creative economy.
A Fully Equipped Production Facility
Infinite Studios provides world-class services including animation, visual effects, and post-production. Its advanced infrastructure supports every stage of filmmaking, featuring:
- Multiple sound stages, including one of the largest in Southeast Asia (30,000 square feet)
- Green screen rooms
- Visual effects (VFX) and animation suites
- Motion capture systems
- Audio mixing and post-production rooms
With these capabilities, Infinite Studios has contributed to several well-known Hollywood films such as Blackhat (2015), Westworld (2016), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018), proving its ability to meet global industry standards.
Why you should invest in Nongsa Digital Park
With advanced data centers and international-standard film studios, Nongsa Digital Park offers strong advantages for investors looking to grow their digital and creative businesses in Batam, Indonesia. Here’s what makes it a wise choice:
Attractive Fiscal Incentives
As part of Indonesia’s SEZ, Nongsa Digital Park offers valuable incentives such as:
- Exemptions on Value-Added Tax (VAT)
- Corporate income tax reductions
- No import duties on goods used for production
- Simplified customs procedures
These incentives can significantly reduce the operational costs of setting up film studios, post-production facilities, or animation houses within the park.
Easy Business Licensing and Operations
Starting a business in Nongsa Digital Park is simple. The licensing process is fast, and experienced service providers can guide you through company registration and compliance.
You can also easily apply for work visas to bring in foreign film experts, which will help you build skilled production teams without delays.
Infrastructure and Market Access
Nongsa Digital Park’s modern infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity, and secure environment are ideal for film production. Its proximity to Singapore makes reaching international markets, collaborating with partners, and managing cross-border projects easy.
Read more: Why should invest in Batam Free Trade Zone
Important licenses needed for film crews
Filming in Nongsa Digital Park requires proper permits and visas, especially for foreign crews. Here are the main requirements:
Film Location Permits
Filmmakers must apply for a filming permit to shoot in public or private areas in Indonesia. This includes submitting details like the script, location list, shooting schedule, and crew information to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Approval usually takes 10–15 working days.
Visa on Arrival
Foreign crew members from eligible countries can enter with a Visa on Arrival for short film projects or scouting trips. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once. However, it’s not meant for paid or long-term work.
Limited Stay Visa (KITAS)
If your project is longer or involves paid work, your crew will need a Limited Stay Visa (KITAS). This visa allows foreign crews to work and stay in Indonesia for an extended period legally.
How InCorp can help
Nongsa Digital Park is a top choice for launching or growing your film business in Southeast Asia. To make the most of it, you’ll need the proper permits and full compliance with local rules.
InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) is here to help with our comprehensive business solution, including:
- Business License: We help you get the licenses and film permits you need to operate and shoot in Indonesia.
- Work KITAS: We handle work visa applications for your foreign crew, from start to finish.
- Visa on Arrival: We arrange short-term visas for film scouting or brief shoots.
Contact us today and turn your creative ideas into real opportunities in Indonesia with us.
Get in touch with us.
What you'll get
A prompt response to your inquiry
Knowledge for doing business from local experts
Ongoing support for your business
Disclaimer
The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind.
We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.
Verified by
Hotdo Nauli
Senior Legal & Delivery Manager at InCorp Indonesia
Hotdo heads the Legal and Delivery team at InCorp Indonesia, managing Product Registration, Legal Advisory, and Business Licensing. With over 8 years of experience, she focuses on compliance and integrity, ensuring all client operations align with Indonesian laws and regulatory standards, including contract reviews and sector-specific licenses. She is also a licensed advocate and a member of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI).
Frequently Asked Questions
To provide you with accurate pricing information for our visa and immigration consultation services, we consider the complexities of your inquiries and the dynamic nature of regulations in Indonesia. As a result, the pricing for the services may vary accordingly. For pricing details, please talk to our experts.
To provide you with accurate pricing information for our visa and immigration consultation services, we consider the complexities of your inquiries and the dynamic nature of regulations in Indonesia. As a result, the pricing for the services may vary accordingly. For pricing details, please talk to our experts.
You can transfer the license if your local distributor agrees to change the product license holder.
Foreign investors need to have a minimum of IDR 10 billion in authorized capital, IDR 10 billion in paid-up capital, and IDR 1 billion in personal shares for applying for Investor KITAS/ITAS in Indonesia.
