Jakarta. The Ministry of Education and Culture will hold various film-related activities this month to promote Indonesia's diversity ahead of the 67th anniversary of National Film Day on March 30.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (06/03), Education Minister Muhadjir Effendy said the celebration will serve as a momentum to escalate and revive the Indonesian film industry.

"Under the government of President Jokowi, film has become part of our creative economic industry that will support economic growth and develop our national diversity," he said, referring to President Joko Widodo by his popular nickname.

The ministry is working with the Indonesian Film Council (BPI) and the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) to establish a special committee to organize events to celebrate National Film Day. The theme for this year's event is "Celebrating Diversity in Indonesia."

"Film is a product of the creative industry, which has a high multiplier value. Therefore, film should continue to be developed and cultivated," said Ricky Joseph Pesik of Bekraf.

Lasja Fauzia Susatyo, head of the National Film Day organizing committee, said the agenda for the celebration includes a seminar, film project expo and community events in Jakarta, but also screenings of short, feature and documentary films in Aceh, Ambon, Lampung, East Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara and Central Kalimantan.

"The events must be accessible [to people outside Jakarta], as the theme suggests," she said.

The films, which will be screened on March 21-30, include "Laskar Pelangi" ("Rainbow Troops"), "Pasir Berbisik" ("Whispering Sands"), "Tabula Rasa," "Cek Toko Sebelah" ("Check the Shop Next Door") and "Lelawa" ("Bats").

Lasja said these films will also be screened at several universities in Australia and the United States.

Muhadjir said the Education Ministry will build more than 50 small theaters in schools across the country to improve cinema literacy.

"Film is a powerful medium to learn and to promote diversity, especially in the younger generations. This is one of our efforts to improve cinema literacy in Indonesia, so people can learn to appreciate works of art from an early age," he said.

The ministry also plans to establish film schools in Jakarta.

"The film industry has to be revived. Once it has been achieved, the need for filmmakers will be greater. So, we must ensure that skilled workers will be available to sustain growth of the country's film industry," the minister said.

BPI head Chand Parwez Servia said National Film Day must serve as a momentum to encourage and make it easier for people to watch and appreciate Indonesian films.

"I hope that this event can provide room for the film industry in Indonesia to develop and flourish, and I hope that our efforts can be appreciated by many people, especially the younger generation," he said.

The main event will take place at Perum Perusahaan Film in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, on March 30.