Cinema XXI Collaborates with Biotechnology Startup Nusantics

In order to celebrate National Film Day, and increase the trust of the Indonesian people to #KembalikeBioskop Cinema XXI together with the biotechnology startup Nusantics to conduct joint research to detect the possibility of the SARSCOV-2 virus in the air in the cinema studios.

Previously, Nusantics was also part of the pandemic response task force formed by BPPT. Nusantics designed the main design of the PCR test kit to detect COVID-19 with the latest local virus strains and mutations which were then produced by Biofarma and have been used throughout Indonesia since April 2020.

Revata Utama as Chief of Technology Officer (CTO) Nusantics said, “We are very grateful to Cinema XXI for entrusting Nusantics’ capabilities in the field of research and microbiome technology to research the air in cinemas.”

“This collaboration is a form of our support so that the Indonesian film industry can revive and the results can foster a level of public confidence in #KembalikeBioskop safely, because Cinema XXI has implemented health protocols well,” he continued.

No Covid-19 Virus Particles Found

The Nusantics research team conducted air sampling with special tools at five locations of the Cinema XXI cinema on March 23-27. This is done before the first broadcast hour and after the last broadcast hour in the cinema studio. As a result, no SARS COV-2 virus particles or mutations such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, E484K and D614G were found.

“We hope that cinemas as the downstream part of the national film industry can again contribute positively to the growth of Indonesian films and the economy,” said Dewinta Hutagaol, Head of Corporate Communications & Brand Management of Cinema XXI, in a press release, Tuesday (30/3).

Even so, he urged the audience to remain disciplined in applying health protocols when visiting the cinema. In addition, “delaying going to the cinema if you feel unwell,” he said.

Chief of Technology Officer (CTO) Nusantics Revata Utama assessed that the research results could revive the Indonesian film industry. Revata himself is experienced as a medical diagnostic scientist.

He leads the research team at Nusantics in conducting various studies, one of which focuses on developing diagnostic research related to the microbiome or collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea with the environment, human health to beauty.

Carry out Routine Research to Ensure Safe Field Conditions

Previously, Nusantics was also part of the Corona pandemic response task force formed by BPPT. Nusantics designed the main design of the PCR test kit to detect Covid-19 with local virus strains and the latest mutations which were then produced by Biofarma.

This tool has also been used throughout Indonesia since April 2020. Former Head of the Creative Economy Agency and East Ventures Venture Advisor, Triawan Munaf added, research conducted by Nusantics on-air in cinema studios needs to be carried out regularly.

“This is to ensure conditions on the ground for mutual security,” he said. He also supports such research to boost the film industry in Indonesia. Moreover, the number of national film viewers decreased drastically last year, after reaching nearly 52 million people in 2019.

As of March 2021, new national films have been enjoyed by around 445 thousand viewers. One of the causes of the decline in the number of viewers is the negative stigma regarding watching activities in the cinema during the corona pandemic.

According to the statement, Dewinta Hutagaol, Head of Corporate Communications & Brand Management Cinema XXI conveyed his appeal. With these results, the company is even more enthusiastic about welcoming the #KembalikeBioskop society to complete their longing for enjoying the experience of watching a cinema.

“Furthermore, we hope that cinemas as the downstream part of the National Film industry can again make a positive contribution to the growth of Indonesian cinema and economic growth,” he said.

“Thus, the nation’s film industry can revive again. Even though it is safe, we still urge the loyal audience of Cinema XXI to remain disciplined in applying health protocols when visiting theaters and delaying going to the cinema if they feel unwell,” he concluded.